The Nautical Museum
The Nautical Museum is a fascinating ‘tardis like’ building. This tiny museum originates from the discovery of the 18th century armed yacht, the ‘Peggy’, walled up in her boat cellar and now seen as being of 'extraordinary' maritime importance on the National Historic Ships Register.
Situated on the harbourside in Castletown this fascinating building originates from the discovery in 1935 of the 18th century armed yacht, the ‘Peggy’, walled up in her contemporary boat cellar. Built for George Quayle in 1791, she had remained undisturbed for a century after the death of her owner. The ‘Peggy’, in her original home, was generously given to the Manx Museum by a family descendant and is now seen as being of 'extraordinary' maritime importance on the National Historic Ships Register.
The boathouse over the cellar reveals the personality and interests of its designer, Mr Quayle. Here are trap doors, secret panels, and architectural jokes, plus a replica stern cabin from a naval warship of the ‘Nelson’ period. The loft houses the reconstruction of a sail-maker’s workshop and the fishing gallery includes boat models, equipment and photographs reflecting the importance of the fishing industry.
Find out more about The Nautical Museum in our Souvenir Booklet , available at the Manx Museum and the Nautical Museum Heritage Shops.
Things to See & Do:
Discover the Peggy and why she remained undisturbed for over 100 years.
Listen to the fascinating stories of Captain George Quayle.
Visit the Sailmaker’s Loft and see the many tools of this intricate trade.
See model boats, fishing equipment and fascinating photographs.
Take a seat in the Cabin Room built in the form of a naval warship of Nelson’s day.
Encounter secret trap doors, panels, and architectural jokes.
Learn about the ancient vault next door.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening times: Open 10am to 5pm from Monday to Sunday. Easter to October.
Admission Charges: £2.00 Children (under 18 years) and students, £4.00 Adults, £9.50 Family (2 adults and 2 children).
Group discounts are available for groups of 15 or more people, with the greatest savings available to pre-booked groups. For further information, please click here.
Free admission is available to holders of a valid 5 Site Pass, 10 Day Heritage Explorer Pass, ACE Card holders and reciprocal agreement members.
How to get There:
By foot and road: situated in the town centre, signposted in Castletown.
By bus: 1, 1C, 2, 2A, 8. Steam Railway:
All stations to Castletown.
Parking: public car parks and 2 hour disc zone parking nearby.
Heritage attractions nearby: Castle Rushen, the Old House of Keys and the Old Grammar School, Castletown Rushen Abbey, Ballasalla.
Whilst planning your journey around our beautiful Island, you will find our Visitor Information page useful when planning visits to the Isle of Man's amazing museums, interpretive centres and historic sites. Alternatively, you can click here to watch a short film on the Story of Mann.
Information for Disabled Visitors:
There is on street parking directly in front of Museum and around Castletown.
The ground floor of the museum is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance. There is a guided tour around the museum which is accessible to visually impaired and blind visitors.
The majority of the guided tour takes place on the ground level. Large format information about the site can be provided. Staff receive some disability awareness training.
The nearest public toilets with disabled facilities are located on Malew Street near Castle Rushen.
It is the policy of Manx National Heritage to admit the assistant or carer of a disabled person free of charge. Registered assistance dogs are welcomed.
Address:
The Nautical Museum
Bridge Street, Castletown,
Isle of Man.
IM9 1AX