Rising from the sea in Mount's Bay, St Michael's Mount is one of Cornwall's most famous sights: a rocky tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and church. At low tide you can walk across to it on a granite causeway, and at high tide you take a small boat. Getting the tide right is part of the adventure.
Getting there and parking
The Mount lies just off the town of Marazion, about three miles east of Penzance. There are several car parks in Marazion near the causeway, which fill up quickly in summer. Buses run from Penzance, and you can also walk or cycle along the coast from Penzance, a flat route of around three miles that is lovely in its own right.
Crossing the causeway
The causeway is uncovered for a few hours either side of low tide. Walking across takes about ten to fifteen minutes. The cobbles can be slippery with seaweed, so wear sensible shoes. Check the tide times and the crossing times on the official St Michael's Mount website before you go, and keep an eye on the time while you are on the island. The sea covers the causeway quickly when the tide turns.
When the causeway is covered, small ferry boats run between Marazion and the island harbour, weather permitting. There is a fare, paid on board.
The island and castle
St Michael's Mount has been a place of pilgrimage for well over a thousand years. Legend links it with giants and with sightings of the Archangel Michael, and in the Middle Ages it was given to the monks of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, which it closely resembles. Later it became a fortress, and since the 17th century it has been home to the St Aubyn family, who still live in the castle today. The island is cared for by the National Trust in partnership with the family.
From the harbour, a steep, cobbled path climbs to the castle. It is rough and uneven, and not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Inside you can explore rooms full of history, including the medieval church and the Chevy Chase room, and enjoy views across Mount's Bay from the battlements.
The gardens
Clinging to the rocks on the island's southern side, the terraced gardens are full of exotic plants that thrive in the mild climate and the warmth stored in the granite. They are usually open on a different schedule from the castle, often only on certain days in spring and summer, so check before you go if they are a priority.
The harbour and village
Around the harbour, a small village houses the people who live and work on the island. There are cafés and a shop, and the harbour walls are a lovely place to sit and watch the boats.
Tickets and opening times
You can walk across the causeway and explore the harbour area freely. The castle and gardens need tickets, which are best booked online in advance in busy periods. National Trust members usually get free entry to the castle. Opening days and times vary through the year, and the castle is often closed on Saturdays, so always check the official website first.
Good to know
- Marazion has its own lovely beach, cafés and galleries. Combine your visit with a wander through the town.
- Dogs are allowed on the causeway and around the harbour, but not usually in the castle or gardens.
- The view of the Mount at sunset, from Marazion or the coast path towards Penzance, is unforgettable.
- Allow at least half a day to see everything without rushing the tide.
Photos: St Michael's Mount by ArildV, CC BY-SA 4.0; The causeway by David Dixon, CC BY-SA 2.0; via Wikimedia Commons.
