If like me you love visiting castles and taking in the history, there's one castle located on a partially submerged reef on the coast of the Isle of Man you need to visit.
If you're planning a day trip to go see this castle, don't worry about planning out the whole day, it won't take that long. This particular caste is a little on the tiny side. It's also surrounded by water, and can only be reached by foot during certain times of the year.
In fact, there's even a guided tour for those looking to travel to and visit the castle, but this only runs during low tidal conditions.
Known as The Tower of Refuge, the small castle can be found on a partially submerged reef, known to the locals as St. Mary’s Isle, more commonly known as Conister Rock.
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What is The Tower of Refuge?
As the name suggests, The Tower of Refuge was built to offer refuge for anyone that faced peril on the waters of Douglas Bay.
The reef in which the castle is built upon, was the cause of multiple shipwrecks. But now, the castle stands not only as a visual warning of the reef, but also as a refuge for mariners who might be in danger around the area.
Sir William Hillary, the founder of RNLI petitioned for a sanctuary to be built on the reef, after a steamer in which he was the lifeboat leader for nearly sank while anchored at the island during a storm. So not only does the castle serve as a visual warning of the reef to any nearby ships, but it also acts as a safe haven for anyone nearby who might need shelter while they await rescue.
How can you get to The Tower of Refuge?
The Isle of Man's Tower of Refuge can only be accessed during certain times. During low tides, there's a path which forms a bridge between the island reef, and the mainland, which makes it possible to access the tower by foot.
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The only issue is, being an island, the land bridging the gap between the island and the mainland can close in quickly. Many visitors have been warned to attend one of the organised events, instead of attempting to make the trek on foot themselves.
Over the years, there have been a number of tourists visiting the castle, and have miscalculated the tide. This has led to a number of people being cut off from the mainland by the tide, and needing rescue from the coastguard.
According to Isle of Man Today, back in June, 2023, three people were stranded at The Tower of Refuge after miscalculating the tide, leaving them to seek help from the local coastguard.
While you are able to go and visit the castle yourself, it's recommended that you join one of the organised events to see the castle.
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Not only do these events help ensure your safety, but they also help raise money for the RNLI, making them a worthwhile event.
Plus, if you plan to go out and land up stranded, you could end up costing RNLI money, so why not take the trip as a way to help raise money for them instead?
Kegan Marquez