Top Things to do in Castletown
Countries
Top 5 Sights & Landmarks in Castletown, Isle of Man
Discover the best top things to do in Castletown, United Kingdom including Castle Rushen, St. Lupus, Kirk Malew, Castletown Railway Station, The Old House of Keys, The Old Grammar School.
1. Castle Rushen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
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.
Reviewed By andreh526 - Epping, United Kingdom
My 9 year old son loves exploring Castles and this one, set right in the centre of Castletown, can rate as one of the best. Many battlements, staircases, rooms, nooks and crannies to discover - all with a very interesting history. A good couple of hours well spent. You can also use your English Heritage membership to visit Manx Heritage sites.
2. St. Lupus, Kirk Malew
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By StanleysRushen2019 - Scottsdale, United States
Lot of history feeling here. So special to see so much history! I love old trains and was wonderful to see that historical train station and tracks/
3. Castletown Railway Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By stanleyc523
one of the many steam train stations on the douglas to port erin line always spotlessly clean and well run ,
4. The Old House of Keys
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
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.
Reviewed By SparkyDomino76
Attended a "tour" in The Old House of Keys," which involved witting in a meeting room at a long table where decisions were made. There were other participants-tourists at the table. There is a life-size figure of a house magistrate at one end of the table. A recording of his voice holding a meeting, addressing issues starts a discussion among the participants and with the members of the house as well who "speak" from paintings of them on the wall. We as members of the house present during these proceedings, voted on a main issue before the member committee. The event was hosted by a guide who explained the procedures. It was an enlightening and informative participatory event. I would recommend it to all who are interested in the history of The Old House of Keys.
