About Castletown
Castletown, the historic capital of the Isle of Man, is not only a favourite destination for locals but it occupies a distinguished place in the island’s heritage – making it a great place for visitors to come and learn more. The coastal town was the capital of the Isle of Man until 1869, so it’s steeped in Manx history including well-preserved medieval fortifications, significant civic buildings, and a longstanding maritime tradition. The name of the town is actually derived from Castle Rushen, the prominent fortress in the centre.
Another focal point in the town is, of course, the picturesque harbour. Once a hub of trade and shipbuilding, it continues to be a vibrant and popular area with scenic views of fishing boats out at sea. Visitors can explore the Nautical Museum to gain further insights into Castletown’s seafaring history or take in Castle Rushen’s towering walls and learn about its role in defending the island. The town also features an array of quaint streets, independent shops, and traditional pubs, so there are attractions and activities for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the fun things to do in Castletown.
1. Visit Castletown Beach
The Isle of Man is known for its great beaches, and Castletown Beach is one of the best. It’s conveniently close to the town centre and all the amenities, so it’s a comfortable place to set up for a day at the beach. The waters are relatively sheltered for paddling and swimming on warmer days and the beach itself is a combination of shingle and sand. Whether you’re sunbathing, beachcombing or watching seabirds, you’ll also enjoy clear, uninterrupted views across Castletown Bay towards the Langness Peninsula, where rolling landscapes meet the sea.
2. The Nautical Museum
A fascinating museum which predominantly tells the story of the late Captain George Quayle. Located in what was his 18th century private dock and boathouse, the main exhibit is the Peggy – the earliest known example of a British armed yacht. It’s recognised as the earliest surviving schooner of her type, and the only surviving shallop, so a must-visit for anyone interested in maritime history.
3. Castle Rushen
Standing proud as one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in Europe, Castle Rushen has functioned as a fortress, royal residence, mint (where local coinage was made), and prison. Now, visitors can explore the central keep, defensive walls, and various chambers, all of which contain exhibits detailing the castle’s architecture and significant events.
Once you reach the upper levels of the castle, there are great views over Castletown and the surrounding coast; from here, you can appreciate how important the castle’s strategic location was throughout history.
4. Old House of Keys
There are plenty of reasons to visit the Isle of Man and the unique history and heritage is one of the main ones. The Old House of Keys represents a significant part of the Isle of Man’s political evolution. The former home of the Manx Parliament (Tynwald) and centre of 19th Century political life here, Manx National Heritage restored and renovated the building in 2000 to reflect how the interiors would’ve looked in 1866, the year of the first popularly elected members. Visitors can now take guided tours to learn about the interesting development of parliamentary democracy on the island.
5. Rushen Abbey
Although the abbey buildings are now in a ruined state, they still convey a sense of their former grandeur and importance. Rushen Abbey was originally founded in 1134 by Olaf 1st King of Man and the Isles as part of the King’s plans to bring his realm into the modern world, and later incorporated into the Cistercian order. The abbots played an important role not just in religious matters but also in the social and economic development of the region.
Visitors can wander through the atmospheric archaeological remains, imagining what life was like within these walls hundreds of years ago and learn from displays and exhibits that shed light on the lives of the monks, their routines, and the abbey’s far-reaching influence.
6. The Manx Aviation and Military Museum
The Manx Aviation and Military Museum chronicles the Isle of Man’s involvement in military and aviation history, with particular attention to the World Wars. The museum’s holdings include aircraft components, military uniforms, and personal correspondence. Each exhibit is thoughtfully designed to highlight individual stories and the collective role the Isle of Man played in broader military efforts, from participating in wartime strategies to supporting aviation advancements. Visitors can learn about the island's contribution, such as its role as a training ground for aircrew and the stories of Manx servicemen and women serving both on and off the island.
How to get to Castletown
By car: Castletown is located on the A5 road, which connects Douglas and Port Erin. Ample signage and several parking facilities in the town centre make it easy to travel here by car, but it can get busier in peak season.
By bus: Bus Vannin operates frequent services to and from the main areas across the island. The central bus stop allows convenient access to local attractions in Castletown and you can buy one of their Go Cards for reduced fares across a chosen number of days.
By steam railway: The Isle of Man Steam Railway, operating between the capital Douglas and southern town of Port Erin, includes a stop in Castletown. The journey offers a unique opportunity to observe the Manx landscape from preserved Victorian railway carriages.
Travel with Steam Packet Ferries to the Isle of Man
Get to the Isle of Man in comfort with Steam Packet Ferries. After all, your adventure may end in Castletown but it starts with the ferry – a stress-free way to cross the Irish Sea. Book your journey today with our new Flexi Fares for maximum flexibility, confidence and convenience when making travel arrangements. You’ll have the ability to make changes to your booking right up to the day of travel and there’s no amendment fees.