About
In the heart of the Island’s ancient capital the medieval castle, Castle Rushen, was once the home to the Kings and Lords of Mann, and holds many stories within its walls.
Originally built for a Norse king in the 12th century and later besieged by Robert the Bruce, the castle has been a royal residence, a mint and a prison. Nowadays it serves as a museum and educational centre complete with era-accurate decorations and life-like settings, earning a reputation as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.
Explore its rooms and furnished chambers, hear from the past inhabitants and discover who shaped its future. Cross the drawbridge and under the portcullis into the Castle and find the Gatehouse with its en-suite garderobe or Lord Stanley in the Presence Chamber, complete with fascinating medieval tales in the wall tapestries.
Towering over the town's Market Square to the south-east and the harbour to the north-east, the ramparts of the Castle also provide stunning views in all directions across the town and out to sea.
You can also visit the gardens surrounding the Castle which provide a gentle walk amongst the flowers where you can stand and admire the ancient castle, or enjoy a moment of peaceful contemplation.
Alternatively book a Castletown Heritage Site Tour to discover all attractions in the town. Meeting at Castle Rushen and then heading over to the Old Grammar School, followed by the Old House of Keys and finishing at the Nautical Museum, available on Saturdays at 10am - 12pm.
Book tickets here.
Guide Prices
Adults £12.00
Students £6.00
Children Free
Concessions available:
- Holiday Passes for visitors.
- Group discounts available to pre-booked group visitors of 15 or more paying visitors. Pre-book in advance.
- Annual Passes for Isle of Man residents.
- Go Explore Heritage Passes for use with trams, trains and bus transport.
- Free entry available to members of the Friends of Manx National Heritage, National Trust, English Heritage, CADW, Historic Scotland 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, please consult your membership handbook.
Please note: concessions may not apply for special events.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible toilets
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Ramp / Level Access - To first exhibition in the Castle courtyard and the bailey and grounds.
Leisure Facilities
- Shop
Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Payment Methods
- Accepts major credit and debit cards
- Approx length of visit - 1.5h
- Groups Accepted
- Maestro accepted
- MasterCard accepted
- Open by appointment outside normal opening times - For Groups
- Solo accepted
- Special group rates
- Visa accepted
Provider Facilities
- Available for wedding receptions
- Event Venue
- Licenced for civil marriages
- Toilets
Provider Features
- In town/city centre
- Indoor Attraction
- No Smoking Attraction
- Outdoor Attraction
Target Markets
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Students / Youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups
Travel & Trade
- Group discounts available
- Min group size numeric qualifier - 15
