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 £11 – all visitors have the option to make a voluntary donation of £1.50 at point of entry
Students £5.50 (over 18 with a valid Student Card)
Children FREE (children aged 16 or under must be accompanied by an adult)
Your admission:
• All admission tickets for the Nautical Museum have the option to make a voluntary donation of £1.50 to Manx National Heritage (Isle of Man registered charity no. 603). This donation directly supports the ongoing conservation and management of the Isle of Man’s most significant historic buildings, landscapes, archives and museum collections. Should you wish to opt out of this voluntary contribution, please inform a member of staff at the ticket desk at the time of purchase.
• Children aged 16 & under must be accompanied by an adult.
• 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 & 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 available to children under 18 years of age, persons accompanying a disabled visitor, GO Explore Heritage Friends of Manx National Heritage Card holders & reciprocal organisations.
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
- MasterCard 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 Groups
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed Towards Students / Youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
Travel & Trade
- Group discounts available
