Silverdale Glen

Silverdale Glen is a National Glen and recreational area located near the village of Ballasalla in the parish of Malew on the Isle of Man. The site features a small boating lake, café, playing fields, playground, and a Victorian water-powered carousel. The glen follows the Silverburn river for about half a mile and can be accessed from Ballasalla or a car park off the A3 (Foxdale Road). It is part of the Millennium Way trail. The area has historical ties to the Quayle family, who once owned Ballasalla Cregg Mill. William Quine MHK acquired the property in the late 19th century and developed it as a tourist attraction. His son Thomas continued this work, renaming the mill Silverdale Tea Rooms by 1910. Cecil Joseph Mitchell bought the mill in 1938 and promoted it as a tourist destination. The Forestry, Mines & Lands Board acquired the recreation area in 1960 and the mill and café in 1962. Part of the glen was donated to the Manx National Trust in 1966. The boating lake was created by damming the Silverburn river for the mill and later repurposed for tourism, offering pedalo boats and hosting the Manx Model Boat Club. The restored waterwheel at the mill now generates electricity, while nearby attractions include a playground and gift shops. The carousel, installed in 1911, is powered by a waterwheel from Foxdale mines. Walks along the Silverburn river connect to Rushen Abbey, Poulsom Park, and Castletown railway station. A medieval bridge near Rushen Abbey dates ...