What to do and see in Isle of Man, Isle of Man: The Best Museums

This independent museum features the aviation heritage of the Isle of Man and tells the stories of the Island and its people in wartime. The museum, a registered charity, tells TWO exciting stories - the aviation and military heritage of the Isle of Man and the history of the Manx Regiment - the most successful light anti-aircraft regiment in the British Army.

The Centre will remain closed in 2020 in the light of COVID (instead focussing on research) but reopens in 2021 - see website. At the site of the largest WW1 Internment Camp, where over 30,000 German, Austro-Hungarian and Turkish civilian men were interned behind its barbed wire between 1914 and 1919, the Centre tells the story of the internees, guards and staff, incorporating an interactive scale model of Knockaloe Camp and our wonderful collections of artefacts created by the internees. Our app guides a walk from the Centre, taking in the Guards and Internee graves, the site of the former Camp and the Garden of Barbed Wire which provides a quiet spot to sit and reflect. The Charity team are on hand to help descendants - please do let us know in advance if you are descended from an internee or guard and are intending to visit so we can do some preliminary research for you. We are a Registered Charity - we do not charge for entry but really welcome donations which help cover costs.

From Viking treasure finds, natural wonders of the world, the famous TT Races and wartime internment – you’ll find something to appeal to everyone at the Manx Museum.The museum has plenty of interactive displays, films and a wide range of exhibits which will help you uncover the Isle of Man’s history and heritage.Make a beeline for the Manx Museum early on in your visit as it’s a great starting point if you are looking to explore the Island’s heritage attractions. The National Art Gallery in the museum contains work from a number of famous artists including Archibald Knox, William Hoggat and John Miller Nicholson and there’s also a national library and well stocked archives for those visitors keen to explore the Island’s history further.There is also tearoom and gift shop located within the museum. NB. Library & Archives Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm

Set in beautiful countryside in the south of the Isle of Man you’ll find a number of thatched Manx cottages at Cregneash which are open for you to explore and enjoy.Visit Harry Kelly’s cottage where there’ll be Bonnag cooking on the fire, speak to the village’s joiner and blacksmith, explore Church Farm or take time out to enjoy a service at St Peter’s Church. You’ll often see the fields being worked with horse-drawn equipment, craftsmen thatching the roofs, spinning, weaving and wood turning and have a chance to learn about the growing and preparation of Manx food.In the fields surrounding Cregneash you’ll spot plough horses, shorthorn cows and Manx Loaghtan sheep, whilst Manx cats (famous for having no tails!)can also be seen in the village.A picture postcard village, with beautiful walks available in the surrounding countryside including to the Sound, Meayll Circle (a megalithic chambered tomb) and to the rock formations at the Chasms. Currently open for tours and events only.

Mythical sea god Manannan guides you through this interactive museum which focuses on the Isle of Man's rich Celtic, Viking and maritime past. Discover life sized reconstructions of Celtic roundhouses, join the crew of the Odin’s Raven on a Viking longship as it returns from the battle of Clontarf, or find out what life was life in a Viking longhouse. You’ll also hear about the magnificent stone crosses dotted around the Island’s landscape and find out where you can still see them. Explore 19th Century Peel with a walk around the quayside, complete with traditional sights and smells from the Manx kipper yard, and uncover the importance of the sea to the lives of the people on the Isle of Man. During your journey from past to present you’ll also come face to face with characters telling you stories and superstitions from the Island’s past. An attraction not to be missed!

The Grove Museum of Victorian Life was developed in the mid 19th century by the Liverpool shipping merchant Duncan Gibb as a summer retreat for himself and his family. Later, the Victorian villa became the family's permanent residence and family home and a visit to the Grove is like stepping back in time. You'll find a series of period rooms, containing mostly original furnishings and fittings, a costume room, and displays of the possessions of three generations. There's also the opportunity to view the outbuildings, which would have served the substantial adjoining farmland, with agricultural equipment including a restored horse-powered threshing mill on display. Step out into the gardens and you'll be able to see the bees making honey or have a game of croquet on the lawn. Sit and relax in the Conservatory or enjoy a picnic in the Grove's gardens. There is also a museum shop on site. Admission £5.50.