Museums and Heritage Sites in the Isle of Man
House of Manannan (Peel) tells the story of the history of Mann and its rich Celtic, Viking and maritime history. You can step inside a Celtic roundhouse, explore a Viking ship and explore the new Kingdom of Man gallery and sit at the table of a Viking Royal Court.
Manx Museum (Douglas) is a great way to discover the island’s 10,000 year history and includes interactive displays for children.
Motor Museum, Jurby has an amazing collection of over 400 unique classic cars, tanks, motorbikes, buses and much more from around the world. You can also grab a spot of lunch at the Guard House Cafe which is a former RAF guardroom located next to the museum.
Jurby Transport Museum, is set in a former RAF Hanger and boasts an impressive collection of buses, cars, wagons, trains and horse trams.
The Grove Museum of Victorian Life, Ramsey is a beautifully preserved Victorian home which provides a glimpse of life in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. High tea is also served in the Conservatory Tea Room.
Take a guided tour around the beautiful Milntown House in Ramsey and enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant.
Nautical Museum Isle of Man, Castletown reveals the story behind a British Schooner named “Peggy” built by alleged smuggler Captain George Quayle. The museum features a children’s area with costumes and activities.
Shopping
Tynwald Mills, indoor department store is open 7 days a week and includes a wide range of high street and designer brands. Lunch is available at The Cat or The Neb cafes, or treat yourself to one of the delicious cheeses at the local deli.
Cinema & Theatres
Catch a matinee or evening movie at the Palace Cinema or the Villa Gaiety Broadway cinema, both located in Douglas.
There are also films, concerts and musicians showing at the Centenary Centre in Peel.
Enjoy an historical tour or catch a local theatre production at the opulent Gaiety Theatre in Douglas, one of the finest remaining examples of architecture by Frank Matcham.
Bingo is available daily at the Palace Hotel in Douglas from 6.30pm onwards for over 18s and light snacks are available from the Cafe Bar.
Kids Indoor soft play centres in the Isle of Man
Dragon’s Castle Play Centre, Villa Marina, Douglas is perfect for kids to have fun indoors. The play centre is open on select days, checkout the latest “pop in and play” sessions.
Manx Fun Farm, Onchan is one of the largest indoor soft play areas for kids including 3 levels of slides, ball pits, climbing frames, ropes and a dedicated area for babies & toddlers. Their cafe serves hot food and drinks. Open Monday – Saturday, closed on Sundays.
Laser Blast, Onchan is a great family activity set in a 3300 square foot arena lit by UV lights. Be quick on the draw to shoot your laser gun at your opponent’s special vest which is fitted with 134 sensors.
The Fun Factory & Jump Zone, Onchan Pleasure Park is a perfect place to let the kids run wild in a safe environment. The Jump Zone has a bed of trampolines, whist the Fun Factory is a large soft play area with a separate under 4s soft play area. Lunch and children’s meals are available from the on-site cafe.
For the budding artists amongst you we also recommend the Craftworks Studio in Castletown where you can paint and decorate your own ceramics which are then glazed and fired on the premises. The studio is open 7 days a week during the school holidays and has moved to Qualtrough’s Yard in Castletown (from its former location in Silverdale Glen).
Sports
The National Sports Centre, Douglas – offers a wide range of activities including a leisure pool with flumes, slides, and water features. There is an 8 lane swimming pool, 2 large sports halls and Fitness zone gym. A wide range of exercise classes and activities are available throughout the year.
Northern Swimming Pool, Ramsey often runs family fun sessions and adult lane swimming sessions, checkout the swimming timetable. Similar sessions are also run at the Western Swimming Pool in Peel.
Get a grip of the Hot Rocks Climbing Wall in Douglas – it boasts over 2000 square feet of climbing space, suitable for complete beginners through to seasoned outdoor climbers.
Take a ride at the indoor arena at Pennybridge Riding School in Kirk Michael. From complete beginners to novice riders, this popular riding school has an indoor arena and offers private lessons.
Find your competitive streak with a game of Tenpin bowling at Sure Strike bowling alley Ramsey, which also includes a kids soft play area , western themed diner and arcades.