Rushen Abbey was gifted by King Olaf I for use as a monastery in 1134. The centre tells its story from 1134 to strawberry tea dancing and days of disco.
Rushen Abbey was gifted by King Olaf I for use as a monastery in 1134. The centre tells its story from 1134 to strawberry tea dancing and days of disco.
Open Daily
1 Apr to 26 May 10 – 4
27 May to 4 Sept 10 – 5
5 Sept to 3 Nov 10 – 4
Adults £8.00
Children £4.00
Almost 900 years ago, King Olaf I gave land for an Abbey. People have been drawn here ever since.
Learn about Abbey life through the ages, from the 1180’s to strawberry tea dancing to the heady days of 1980s disco. Visitors can follow the family friendly ‘Monky Business’ activities including throwing a pot on the potter’s wheel, making sounds of the Abbey and the fruit picking challenge in the Jam Factory. You can also enjoy time in gardens with play mats and toys available for babies and tots, this peaceful setting is the perfect location for a family picnic.
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.
Stroll through the Abbey Gardens to find remains of substantial medieval buildings, blossom trees and an array of herbs and flowers – many used to cure common ailments. You can also follow the footpath beyond the Abbey to the 14th century Monk’s Bridge in the nearby Silverdale Glen.
