About
Almost 900 years ago, King Olaf I gave land for an Abbey and so became the wonder that is Rushen Abbey in the south of the island. People have been drawn here ever since, from the monks who wrote the earliest account of the Isle of Man’s history, to the tea-dances of the early 1900s and the heady days of 1980s disco. Nowadays, the medieval ruins still have the power to enchant, with large gardens complete with blossom trees and flowers that provide the perfect scenic location for picnics, gatherings and weddings.
Originally a home for monks of the Sauvignac Order, Rushen Abbey came under Cistercian control and was developed as the Isle of Man’s seat of religious power housing the main body of knowledge and literacy for the Island. Take a stroll through the stunning Abbey Gardens to find remains of the substantial medieval buildings, blossom trees and an array of herbs and flowers – many used to cure common ailments.
For a more active visit, follow the family friendly ‘Monky Business’ and travel beyond the Abbey to the Monk’s Bridge that leads to Silverdale park beyond. The Abbey also provides educational visits where you can discover medieval medicine, listen to sounds of the Abbey and play in the “Jam Factory”.
Dark Skies
Rushen Abbey heritage site is a fantastic place to take the family stargazing. With good all round views, it’s a perfect to spot for viewing the twinkling stars above.
Rushen Abbey car park is one of 26 registered Dark Sky Discovery Sites on the Isle of Man. With the help of Interpretation Boards on site, stargazers can fully enjoy the stunning views on offer in the Manx skies.
Advice and Safety:
The stargazing site has a flat gravel surface, with a fenced viewing area.
Guide Prices
Adults £9
Children FREE (children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Students over the age of 18 with a valid Student Card £4.50
Your admission
Some special events may incur an additional admission charge.
Student discount is available on production of a valid student card.
Group discounts are available to pre-booked group visitors of 15 or more paying visitors booked 7 days in advance.
Holiday and Annual Passes – admission is only permitted on production of a valid card. Cards are valid for the named person and are not transferable. ID may also be requested. Free access is for 14 days from the first day of use on a Holiday Pass and 1 Year from first date of use on an Annual Pass for Isle of Man residents.
Free admission is available to children under 18 years of age, persons accompanying a disabled visitor, Go Explore Heritage and Go Platinum Reserve Passes for use with trams, trains and bus transport and Members of the Friends of Manx National Heritage and organisations holding an agreement with Manx National Heritage. Entry available to the named member only on presentation of a valid membership card. Restrictions may apply. For details on our reciprocal arrangements, please consult your membership handbook.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible toilets
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Disabled Accessibility
- Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp / Level Access
Catering
- On-Site café/restaurant
- Picnic Site - Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens.
Leisure Facilities
- Shop
Parking & Transport
- Coach parking available
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Payment Methods
- Accepts major credit and debit cards
- Approx length of visit - 2 hours.
- Can be packages by 3rd parties
- Groups Accepted
- Maestro accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Solo accepted
- Visa accepted
Provider Facilities
- Accept coach parties
- Available for wedding receptions
- Event Venue
- Group Friendly
- Licenced for civil marriages
- Toilets
- TT & Biker Friendly
Provider Features
- Indoor Attraction
- Outdoor Attraction
- Village Location
Target Markets
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed Towards Students / Youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
Travel & Trade
- Group discounts available
