With a appearance similar to Mont St Michel in France this island off the coast from Marazion, 5km (3 miles) from Penzance, is home to a Benedictine monastery that incorporates a church, a castle and a small village at its base. At low tide you can walk across a causeway to get to the Mount; a ferry runs at other times.
Sitting in Mount’s Bay, St Michael’s Mount boasts a medieval castle that has evolved from a 12th-century priory. Originally an important pilgrimage site, the island’s strategic location made it an ideal defensive stronghold.
Visitors can explore the castle’s medieval architecture, discover the gardens that thrive in the island’s unique microclimate and enjoy views of the surrounding coastline from the castle. The village at the island’s base, with its charming cottages and harbour, further adds to the island’s allure.
The island’s centrepiece is the medieval castle, which features grand halls, a quaint chapel and an eclectic collection of artefacts. As visitors climb up to the castle, they are treated to panoramic vistas of the rugged Cornish coastline.
What to see at St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is one of the main tourist attractions in this part of Cornwall, offering visitors a rich tapestry of history, stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes. The site offers multiple things to see and do, ranging from the unique setting of the village to the historic significance and beauty of the island’s castle and priory.
Castle and priory
The crowning jewel of St Michael’s Mount is its medieval castle, perched atop the island’s summit. Evolving from a priory founded in the 12th century, the castle has witnessed centuries of history. Visitors can explore its grand halls, traverse ancient passageways and visit the ornate Chevy Chase Room, which is noted for its intricate plasterwork.
In addition to the historic building itself, visitors to the castle can see an eclectic array of artefacts that include a clock that not only indicates the time of day but also the tide, a frieze depicting hunting scenes (complete with an ostrich munching on a horseshoe), a fragment of the coat worn by Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo and the sofa where Queen Victoria once sat while being entertained with a cup of tea by the housekeeper. Adding to the intrigue is a mummified cat, an unusual souvenir from a trip to Egypt.
Sub-tropical gardens
Nurtured by the island’s unique microclimate, St Michael’s Mount boasts sub-tropical gardens that cascade down the terraced slopes. These lush gardens, with their exotic plants, create a botanical haven against the backdrop of the rugged Cornish coastline.
Village and harbour
The charming village with its quaint cottages, narrow cobbled lanes and bustling harbour is also a major part of any visit to St Michael’s Mount. The village highlights the island’s maritime heritage and offers a glimpse into the daily life of the handful of people who live on the island. Visitors can explore charming shops and eateries, creating a delightful contrast to the medieval grandeur above.
Visiting St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is just 500m (⅓ mile) offshore from Marazion and visitors can access the island via a causeway that is accessible during low tide. You will need to allow 10–15 minutes for the walk to the island, timing your visit with the tides, if you plan on accessing the island via the causeway. As access is dependent on the tides, it is recommended that you check the causeway opening times on the St Michael’s Mount website when planning your visit.
Alternatively, a ferry operates during high tide, offering a scenic boat ride to the island. The short boat rides cost £3.20 (£1.60 if you’re aged 1–15). Ferry services do not operate all year round, meaning that you need to be more careful with planning your visit around the tides if you’re visiting during the off-peak season.
Entry to St Michael’s Mount varies throughout the year with free admission in the off-peak season; however, off-peak access only allows you to visit the village and harbour. An admission charge applies during the peak season when the castle is also open to visitors.
The Island Cafe offers a selection of eating and drinking options including Cornish pasties and traditional cream tea.
Allow around three hours for your visit to the island.
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