LANDMARKS & HERITAGE
ST MICHAEL'S
MOUNT
A magical tidal island rising from the sea, Cornwall’s most iconic landmark.
📍 Marazion, West Cornwall
Home / Attractions / St Michael’s Mount
Cornwall Family Life POV
Our honest family perspective
St Michael’s Mount is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away every single time. We’ve walked the causeway at low tide more times than we can count, but the anticipation never fades — there’s something almost fairy-tale about walking across the sea to reach a castle on a rocky island. With children, the whole experience becomes even more magical. They love the steep climb up through the village to the castle, the views from the battlements, and the sub-tropical gardens clinging to the rocky slopes. The timing of your visit matters enormously, check the tide tables before you go, because arriving at low tide to walk the ancient cobbled causeway is a very different (and much more special) experience than arriving by boat.
Overview
St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island in Mount’s Bay, connected to the mainland village of Marazion by a cobbled causeway that is accessible on foot at low tide. The island is dominated by a magnificent medieval castle and church, which has been home to the St Aubyn family for over 350 years and is now managed by the National Trust. The sub-tropical gardens, clinging to the rocky slopes below the castle, are a remarkable feat of horticulture.
Highlights
- Walk the ancient cobbled causeway at low tide
- Medieval castle with stunning panoramic views
- Sub-tropical gardens on the rocky island slopes
- National Trust managed, free for members
- Charming harbour village with café and shop
- Boat trips from Marazion at high tide
- Rich history spanning over 1,000 years
- One of Cornwall’s most photographed landmarks
History
St Michael’s Mount has been a place of human significance for over 3,000 years. In the 5th century, fishermen reportedly witnessed a vision of St Michael on the rocky summit, establishing it as a place of Christian pilgrimage. A Benedictine priory was established here in the 12th century, affiliated with the famous Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. The castle we see today dates largely from the 14th century, though it has been extensively modified over the centuries.
Visitor Information
| Address |
| St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS |
| Opening Hours |
| Castle: March–October, Sunday–Friday 10:30am–5pm. Gardens: April–October, selected days. Check National Trust website. |
| Admission |
| Castle & Gardens: Adults £15, Children £7.50. National Trust members free. |
| Phone |
| 01736 710507 |
| Parking |
| Pay & Display car parks in Marazion village. Disabled parking closer to causeway. |
| Best Age Range |
| All ages — pushchair accessible via boat at high tide |
You Might Also Like
Geevor Tin
Mine
Lappa Valley
Steam Railway
Springfields Fun Park &
Pony Centre
