Isle of Man

The Isle of Man has a unique and varied heritage. Visit one of Europe’s best preserved Medieval castles, Castle Rushen, to find out how the Kings and Lords of Mann lived. There’s also the opportunity to find out what life was like for fishermen, crofters and miners by visiting the world’s largest working waterwheel in Laxey which used to pump water to the mines. Or a trip to Cregneash will give you a taste for life in a typical 19th-century Manx upland crofting community.

Dating back long before the last Ice Age the Isle of Man has a unique and varied history that has been shaped by those who made the Island their home. Explore the Island’s history by journeying around some of the most important ancient monuments and castles on the Manx landscape.

In the capital of the Island, Castletown, you’ll find a striking fortress was once home to the Kings and Lords of Mann. Originally built for a Norse king in 1265, Castle Rushen has been used as a fortress, royal residence, a mint and even a prison.

The “Washing Floors” were built in 1848 and are situated in the area now known as the Valley Gardens, where the Great Laxey Mine Railway has its terminus. Nearly three hundred people worked on the Washing Floors in the 1870s, including a number of women and children. Find out more by visiting.