Silverdale Glen
A glen near Ballasalla with a boating lake and a Victorian water-driven carousel.
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Silverdale is the family glen: a wooded valley with a boating lake, a café and a small set of amusements, the centrepiece of which is a carousel of 1890s vintage that is still turned by a water wheel fed from the stream rather than by a motor. The ride came from Liverpool and has been running here for over a century. Paths lead up the glen towards Ballasalla and the ruins of Rushen Abbey are a short walk away.
What you actually see
- The water-driven carousel - an 1890s ride still turned by a water wheel.
- The boating lake - the rowing boats on the pond at the centre of the glen.
- The glen paths - walks up the wooded valley towards Ballasalla.
- The Rushen Abbey link - the medieval abbey ruins a short walk away.
When to go
April to September is when the rides and café operate. Winter leaves only the walking. Weekends and school holidays are busiest.
Honest expectations
The amusements are modest and aimed at young children. Rides operate seasonally and in reasonable weather only. It gets crowded on fine weekends.
Nearby
Castletown is south, and the Fairy Bridge is east.
What to pack for Silverdale Glen
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.