Rushen Abbey

Type:Abbey / Priory

The grounds and ancient ruins at Rushen Abbey

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 £9.00
Students £4.50
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.
- Free entry available to children aged 5 to 18 with a current student card, including tours.
- Student entry half price with a current student card, including tours.
- 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
  • 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

Contact

Mill Road, Ballasalla, IM9 3DB

Tel: +44 (0) 1624 648017

Opening Times

Open Thurs to Mon from 12pm to 4pm (29 Feb 2024 - 3 Nov 2024)

* Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Please note Rushen Abbey is closed during the winter, guided group tours can be accommodated on request.

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Rushen Abbey is located 10 miles south of Douglas on the A5 road. At Ballasalla turn right at the first roundabout then turn left at the second. Site is on the right after driving over the bridge. Car park of Rushen Abbey Heritage site.

Public Transport Directions

Rushen Abbey can be accessed via car, bus or by alighting at Ballasalla Station on the steam train.

By Bus: For further information regarding bus timetables visit www.bus.im

By Train: For further information regarding the Steam Train visit www.iombusandrail.im/heritage

Refine By

Refine Your Search:

Facilities
Place

What's Nearby

  1. A wide range of exhibits relating the military and aviation history of the Isle of Man…

    1.09 miles away
  2. Uncover the story of the inventive George Quayle and his most significant surviving…

    1.77 miles away
  3. Discover one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe.

    1.81 miles away
  1. Be greeted by the secretary of the former home of the Manx Parliament, and take your seat…

    1.83 miles away
  2. Located at the end of the line – on the platform of the most southerly stop on the Isle…

    5.06 miles away
  3. Visit the Home of Rest for Old Horses and experience a unique opportunity to get up close…

    5.07 miles away
  4. Part of the Manx National Heritage portfolio. Cregneash is a traditional Manx thatched…

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

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

    7.32 miles away
  7. Take a tour of the Gaiety Theatre, one of the finest remaining examples of work from the…

    7.46 miles away
  8. The Centre for WW1 Internment tells the story of the Knockaloe Internment Camp, its…

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

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

    8.53 miles away
  11. A visit or guided tour of the Cathedral will tell you the hidden secrets of the Island's…

    8.86 miles away
  12. The legendary sea god Manannan will guide you through the Island’s rich Celtic, Viking…

    8.95 miles away
  13. Visit Peel Castle, the ancient Vikings’ home. Enjoy panoramic views over Peel and spot…

    9.23 miles away
Previous Next
Download our One Stop Guide Download our one stop guide