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Museums in the Isle of Man

The museums on the Isle of Man give you and your family the chance to really discover the Island's unique and exciting past during your holiday. With a range of locations and themes you can easily make the museums part of a longer trip around the Island using the various methods of transport available.

Experience history on the Manx Steam Railway to Douglas before stopping off at the Manx Museum to learn about the Islands history. Packed with artefacts and information the museum also has the national art gallery full of famous artists, the start of the "Story of Mann" trail and a great cafe to grab some lunch and a drink.

In Peel the House of Mannanan, sea-god and protector of the Manx People, will guide you through the Viking and Celtic history of the Isle of Man. There is also plenty of nautical history here to keep your family entertained.

If nautical history interests you then another trip on the steam railway is in order, this time to the ancient capital of Mann, Castletown. As well as Castle Rushen this town holds the nautical museum housing the ship "The Peggy", found in 1930 after over 100 years undiscovered in a modern boat cellar. With trap doors, reconstructions and details of the exploits of Captain Quayle, alleged smuggler, this is a place for the entire family to enjoy.

Manx Museum

The Manx Museum is a great way to find out about the Island’s 10,000 year history. It has a range of artefacts and treasures unique to the Isle of Man.

Jurby Transport Museum

The Jurby Transport Museum is based in the North of the Island and is housed in a former RAF hanger. It’s a great place to see vehicles previously used on the Isle of Man.

Manx Transport Heritage Museum

Opened in 2002, the Manx Transport Heritage Museum has two main rooms with various displays and exhibits from different forms of transport around the Isle of Man.

Isle of Man Motor Museum

Located in Jurby, the Isle of Man Motor Museum features a collection of over 300 vehicles which includes classic cars and motorcycles.

House of Manannan

Located in Peel, The House of Manannan takes you on a journey through a life sized reconstruction of a Celtic roundhouse. You will be able to join the crew of the Odin’s Raven Viking longship and see how they lived in a Viking longhouse.

Grove Museum of Victorian Life

Situated in Ramsey, the Grove Museum tells the story of the Gibb family. The house was the Gibb family home and has been beautifully preserved to provide an insight into the life in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Nautical Museum

The Nautical Museum in Castletown tells the story of the late Captain George Quayle boathouse and his surviving creation ‘Peggy’. The Peggy is an example of a British Schooner and the only surviving shallop of her kind.

Manx Electric Railway Museum

The Manx Electric Railway Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the Island’s electric railway. It’s open every Sunday with free admission.

The Manx Aviation and Military Museum

Based in Castletown, the Manx Aviation and Military Museum includes displays of wartime memorabilia and you will be able to learn about the history of Manx Aviation.