My Planner

Currently nothing planned yet in your itinerary. Have a browse through the site and begin to add products you're interested in. To begin adding to your itinerary planner, simply click the itinerary button when you see something worthwhile. If your planner remains unfinished, don't forget to hit save and come back later on!

The Isle of Man is now welcoming back fully vaccinated visitors.

Who can travel to the Isle of Man

Travel guidance and staying safe

Visiting the Isle of Man - key things to know

Great Union Camera Obscura

Type:Landmark

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating - 106 reviews106 reviews
Great Union Camera Obscura

About

This Victorian curiosity has entertained visitors for hundreds of years – offering a unique way to see the surrounding area and an opportunity to spy on fellow tourists!

The Great Union Camera Obscura is unique amongst camera obscuras in the world as it has eleven lenses.

Unlike other structures, which were built for astronomical purposes, the Isle of Man’s camera obscura was built in 1892 purely as an attraction for the flourishing Manx tourist industry.

The masterpiece works by using a series of mirrors and lenses which are located around the roof line above a darkened room.

Views of the surrounding area are then projected onto a circular table which has been separated by partitions to give 11 moving colour pictures of the 360 degree view which includes Douglas harbour, the lighthouse and horizon.

Adverse weather conditions may interfere with viewing or prevent the Great Union Camera Obscura from opening - so remember when the flag is flying the attraction is open!

Guide Prices

Admission is £3 for adults. Children under 12 are free. Card and Cash payments accepted.

Facilities

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (free)

Provider Features

  • Indoor Attraction

Target Markets

  • Marketed Towards Families
Douglas Head, Douglas, IM1 5BY
Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 1624 621733

Add Great Union Camera Obscura to your Itinerary

Opening Times

Open Saturday and Sunday only (4 May 2024 - 15 Sept 2024)

* Weather dependent - Open when the flag is flying

Saturdays and Bank Holidays: 1pm - 4pm
Sundays: 11am - 4pm

Map & Directions

What's Nearby

  1. The Tower of Refuge, also known as St. Mary’s Isle, is a small structure erected upon a…

    0.48 miles away
  2. Marine Drive is situated on Douglas Head linking Douglas with Port Soderick. Douglas Head…

    0.57 miles away
  3. Dr John Crawshaw Taylor OBE, creator of the Chronophage clocks, is a world-respected…

    0.65 miles away
  1. Welcome to The Matrix Arena, the ultimate destination for fun and excitement! Whether…

    0.8 miles away
  2. Experience the excitement of travelling between Douglas and the south of the Island on a…

    0.82 miles away
  3. Visit St Thomas' Church in central Douglas and discover the superb Victorian murals which…

    0.92 miles away
  4. The Isle of Man Family History Society was formed in January 1979 with the aim of…

    0.95 miles away
  5. From the wonders of our natural world to road racing legends, begin your journey through…

    0.97 miles away
  6. The Island’s main museum featuring an orientation film, superb displays, and the Island’s…

    0.97 miles away
  7. Duffy and Waldo invite your little explorers to jump, climb, slide and swing at Dragons…

    1.04 miles away
  8. Raise the stakes and venture into the Palace Casino. With its exciting atmosphere and a…

    1.35 miles away
  9. Noble's Park is a beautiful, well maintained park, located in upper Douglas.

    1.55 miles away
  10. The rivers Dhoo and Glass flow down from the hills and join to form the Douglas River as…

    1.62 miles away
  11. Take an unforgettable journey along the east coast of the Island on this unique electric…

    1.67 miles away
  12. Take a nostalgic journey along Douglas Promenade on the world's oldest horse drawn…

    1.67 miles away
  13. A great opportunity to see information charting the conception of the railway right up…

    1.7 miles away
Previous Next

Related

Gaiety Theatre, DouglasThe Gaiety Theatre is the jewel in the Manx Heritage crown. Presenting a year-round programme of entertainment including plays and musicals, you'll be sure to find something entertaining to watch during your time on the Island.

Villa MarinaVilla Marina, DouglasHosting some of the biggest names in music and comedy, the Villa Marina is the ultimate entertainment experience.

Villa Marina, DouglasHosting some of the biggest names in music and comedy, the Villa Marina is the ultimate entertainment experience.

Gaiety Theatre, DouglasThe Gaiety Theatre is set in one of the most iconic buildings on the Island and is available to hire for corporate conferences, presentations and performances. Seating 862 theatre style.

Stay in touch with us Let your extraordinary story unfold on the Isle of Man…sign up to our newsletter and let us inspire your visit to our hidden gem in the Irish Sea.