Castle Rushen

Amazing Castle which I visited over the summer and nearly got locked in. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Lots of incredible rooms to explore with interesting histories. Free disc-display parking nearby. Highly recommend visiting.

Not the best of days outside but it was surprising how warm it was inside the castle rooms. You start in the timeline room and then head to watch a video about the castle. Then you start your journey up the spiral staircase in to the rooms on each level until you get to the top. It was fun been up on the tallest turret with some strong winds to buffet you. Worth a visit and I am sure it would be lovely on a sunny day too!

Castle Rushen was one of the most impressive medieval castles I have ever visited. Its towering stone walls, well-preserved structure, and commanding presence immediately transported me back in time. As I walked through its narrow passageways and climbed up to the battlements, I could almost imagine the lives of the kings and lords who once ruled from within these walls. The views overlooking Castletown and the surrounding harbour added to the sense of history and grandeur, making it a truly unforgettable experience

Much better than we thought it would be. Upon entering we thought the £14 entrance fee (£15.50 including donation) was a bit expensive for a small castle. However once inside you can walk around 75% of the outer wall, and can explore around 75% of the inner castle exploring loads of rooms each containing a small amount of reading to explain its history. Would recommend to kill 1-2 hour.

Amazing historical castle - staff was helpful and informative. There are lots of stairs (as other reviewers have noted) so be prepared for the narrow winding staircase. Interesting facts are nicely presented throughout the castle.

Fab castle! Lots to explore. 5 floors, so lots of steps. Tells the story of the castle, with some rooms made up from that period. Great views from the top of the tower on a clear day.

Probably one of the most well kept medieval castle in Europe. Built around 1200 AD under Viking King Rognvaldur, guarding the Silver Burn river entrance. Evidence suggests earlier foundations (c. 947 AD), with an oak beam dated to this period uncovered onsite. Expanded between the 13th–17th centuries into a concentric fortress with limestone walls up to 12 feet thick. Key additions included gatehouses, a curtain wall, and five defensive towers. Site of King Magnús Óláfsson's death (1265) and later besieged by Robert the Bruce in 1313 during Scotland's invasion. Served as a stronghold for the Kings of Mann and the Isles. Withstood sieges during the Scottish-Norwegian wars. Headquarters for the Stanley family, Lords of Mann. James Stanley (7th Earl) used it as a Royalist court during the English Civil War. His wife, Countess Charlotte, famously defended it until 1651. Held criminals, political dissenters (e.g., democracy activists Robert Fargher), and Bishop Thomas Wilson (imprisoned in 1722 for challenging state authority). Notoriously harsh conditions led to the 1891 opening of Victoria Road Prison. It has a concentric ddesign with outer glacis, moat, zigzagging barbican, and double portcullises with "murder holes" to trap attackers. 80-foot keep with four towers offering panoramic views of Castletown Harbour. Medieval kitchen with hearth, cooking spit, and cobblestone floor (still used for demonstrations). Secured Manx law books; features a 1597 clock gifted by Elizabeth I. Renovated residence called Derby house for James Stanley, featuring tapestries depicting the Battle of Bosworth. Hosted the House of Keys (early Manx parliament) until 1710 and housed the island's mint and law courts. Featured on the Isle of Man £5 banknote and the corvette HMS *Rushen Castle* during WWII. UNESCO Biosphere Partner since 2021. Climb the spiral staircases to see the stunning harbor views. Explore furnished chambers, prison cells, and the working medieval kitchen. Restored by Manx National Heritage in 1991, now a museum depicting 1,000 years of Manx rule. Venue for events like the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games closing ceremony. It’s also the start of the 28-mile Millennium Way hiking path to Ramsey. ✨Children born to female prisoners lived within the castle walls during its prison era—a stark contrast to its grim cells.

The castle is the backdrop to hundreds of years of history. A visit is highly recommended to learn more about the original centre of the island's politics. National Trust members can get free entry.