Isle of Man Viking Highlights and Castles Shore Excursion
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on a half-day tour of the Isle of Man, exploring its Viking history and visiting the Braaid, St. Johns, and Peel Castle. Learn about the island's historical tapestry as you visit the Braddan Old Church and the House of Manannan.
Start your tour at the Braddan Old Church, a site showcasing the Isle’s remarkable collection of intricately carved Viking stone crosses. These artistic relics provide a glimpse into the island’s historical tapestry.
Continue to the Braaid, where echoes of the past resonate within an Iron Age longhouse and two Norse longhouses. These structures are a testament to occupation spanning until the 11th or 12th century. Next, head to St. Johns, home to the Tynwald Hill. Comprising stones from all of the Isle’s 17 ancient parishes, this hill is the backdrop for the Island’s annual
open-air parliamentary gathering, Tynwald. Finally, visit the House of Manannan, where the mythical sea god guides you through the island’s Celtic, Viking, maritime heritage.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Admission to Braddan Old Church
Visit to the Braaid with its Iron Age and Norse longhouses
Live commentary on board
Admission to Peel Castle
Admission to the House of Manannan
Visit to St. Johns and Tynwald Hill
Guided tour of Viking highlights and castles
Food and drinks
Gratuities (optional)
What To Expect
Kirk Braddan Church Hall, located in Braddan on the Isle of Man, is a vibrant community venue serving as a hub for social, cultural, and religious activities. The hall hosts a variety of events, including meetings, classes, and gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community. Its welcoming atmosphere, modern facilities, and historical charm make it an ideal space for both local residents and visitors. The hall's connection to the nearby Kirk Braddan Church adds to its spiritual and cultural significance.
The Braaid is a historic site located in the central part of the Isle of Man, known for its ancient archaeological significance. It features the remains of a Norse-Gaelic farmstead, with evidence of a large hall and surrounding buildings dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s Viking heritage, showcasing well-preserved stone structures and artifacts. The Braaid is also notable for its scenic setting, surrounded by beautiful Manx countryside, making it a popular spot for history enthusiasts and walkers.
Options
Isle of Man Viking Highlights and Castles Shore Excursion
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Terrible experience with trip advisor.
Jeanne I,
Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Actually I rate this zero. Your provider cancelled us in spite of having an e- ticket. I will never trust your company again.
Viator is a rip off company.Careful!! They canceled and I had to fight for refund. Kept my reward $$'s. Never again.
Teresa G,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Viator canceled this tour a couple days before it was to happen. I had to fight for a refund. Beware
Zero balls if that was an option!
stmartinmd,
Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We booked this trip months ago, received confirmation, digital tickets and our credit card was charged on September the first for the full amount. To our surprise and disgust we were not on the list provided to the local tour operator and were denied boarding due to overbooking by Viator. The local operator was not interested in either providing nor suggesting any alternative. So we were left high and not so dry in the drizzle at the Man port. If not for the kind assistance of Shona and Bash, beautiful Manx people, our day would have been ruined. They set us up with Simon who took us around with a pit stop in Peel for the local Queenies ( sweet small abalone, the world’s best) . Henceforth kudos to Shona, Bash and Simon and two thumbs down for Viator and their local operator. Avoid Viator at all cost, you will not be disappointed!
HORRIBLE. DO NOT TRUST THIS COMPANY.
Excursion05836018889,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00They canceled on us and still have not given us our money back. We Have asked by phone and by email. Will be starting a claim with our credit card.
Not as Expected
Road539522,
Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00This excursion was a tour of the island; nothing was mentioned about Vikings and we were only allowed to see the outside of the castles. We saw a historical village and seals, which was interesting, but not what we signed up for. The driver said regardless of what we we had scheduled, he was directed to give us a tour of the island. Disappointed.
Do Not Take this Isle of Man Tour
Frieda T,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00BEWARE! This was a different trip than the advertised and paid for trip. Those of us on this tour are trying to be refunded/repaid. We had a driver who was told to be a tour guide at the last minute. There were 4 or five groups taking this tour. Some bought through Viator and some through another vendor but our itinerary looked the same and pricing looked the same. I’ve always had a good experience with Viator but this was NOT okay. The driver was given a different itinerary and our “lunch stop” was limited to 15 minutes which meant the restaurant could not accommodate anyone. The driver was a kind person (Martin) and hood-winked into a job he was not prepared to do. We did not have the tickets at the castle (which were prepaid/ included). The castle ticketing person looked at our contracts and saw we were charged so gave us free entrance for 15 minutes, hoping to be repaid. BEWARE!
Complete waste of time and money - a sham
jimsB792LR,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I booked this trip for my wife and I specifically to visit several historical places on the itinerary. Most important were Peel Castle and Braadan Church. We got 20 minutes in Peel after the itinerary said 90 and skipped the others altogether. Crammed with 6 others in a small van, not a bus, very uncomfortable. We could not hear our guide at all and to make it worse, the air con was useless. The guide seemed uninformed of the entire island and the history that was mentioned in the itinerary. I'm not sure what was going on here but we mentioned the itinerary and the guide seemed to shrug and not be concerned. We ended up getting dropped off and walking back to our hotel. What a complete and utter waste of time and money. Save yourself the heartache of booking with this vendor. They should not be allowed to operate. And yes I did express this to the guide and messaged the operator only to be ignored.
Isle of Man and Bik in ng Heritage.
Steve C,
Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour purchased was not what we paid for. Expect a full refund. No admission tickets were used as we did not visit the sites paid for.
Not As Advertised
Kelly B,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00We only visited one place from this itinerary. The Peele Castle. Our driver was given a list of places to take us that did not match the itinerary we were expecting. We ended up at another castle The Rushen. We had to pay the admission price of 15 pounds each. Then only 30 minutes to get through the castle. No visit to the Braaden Church, no Norse longhouses, or the House of Manannan. This tour was very disappointing being that it was nothing compared to the description of activities we were suppose to experience. The driver was great, but would have been nice to have an actual tour guide that knew about the places we visited. A microphone would have been nice so the whole group could hear what he was saying as he was driving. Time was wasted walking down and back the pier to see statues of The Bee Gees. More time wasted driving around the buildings of hotels by the port. These two things were not listed in the itinerary. So that wasted time would have been better spent exploring the castles more. The final stop was the peele castle …. We were given about 15 minutes to walk around that castle. There is no way to see the whole site in 15 minutes. No accommodations were made for the admission fees to be paid for the group here. We stood outside, wasting time, as our driver spoke with the gate attendant to try to figure out how your company would pay for entry, This was the most unorganized excursion I have ever been on. Upon return to our starting point, I spoke with the gentlemen who greeted us about why this happened and he seemed to just not care. He did state that they added the Rushen castle as an addition. “An addition that was an extra cost for us”? Don’t you think you should ask guests if they want the extra expense?
Complete mess up.
Cathy L,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00No guide. Driver had completely different itinerary than what was advertised. He finally got us around to many of the stops, but no commentary, no stops for lunch, and no admission to promised attractions, except that I talked them into admitting them.
From £82.76
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