Castle Rushen was one of the most impressive medieval castles I have ever visited. Its towering stone walls, well-preserved structure, and commanding presence immediately transported me back in time. As I walked through its narrow passageways and climbed up to the battlements, I could almost imagine the lives of the kings and lords who once ruled from within these walls. The views overlooking Castletown and the surrounding harbour added to the sense of history and grandeur, making it a truly unforgettable experience

Not the best of days outside but it was surprising how warm it was inside the castle rooms. You start in the timeline room and then head to watch a video about the castle. Then you start your journey up the spiral staircase in to the rooms on each level until you get to the top. It was fun been up on the tallest turret with some strong winds to buffet you. Worth a visit and I am sure it would be lovely on a sunny day too!

Fab castle! Lots to explore. 5 floors, so lots of steps. Tells the story of the castle, with some rooms made up from that period. Great views from the top of the tower on a clear day.

Much better than we thought it would be. Upon entering we thought the £14 entrance fee (£15.50 including donation) was a bit expensive for a small castle. However once inside you can walk around 75% of the outer wall, and can explore around 75% of the inner castle exploring loads of rooms each containing a small amount of reading to explain its history. Would recommend to kill 1-2 hour.

The castle is the backdrop to hundreds of years of history. A visit is highly recommended to learn more about the original centre of the island's politics. National Trust members can get free entry.

Probably one of the most well kept medieval castle in Europe. Built around 1200 AD under Viking King Rognvaldur, guarding the Silver Burn river entrance. Evidence suggests earlier foundations (c. 947 AD), with an oak beam dated to this period uncovered onsite. Expanded between the 13th–17th centuries into a concentric fortress with limestone walls up to 12 feet thick. Key additions included gatehouses, a curtain wall, and five defensive towers. Site of King Magnús Óláfsson's death (1265) and later besieged by Robert the Bruce in 1313 during Scotland's invasion. Served as a stronghold for the Kings of Mann and the Isles. Withstood sieges during the Scottish-Norwegian wars. Headquarters for the Stanley family, Lords of Mann. James Stanley (7th Earl) used it as a Royalist court during the English Civil War. His wife, Countess Charlotte, famously defended it until 1651. Held criminals, political dissenters (e.g., democracy activists Robert Fargher), and Bishop Thomas Wilson (imprisoned in 1722 for challenging state authority). Notoriously harsh conditions led to the 1891 opening of Victoria Road Prison. It has a concentric ddesign with outer glacis, moat, zigzagging barbican, and double portcullises with "murder holes" to trap attackers. 80-foot keep with four towers offering panoramic views of Castletown Harbour. Medieval kitchen with hearth, cooking spit, and cobblestone floor (still used for demonstrations). Secured Manx law books; features a 1597 clock gifted by Elizabeth I. Renovated residence called Derby house for James Stanley, featuring tapestries depicting the Battle of Bosworth. Hosted the House of Keys (early Manx parliament) until 1710 and housed the island's mint and law courts. Featured on the Isle of Man £5 banknote and the corvette HMS *Rushen Castle* during WWII. UNESCO Biosphere Partner since 2021. Climb the spiral staircases to see the stunning harbor views. Explore furnished chambers, prison cells, and the working medieval kitchen. Restored by Manx National Heritage in 1991, now a museum depicting 1,000 years of Manx rule. Venue for events like the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games closing ceremony. It’s also the start of the 28-mile Millennium Way hiking path to Ramsey. ✨Children born to female prisoners lived within the castle walls during its prison era—a stark contrast to its grim cells.

Castle Rushen is fabulous. Free to enter with National Trust card. We spent a couple of hours here. There is so much to see. Go to the top of the castle for some amazing views over Castletown. Go below the castle, too. The setup inside has been tastefully done. The usual facilities and a gift shop. The staff are very friendly

If you can book a tour do so and very interesting.

Had the old world charm and tour is done on certain days only so better check in advance to see it from inside

Beautiful little building with lots of history. Free to enter and the lady volunteer was very helpful and knowledgeable about its history.

Small but atmospheric. A lady gave us a good account of tbe building and the school. The school furniture and accessories were very appropriate.

A highly knowledgeable local guide showed us around this building and told some great stories of the former school which was especially interesting to me as a modern day teacher. Well worth a visit so make sure you get on and book in advance.

Closed both times we visited but looks really cute and a great shoreside situation. Admission could be organised if you go to the Old Keys House a few yards away

Only open on Saturday to visit with a tour. Interesting place.

Good place and great guide who took us around the place and the explained the history of the place .

Very rude people on the door. We attempted to visit on 18th April and were told to go away as they were only open for pre booked tours. We attempted to ask whether anywhere else was open nearby, and were told to try a cafe and go away. Taking the hint, we went away, and won't be coming back.

Picked the wrong day to get in, seemed to be closed.

I loved it in there a must if you visit castletown in the Isle of man

Get yourself booked on a tour of the old house of keys for a fascinating presentation on the history of politics on the island. Well worth an hour of your time whilst you're visiting castletown.

Very clever way of giving you the historical information of the place

Total ignorance of history. Regular reference to English king English parliament English taxes etc and they should be referred to as British

Statue to local boy made good. Lieutenant who served on HMS Victory in the battle of Trafalgar.

Whip them where the sun does not shine.

Book a tour with Billy and you will have a great time. This place is amazingly interesting once you know the story

Not much to see but a very enthusiastic guide who was very knowledgeable was a hallmark of the place and his stories were really good and enhanced what the place had to offer(extra star due to the guide). Somewhat disappointed as the star attraction the ship /boat was out for rebuilding and preservation

This is the best museum on the island. Make sure you get a tour with Billy. It's not open often so make sure you book. It's also closes for winter months. It's got lots of stories to be told and loads of hidden things. Won't say much more or I would spoil it! Can't recommend this enough!!!

Billy was a great guide with excellent information and insightful stories. Had I walked around on my own I would have seen some interesting things but it wouldn’t have taken long and I wouldn’t have learnt a fifth of what I did.

Incredible place. Do not miss visiting here. Amazing stories told by a fabulous guide.

Small but fascinating, telling the story of an amazing Manxman

Helpful & informative staff. Great bit of history being well preserved

Excellently restored and cared after steam train and station to suit. Thoroughly recommend

2 adults 3 grandkids 10yr. 12 yr an 15-year-old - all enjoyed the ride from Castletown to Douglas. Lovely little station at Castletown - and the hustle and bustle of much bigger one at Douglas's. Whether you're into trains or not ?it's worth every penny . A wise family 2A 3C would buy the one card and save money ! Excellent value on a 3 day card -trains bus and tram are then all free !

Amazing work being done here to have this step back in to the past running so well , recommend a Day Trip on the train to check out The stations and the views from the train

Hopped on the steam train here to Douglas. Station was very nice and well laid out. The trains where amazing. We rode with the guard as it was busy and he was a delight. Very knowledgeable and a highlight of our trip

Lovely heritage railway station cared for by volunteers with many historic elements restored, not least in the waiting room. Easy short walk into the town.

Caught the train to Douglas from here. Fabulous little station and a fantastic journey into Douglas. Ronaldsway airport is about a 10/15 minutes walk away

Loved the place , unique experience and amazing views during the trip , port Erin is the last stop so I recommend to to early morning to climb the top spot there , the last train leaves 4pm . For an adult ticket costs 17 pounds Good luck 😊

Lovely views, cosy interia. Freezing and somewhat unpleasant smell in the toilet but CLEAN. If it had smart toilet and warm toilet would be super nice on freezing day.

Came in with my daughter to get a coffee and we had some toasted sandwiches which were very nicely done .. The coffee wasn't as hot as I'd like but with it been very busy and not many staff serving I didn't go and ask...Very comfortable seating and very clean cafe ....

Small but busy and lively Costa, usual fare and a great pitstop for refreshment.

One of the more lovely Costa places that I have been to. Overlooking the harbour at Castletown, good choice of tables inside and outside seating places, quick service. Well worth a look!

Great little coffee shop, have been a couple of times to this location. Busy and staff are busy, but they work hard to help everyone out. Good coffee and good snacks and pastries.

Ignored and when i pointed this out was told "we don't want you here anyway"

Ideal for a coffee after a trip to Castle Rushen. Nicely prepared coffee, too!

Great pub on the corner in Castletown.. Plenty of folk in here some real characters too.Friendly staff and lots of different guest ales that they change or have the usual local Manx Beer.. Reasonable prices and warm place to go with a fire ....Highly recommend this place .Fab

Saturday 5th October 2024 Today, we had a beautiful experience In this fantastic real ale pub as my picture on the pubs site. This pub is a historical gem inside the pub here is clean the 3 real ales 2 local and 1 from England is ace The manager of this pub is friendly jovial and is from Burnley😁 This pub, when in the Isle of Man drinking real ales, is an essential visit

Didn’t eat but popped in on a hike, (Raad Ny Foillan or Way of the Gull - the island coastal path. New landlady very welcoming & happy to chat while I sampled some excellent local ales. Great pub, nice old school pub interior - genuine & honest place to chat & have a pint. I’d go back at every opportunity on future trips to the Isle.

Stopped in for a pint of the local beer. Landlady was so friendly and nice! fyi - no food only crisps!

Great pub! Great staff, thank you 🙂

First Class traditional Manx beer pub with proper staff and well kept ales. Full of serious local characters....

Came here with some friends for a drink and we had a great time. The atmosphere was great and the service was excellent

Great pub food, really good selection of bushies ales and fantastic service. There is a games room on the first floor with lots of traditional games available.

We had cycled in to watch the Southern 100 road race award presentations. The square n Castletown was packed but we decided to get something to eat. We had noted the Garrison has a small area at the back and kindly the staff allowed us to leave our bikes out the way. Despite being busy the staff got us a table and served us very quickly. The table had been reserved but they allowed us to sit at the table up till the reserved time. We had fish and chips and Manx Queenies which were delicious. This is a Bushy’s pub and there was plenty beer and spirits available. A lovely bar area which kept the character of the pub. Parking at the rear on the car park. I would definately recommend.

Gorgeous food beautiful spot. Food was very good. Girl serving absolutely no interaction or recognition of you when you arrived. Decor fab good meal chips were lovely too. They don't do mash option just with bangers and mash didn't see a desert menu wasn't offered one. But very full anyway.

This pub is truly a hidden gem. Me and my husband first went for meal on Tuesday and we were blown away by how amazing the food was (all homemade and fresh) and how lovely the staff were (they were all so kind and helpful). So much so, we actually went back yesterday for another meal before our flight home. When on holiday, we have never gone to an establishment more than once, but we loved this place so much, we both wanted to go back one last time.

The Garrison is a beautifully modernised old establishment. Very tastefully decorated but with the original features still retained. We did not dine, but some of the meals being served did look delicious. My only criticism was an extremely loud table of customers playing cards, which made it difficult to make conversations heard amongst our group.

Stopped by for lunch with the family. Realy enjoyed the home made pies - they where top notch and very tasty. Very good experience overall.

Went here during TT without a booking. Arrived at 1:15. Tried to order but was told they were not taking food orders as they were having a break. We found this a bit odd given it was lunchtime during TT. We had a drink and didnt plan on staying but a member of staff came over about 20 mins later and said she could now take our order. Food came about 20/30 mins later. Best lasagne we have ever had so it was worth the wait. Whilst we were eating they took some orders and told others it would be an hours wait due to chef changeover. Other customers were commenting that the system was inconsistent, taking orders one minute and not the next. The food was very good but the service was a bit odd! Staff were really nice. General manager was not!! Not a clue what he is doing!!!!

Food was great, service was very good and friendly, loved it and would visit again if we're in the area.

Best food we've had in years, excellent service, wonderful atmosphere. Definitely coming again!

Accepted a booking for 14 at short notice, food was excellent, very friendly staff Good dining experience

Always great food and great service

I love the Viking been goin there for years always good service and Marcus the landlord dose every thing to help thank you for a lovely afternoon xx xx

Great for trad pub food.

Opening hours posted here are completely wrong. Says it opens at 5:30am. Says it stays til 2:30am. It was closed at 11:30pm.

An excellent volunteer run museum that is free admission. While it only has 2 full size aircraft displays (which is probably more down to the space they take up than anything else) there is a significant amount of displays of wartime equipment and photographs. The museum covers military and aviation history on the Isle of Man from 1800s up to the present day. There’s also a small shop where you can buy a range of aircraft models. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and friendly their passion is great to see. The museum also boasts an excellent view of Ronaldsway Airport runway where you can view aircraft arriving and departing. To top it off there’s a memorial garden around the back. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

It looks very small from the outside but is quite large inside. The staff were very friendly to us and their shop had a large variety of models from tanks to aircraft, and if you like history then they have it as well.😆😃

This place is an absolute must if you visit the Isle Of Man. Fascinating history and artifacts. Give yourself a good couple of hours to really soak up what there is to see. Helpful and knowledgeable volunteers too. It's free but well worth a donation towards their upkeep.

The best type of museum - run by volunteers. The museum is right next to the airport, befitting that the airport itself has military history. The museum is small, but absolutely packed with stuff and really neatly laid out and displayed. It's perfect for an enthusiast or keen historian, but there may not bee enough for younger visitors to be kept entertained. As other reviewers have mentioned, entry is free, but places like this can only stay open through donations, so use it or lose it!

Fascinating, so much been donated to enable us to see the sacrifice and amazing skills

Such a fantastic museum (voluntary donation) with so many interesting artifacts to view. The volunteers are excellent and provide such great information. The kids love exploring the history and being pilots aboard the excellent addition of the Manx Airlines plane.

We were welcomed by a very knowledgeable gentleman, a well laid out military and aviation museum filled with interesting manx military and aviation history. Outside are memorials to overseas men and women who lost their life's on Isle of Man land and sea.Two Manx Airliners are sited close to the museum. Very well worth a visit and it's FREE entry. Free carpark.

We have been to watch the Southern 100 before but this year was the 70th. Watched a various places around the course. For those who don’t know these races are gel in the south of the Isle of Man near Castletown. The short road circuit is organised by volunteers and marshals. The tight and twisty circuit is very entertaining and draws in some of the big names from the TT. The meeting runs from Monday - Wednesday each evening from 6pm till 9pm with racing Wednesday and all day Thursday. The racing is held on the second week of July each year. It is known as the friendly races and is very relaxed. You can visit the paddock and walk around. At the main building you can buy merchandise and get food. Note as soon as the racing is over the merchandise shop shuts. Parking around the course depends on where you are. So it’s advised to check out the points you want to watch from and see what’s available. Most points have toilets and food but it’s advised to check. There is a trophy presentation on the Thursday night but it gets busy if the weather is good. We will watched an excellent drone display to celebrate the 70th. There is a large car park if you are watching at the start / finish straight next to the paddock which is free. There are various types of accommodation in Castletown, plus a campsite inside the course. If you have a van or motorhome you can also park for free at various spots around Castletown and around the island. If you have never been to watch try the Southern 100 first as it’s a lot more relaxed than the TT or the Classic TT.

Love the Southern racers. Quieter than the TT racers but a more intimate race meeting on a smaller circuit with an open paddock.. Really did enjoy the practice tonight with my kids great to have this back on as cancelled last few years.. Great atmosphere..

Incredible racing and a friendly atmosphere.

The Southern 100 Road races were very good. More relaxed atmosphere and you get really good chances to have great conversations with some of the riders and their team. When talking to local IOM residents, they said you find the real road racing enthusiasts go to the Southern 100. Highly recommend.

Well its certainly not our first visit nor will it be our last visit to the S100 Road Races!

Well organised event, racing was spectacular and the after racing entertainment was mega. To top it off they put on a drone display.

Great races fantastic atmosphere well worth a visit.

Another free activity on the Isle of Man, you can only walk around the fort but the walk is beautiful and there is an abundance of wildlife to see.

Beautiful spot, can't be beaten on a sunny day. Take a picnic, take in the views, watch out for cetaceans, seabirds etc and stroll round the fort. Well worth a visit.

When you walk around this time immemorial building you are transported back to that time in history.

Lovley Old sea defence fort with canon's still in place.

The fort is padlocked shut, but you can see through the gate, and walk round the outside. Great views of the airport and out to sea. The nearby chapel is unlocked. No interpretation boards, so if you are into the history of the features, look it up before you go. Agree with other reviews - lots of dog poo!

Lovely peaceful area. You can see the seals sitting on the rocks and a good open 360 view all around. Its free to access although the road is very narrow so you may consider parking a little way back. Its unmanned so you can see the cannons up close.

Fort Island has outstanding views and is a good place for seal watching, also popular with dog walkers, not all of them pick up after their animals so watch where you step.

The Sidings, situated right next to Castletown steam train station, is a characterful pub offering over five cask ales and plenty of space to sit and relax. With a large seating area, polite and chatty customers, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a great spot to enjoy a pint and soak up the charm of the surroundings.

Stopped here for lunch Had the steak burger and jacket potato. I thought the steak burger lacked something for £15 perhaps some fresh onion over crispy or a slice of pepper. Hence why one star dropped on the food.

The Sidings is a nice place to eat (or have a pint if you're so inclined) in Castletown. The food is quite decent, and some menu items such as the Fish and chips are 2 for £20, which makes it an ideal place to take your partner. I've had a variety of dishes here, ranging from fish and chips, lasagne, curry, and the giant Yorkshire pudding. Everything has been satisfactory so far. The fish is always amazing, as the batter used is quite succulent, at least every time I've come. The atmosphere is very cozy, especially when there's a fire going in the main room. The only complaint would be that the chairs and tables are quite old and worn, and don't appear as clean as a newer establishment. However, this isn't necessarily bad, as it fits the homely feel of a local pub. The staff are friendly enough. One time, one of the local patrons failed to turn up for a few days, so one of the employees inquired about this particular patron's well-being online. The only drawback is that the napkins and cutlery are stocked at each table, and sometimes they aren't restocked fast enough. Therefore, I had to pilfer napkins or a fork from another table. Whether you are a visitor to the island or a local, this place is easy to access. It's just right there in front of the train station. The car park often has a spot though this probably would not be the case during the TT. Overall, I highly recommend it, especially during lunch time.

We ordered a ham bap as a quick bite at lunchtime. It consisted of a seeded burger bun with one slice of cheap packet ham, the plainest most boring ham bap ever ! You also got a packet of crisps with it. At £6 we felt really ripped off, I didn’t complain on the day because otherwise this is a very good pub with nice staff. But really they need to take a long slow look at the bap offer, and either up it or scrap it.

The waiter and waitresses were quite rude. The chips that the 8 of us had were overcooked, dark brown, and tasted burnt. We asked for this to be resolved, and they were replaced, but 1 bowl is not going to replace 8 diners worth of food so we asked for another bowl, and we were told quite a rubtly by the waitress that she want the chef! The staff never said please or thank you and were clearing away dishes before everyone had eaten. It made us feel like we were being rushed out. We spent over £125 plus about £100 in drinks. We will not be returning.

Very friendly local style pub with a great Ale selection (CAMRA pub of the year '15) and great value food. I came in here after a walk with my wife and my dog and had a few great pints of IPA (£3) and a rump steak (£14). The chips were bloody amazing. Lunch, a casual evening meal or a few beers in a relaxed environment

A very busy pub but accommodated a large party without any trouble. The food was very good and the staff were lovely, thank you