About
The Centre for WW1 Internment tells the story of the Knockaloe Internment Camp, its guards, staff and over 30,000 German, Austro-Hungarian and Turkish civilian men who were held as internees behind its barbed wire between 1914 and 1919.
Based in Patrick Village, near Peel, in the west of the Isle of Man, the area was the largest ever WW1 Internment Camp and was central to the British Government's Enemy Alien Policy.
Centre: With audio visual interpretation, many original artefacts from the Internment Camps and a 1:500 interactive scale model of the Camp, find out about what life was like behind the barbed wire of Knockaloe Internment Camp over 100 years ago.
Walk: From the Centre in the Old School (which was the former Courthouse to the Camp), you can explore the site of Knockaloe Camp itself, the graveyard and the 'Garden of Barbed Wire'. The Walk is guided by our free 'App' which can be downloaded from our website www.knockaloe.im in advance to your visit, allowing you to learn about the Camp as part of our walk even when the Centre is closed.
Descendants: Our database collates and retells the stories of all WW1 internees and their families from all WW1 Internment Camps across the British Isles, for future generations. If you are a descendant, please go to our website to see how you can find out more about your internee as part of your visit.
Special Events: As well as our public opening and privately booked visits for descendants and groups, we also have a number of special events and tours throughout the year. Please see our website for details of forthcoming events.
Well behaved, clean dogs on a lead are very welcome within the Centre and on the Walk.
For further information and to make a Group booking or book a Descendant Research Appointment well in advance of your intended visit outside public opening hours, please email info@knockaloe.im.
The Knockaloe Charitable Trust is a Registered Isle of Man Charity Number 1272.
Guide Prices
Individuals: Entry to the Centre is FREE however we very much welcome DONATIONS which allow us to cover our ongoing running costs of the Centre, and will allow us to continue to develop it. We suggest a £5 donation per person.
Descendants: If you are a DESCENDANT wishing to find out more why not contact us well in advance of your visit to make a specific research appointment which ensures a researcher is available and advance research can be carried out to help you make the most of your visit. We suggest booking by email info@knockaloe.im 3+month in advance. There is a minimum donation to the charity for all research appointments to support its ongoing work, payable in advance to secure your booking and prior to work commencing.
Groups Visits: We are delighted to welcome pre-booked Groups. Fees apply for groups and guided tours. See our Website for more details.
For further information and to make a booking please email info@knockaloe.im
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible toilets
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
- Disabled Accessibility
- Guide Dogs Permitted
- Ramp / Level Access
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Provider Facilities
- Accept coach parties - For large parties it is advisable to let us know in advance please E-mail info@knockaloe.im
- Available for wedding receptions - The Community Room is available for private hire for further information please contact info@knockaloe.im
- Dog Friendly
- Dogs Accepted - Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
- Event Venue - The Community Room is available for private hire for further information please contact info@knockaloe.im
- Group Friendly
- Toilets
- TT & Biker Friendly
Provider Features
- Indoor Attraction
- Outdoor Attraction - Walk: From the Centre of the Old School (former Courthouse to the Camp), you can explore the former Camp itself, the graveyard and the 'Garden of Barbed Wire'. The Walk is guided by our free app and map leaflet which can be picked up at the Visitor Centre.
- Village Location
Target Markets
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed Towards Students / Youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
- Guided Tours Available for Groups - Guided tours for large groups are available if booked in advance please E-mail info@knockaloe.im for further details and to discuss availability.
- Guided Tours Available for Individuals - Guided tours for descendants of Knockaloe internees and guards are available upon request. Please Email info@knockaloe.im for further details and to discuss availability.
