Agreement signed with National Trust for Guernsey
Tuesday 7 July 2020
Manx National Heritage (MNH), the charity responsible for the care and promotion of the Isle of Man’s natural and cultural heritage, has signed a reciprocal agreement with the National Trust for Guernsey.
The agreement comes in advance of the first flights to and from Guernsey, following the announcement of an ‘air bridge ’between the two jurisdictions without the need for self-isolation on arrival.
Under the terms of the agreement, Members of the National Trust of Guernsey will benefit from free entry to properties under the care of Manx National Heritage. Eight sites will initially be available to visit on the Isle of Man including the Manx Museum, Castle Rushen, Cregneash, Rushen Abbey, Peel Castle, House of Manannan, the Grove Museum and the world famous Laxey Wheel. Two unique, self-catering properties owned by Manx National Heritage are also available to book a stay at- Yn Thie Thooit, a 4* thatched cottage and Eary Cushlin, a 4* Gold rural holiday home.
In Guernsey, Members (Friends) of Manx National Heritage will benefit from free entry to the Folk and Costume Museum at Saumarez Park, the only pay-for-entry site managed by National Trust of Guernsey, and Les Caches Farm, a wonderful example of a mid-19th-century Guernsey farmhouse and barn.
Laurence Skelly MHK, Minister for Enterprise said:
‘I am delighted with the recent announcement by the Governments of Guernsey and the Isle of Man and we cannot wait to welcome residents from the Bailiwick of Guernsey to the Isle of Man. The new air bridge is a major milestone for both jurisdictions and reflects how well both communities have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Whether for a week or short break, the Isle of Man is the perfect choice to for those looking to get away, providing opportunities for a relaxing break or an adventurous holiday on land or sea. The UNESCO World Biosphere status the Island holds highlights how special it is - with outstanding landscapes, incredible biodiversity, medieval castles and heritage sites, and long stretching uninterrupted coastlines. We have a rich 10,000 year history and a unique culture which is narrated across the spectacular Manx National Heritage sites, and it’s wonderful that members of the National Trust of Guernsey will get to avail of these for free. I’m sure many of our Islanders will be looking to take advantage of the agreement on their visit to Guernsey also.’
Edmund Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage said:
‘We already have reciprocal arrangements in place with a number of jurisdictions and as part of the International National Trust family continue to work with those organisations who share our values and our love for the Island’s wildlife and heritage.
We’ve brought forward our discussions with Guernsey in light of the new “air bridge” and I am delighted that we have been able to agree things within a week. We very much hope that the new agreement between National Trust of Guernsey and Manx National Heritage will encourage Members of both organisations to visit and enjoy each other’s historic sites, leading to a deeper relationship going forward.
We encourage visitors to Manx National Heritage or National Trust of Guernsey sites to please tag @manxnationalheritage and @nationaltrustguernsey in your social media feed so we can share stories of heritage travel between both destinations.’
Flights, operated by Aurigny, between the Isle of Man and Guernsey are now available to book online at www.aurigny.com and will run twice-weekly for an initial six week period between Wednesday 22 July and Sunday 30 August.
Isle of Man residents not already a Member of The Friends of Manx National Heritage can help conserve and promote the Isle of Man’s culture and heritage, and take advantage of the new Reciprocal Agreement by becoming a Member from as little as £37.50 each year.
Folk & Costurme Museum Guernsey