A whisper of history hangs in the air. Glen Helen welcomes you.
Picture this breathtaking glen nestled in the Rhenass valley. It’s one of eighteen Manx National Glens. Glen Helen boasts a rich history dating back to the 1860s. A group of Manx businessmen with a passion for trees transformed this area. They planted countless trees and shrubs. They built charming paths and bridges. They opened Glen Helen to the public in 1867. The name Glen Helen is said to have been inspired by Greek mythology. It perfectly captures the glen’s beauty.
Glen Helen is more than just a pretty place. It’s a living testament to human effort. The glen’s beauty is enhanced by the two rivers Neb and Blaber. These rivers flow through the glen. Three-quarters of a mile in lies the Rhenass Waterfall. This dramatic waterfall is a sight to behold. The glen is home to an impressive variety of trees. Sequoias thujas spruces Douglas firs oaks sycamores and beeches create a stunning canopy.
Glen Helen’s story isn’t just about nature’s splendor. It’s intertwined with the Isle of Man’s motor-racing heritage. The A3 road that runs through Glen Helen formed part of early TT race courses. From 1907 to 1910 it was part of the St John’s Short Course. Later it became part of the longer Mountain Course used in the Isle of Man TT Races and the Manx Grand Prix.
The glen changed hands several times. Initially privately owned it was acquired by the Isle of Man Forestry Land and Mines Board in 1958. This purchase cost 4300 pounds. The purchase included buildings and 67 acres of land. The car park was a later addition acquired in 1979.
Glen Helen has seen its share of ups and downs. A Swiss Chalet restaurant once stood here. It was sadly destroyed by fire in 1983. A new restaurant was built to replace it. The original fountain however remains a reminder of the glen’s past. This fountain was recently restored.
Even the car park has a story. In the late 1980s it nearly collapsed revealing the remains of an old hotel. The hotel was demolished earlier. The underground stream that caused the collapse had to be redirected.
Famous aviator Amy Johnson visited Glen Helen in 1933. She planted a Douglas fir tree. The tree stands near the Victorian fountain a lasting tribute to a remarkable woman.
Glen Helen is more than just a scenic spot. It’s a place where nature history and human stories intertwine. It’s a place where you can feel the whispers of the past while enjoying the beauty of the present. Enjoy your time here in Glen Helen.