From Viking kings to ’70s disco, this abbey has lived its fair share of history. Founded in 1134, it was one of the island's most important centres of learning until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1534. In the late 20th century it hosted strawberry and cream tea dances as well as disco nights. There are archaeological remains strewn about the gardens, as well as a nice walk to the 14th-century Monk's Bridge. It's 2 miles north of Castletown.
Rushen Abbey
Isle of Man
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
1.7 MILES
Castletown is dominated by the impressive 13th-century Castle Rushen, one of the most complete medieval structures in Europe. You can visit the gatehouse,…
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13.04 MILES
It's no exaggeration to describe the Lady Isabella Laxey Wheel, built in 1854 to pump water from a mine, as a 'great' wheel: it measures 22m across and…
Manx Museum & National Art Gallery
7.42 MILES
This modern museum begins with an introductory film to the island's 10,000-year history and then races through it, making various stops including Viking…
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5.86 MILES
Until the early part of the 20th century, most farmers on the island engaged in a practice known as crofting – a social system defined by small-scale…
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1.71 MILES
The former home of the Manx Parliament (lower house of the Tynwald) has been restored to its 1866 appearance – a key date in island history as it was then…
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7.83 MILES
This small island just off Cregneash is on one of western Britain's major bird migration routes, and 33 species breed annually here, including Manx…
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Grove Museum of Victorian Life
19.38 MILES
This imposing house was built in the mid-19th century by Liverpool shipping merchant Duncan Gibb as a summer retreat for himself and his family. It has…
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2.27 MILES
This collection of ancient monuments between Castletown and Cregneash includes a Bronze Age grave dating to 10,000 BC, a Christian chapel from around 900…
Nearby Isle of Man attractions
1.66 MILES
This small museum displays, among other things, its pride and joy, Peggy, a schooner built by politician and occasional smuggler George Quayle in 1791 and…
1.7 MILES
Castletown is dominated by the impressive 13th-century Castle Rushen, one of the most complete medieval structures in Europe. You can visit the gatehouse,…
1.71 MILES
The former home of the Manx Parliament (lower house of the Tynwald) has been restored to its 1866 appearance – a key date in island history as it was then…
1.74 MILES
Built as a church around 1200, the building was converted in 1570 to a boys' grammar school. The building was extensively restored in 2016 and 2017 and is…
2.27 MILES
This collection of ancient monuments between Castletown and Cregneash includes a Bronze Age grave dating to 10,000 BC, a Christian chapel from around 900…
5.01 MILES
Port Erin's small Railway Museum reveals the history of steam railway on the island. There are guided tours on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings.
7. Cregneash Village Folk Museum
5.86 MILES
Until the early part of the 20th century, most farmers on the island engaged in a practice known as crofting – a social system defined by small-scale…
7.41 MILES
A four-tiered hill that is one of the island's most distinctive landmarks, Tynwald Hill is where, on July 5, the annual open-air meeting of the parliament…