A four-tiered grass hill in the village of St John's where the Isle of Man's parliament, Tynwald, has met in the open air every year for over a thousand years — the oldest continuous parliament in the world.
Tynwald Hill stands about 12 feet high with four grass tiers, each rising three feet, reached by uneven natural stone steps and topped by a flagpole. Tradition says it is built from soil brought from all 17 of the Island's ancient parishes.
Just 0.2 miles away, over 25 acres of parkland hold ornamental and native trees, groves named for the 17 parishes, a large pond for feeding ducks, a children's playground and a picnic shelter with views over the village. Open all year; dogs are not permitted.
Opposite the Hill, this free centre tells the story of Viking thing sites and Tynwald, with old photos of St John's, a Lego model of Tynwald Day, colouring and dressing-up for children, a Manx language and music room, short films and a gift shop.
Each 5 July (moved to the Monday if it falls on a weekend; 6 July 2026), members of Tynwald process from the Royal Chapel to the Hill, where the Lieutenant Governor presides and the Deemsters read each Act of Tynwald aloud in Manx and English. Anyone may present a Petition for Redress. A fair, Viking village in Cooil-y-Ree gardens and the Tynwaldfest marquee with live music run alongside.
The Parish Church of St John the Baptist, built in 1849 from local granite and marble, sits beside the Hill and anchors the ceremony route. The small village of St John's has benches, cafés and public toilets.
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