We are only 2 miles (6 minutes drive) from Marazion which is the village leading to the iconic St. Michael’s Mount. Did you know St.Michael’s Mount is one of the most photographed places in the UK and also one of the top tourist attractions in Cornwall? This iconic tidal island is literally on the doorstep and can be seen from our patio or the beach at low tide. Join us as we take you on an amazing journey through time and learn about the history of the Mount and explain what you can expect when you visit.
A journey of St. Michael’s Mount's past.
Starting with the church and priory these were built in the 12th century by benedictine Monks, these parts are still part of the castle today and can be viewed when visiting. It is also said that the arch-angle Saint Michael (patron saint of Fishermen) appeared above where the modern day entrance is to the castle to warn fishermen of the danger of the jagged rocks. The church tower is also an important part of history because the first beacon was lit there to warn London of the imminent Spanish Armada attack.
The Mount was the centre of activity before the 12th century, as the island was a tin trading centre exporting to mainland Europe. Cannons can be found on the Mount which were used to drive a Napoleonic ship to its capture on Marazion beach.
You can learn of the folklore legends, such as Jack the Giant-killer, who was a young lad from Marazion who was brave enough to rid the town of the curse of Cormoran the Giant known for stealing cattle to stop his tummy rumble.
The island was bought in the 1650s by the Aubrey family and later given to the National Trust in 1954, however, the family remain living in the castle as part of the agreement and this is displayed on a Saturday and Tuesday evenings with the castle being lit up and this is clearly visible from Chy An Gwedhen throughout the year. There are many guides around the site, should you need any more information or to answer any questions about the history of this iconic Cornish landmark.
What to expect when you visit
There are 2 ways of getting to the Mount, the most popular via the causeway, a cobblestone path, (when the tide is out) from Marazion Beach and you will always see plenty of people taking the walk across, sometimes even up to their waist in water. If the sea is covering the causeway then access is still possible by small boat (check availability when booking). The most likely way is walking the path there and getting the boat back, depending on tide times.
There is plenty to do when you visit, first, you will be greeted by the small harbour and the cobbled streets leading to the island’s homes where locals live all year round. You can walk in royal footsteps and around the harbour cobbles you can find bronze casts of the actual footprints of Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. It is also here you will find the gift shop, art gallery and cafe here for a refreshing treat.
You can view the private gardens which were built in 1887 for a family of 11. Due to the fragility of the gardens, these can be viewed from inside the gardens and from the battlements which shows off their true beauty. Please check the gardens are open before you visit as they do close for necessary maintenance.
Then you can climb up the Mount to the castle, be sure to wear sturdy footwear as the path leading to the castle is very uneven. From up here you have the amazing views looking across the bay to Mousehall, Newlyn, Penzance and of course Marazion, then from the other side views across to Cudden Point and if you are very observant you can make out Chy An Gwedhen (Find out more on the website) in the distance.
It is here you will find the canons that protected the island. Then on to the castle itself where you take a step back in time making new discoveries waiting for you around every corner. You can experience the buildings changing faces as you step through ancient doorways and unpeel the layers of history. There are so many highlights and extraordinary finds as you pass through including a clock that tells the time of the tide as well as the time of day or an unusual gift from Egypt during a trip there to name just two. There is also a Virtual tour created by Lord St Leven to find out more about the amazing artefacts and history in even more detail by scanning the QR codes as you go round the site.
Planning your visit
Please be aware dogs are only allowed on the island between 1st October and 31st March, only assistance dogs are allowed from 1st April to 30th September.
Winter 1st November – 31st March
Access to the harbour village, Stewards House, gallery, shops and cafe are free, during this period the castle is closed for essential maintenance.
Spring 1st April – 30th April
Access to the harbour village, Stewards House, gallery, shops and cafe are still free and the castle is open for ticket holders.
Summer 1st May – 30th September
The whole of the island is open, including the gardens until 30th August, The island is open to ticket holders only so please be aware you will need to pay a fee to visit the Harbour village, shops etc.
Autumn 1st October – 31 October
Access to the harbour village, Stewards House, gallery, shops and cafe are still free and the castle is open for ticket holders.
We hope you have enjoyed our little guide to St.Michael’s Mount. If you need somewhere to stay during you’re visit we are only 5 minute drive away from Marazion Beach where you can access the causeway find out more by going to the top of the page (the button on the right corner) or Click Here.
