The 9 Best Things to do in Castletown, Isle of Man

Paint your own pottery at Craftworks Studio a fully equipped ceramic studio situated in the picturesque town and ancient capital Castletown, on the Isle of Man. The Studio offers you the opportunity to paint and decorate your own ceramic bisque. Make your selection from the large range of items available and Martin and his friendly team will give you as much or as little help as you need to get started. Studio fee £5.00. A wide selection of bisque is available priced from £4.50. All pieces are glazed and fired on the premises. Please allow 7 days for glazing and firing. Should your time on the island be limited, please let us know and we will do what we can to accommodate you. Pieces can always be posted.

Castle Rushen is one of the world’s most finely preserved medieval castles and can be found in the Isle of Man's former capital, Castletown. Once a royal palace, Castle Rushen was home to the Kings and Lords of Mann, with the Castle’s oldest part dating back to the time of Magnus, last Norse King of Mann. Later on, Castle Rushen served as an administrative centre, a mint, a law court and for over 100 years until the late 19th Century, as a prison. Today, spectacular displays illustrate the Castle at various times in history, with figures in period costume, historical furnishings and wall hangings, realistic food, contemporary music and medieval speech brining the Castle’s medieval and 17th Century periods to life. Only a short drive away, the ancient ruins of Rushen Abbey can also be enjoyed.

The Old House of Keys in Castletown was once the centre of 19th century political life on the Island. The building is one chapter in the long and often turbulent history of Manx politics which stretches back to the 9th and 10th centuries when the Viking Kings ruled the Isle of Man. The fascinating Old House of Keys building has been restored to its former appearance of 1866 – a milestone in Manx history when the old self-elected House of Keys took its first steps along the road to modern democracy by passing the House of Keys Election Bill and becoming a popularly elected body. During your visit you’ll see how democracy developed in the Island – sometimes years ahead of England – and the effect that political decisions have had and continue to have on the Manx nation. You’ll meet the costumed secretary of this historic building before taking a seat in the finely restored debating chamber where you’ll enjoy an active debate on setting the laws of the Island.

The Nautical Museum in Castletown is home to one of the world's oldest yachts - the Peggy - which was found in 1935 concealed in a contemporary boat cellar. The Peggy had lain undisturbed and undiscovered for 100 years after her owner, Captain George Quayle, died.Visit this impressive yacht in its original home where you'll find trap doors, secret panels and a replica stern cabin in the boathouse. In the loft, you'll find a reconstruction of a sail maker's workshop and a fishing gallery which includes models of boats, equipment and photographs depicting the importance of the fishing industry.You'll also hear about the exploits of Captain Quayle and his fascinating life as a politician, a banker, soldier and, it's alleged, a smuggler! Find out more about the Peggy on the National Historic Ships Register. Please note: Extensive archaeological investigations have been completed in the boatyard yielding new information on the Peggy story and revealing an 18th century private dock. The Peggy has temporarily been removed to a specialist building for a long-term programme of stabilisation, conservation and study. This is likely to take place over a 5 year period.