Tynwald National Park and Arboretum

Tynwald National Park was opened on 28 June 1979 by the President of Iceland, Dr. Kristjan Eldjarn, to commemorate the millennium of the ancient Tynwald. In the Norse language the word Tynwald means Parliament Field and it is to this that the arboretum forms an attractive and maturing backdrop. Situated on the main A1 route approximately 2½ miles east of Peel, the National Park is readily accessible by both private and public transport.

Covering an area of some 25 acres, the Park divides into 3 subsections. Phase 1, the vicinity of the pond and lower slopes, accommodates a wide range of less common largely ornamental trees and shrubs and is divided by grassed rides, each of which bears the name of one of the Island's 17 parishes.

Phase 2 covers rising ground to the north and east and accommodates hardier, mainly native tree species. A specially constructed shelter and picnic area commands a panoramic view extending westwards to the sea and south over the church and village to tree-clad Slieau Whallian.

An information leaflet explaining the layout of the Park and arboretum is available from the DEFA offices:

This includes a plan which lists the tree and shrub species in the 28 beds and shelterbelts.

To the north lies Phase 3 which comprises the Commonwealth Grove as well as 3 roundels of Scots pine, beech and oak. This area is grazed by sheep during the summer months and is surrounded by substantial coniferous shelterbelts which are currently being opened up to encourage public access.