This local landmark looks like something straight out of a fairytale; a medieval castle perched on top of a little tidal island, complete with cobbled streets and even its own harbour and gardens. At low tide, 'the Mount' can easily be reached on foot from Marazion town by way of a man-made granite causeway. Wait for high tide to take the lazy option and go by ferry. If you've got time to kill while you wait, you can enjoy the view across Mount's Bay with a pint in hand at The Godolphin Arms near the ferry departure point.
Manor Office
MARAZION
Cornwall
TR17 0EF
Telephone
01736 710507
Jul 2023
Wonderful. Worth waiting for the tide to be out so as to experience the walk across the causeway. The castle is stunning and full of interest about the lives of the St Aubyn family. The garden, cascading down the cliff, is surely unique and the views are absolutely splendid. No one visiting Penzance and Marazion should miss this treasure and experience
May 2023
Apr 2023
Mar 2023
Marazion is just 15 mins by car from the cottage and there is ample, specific parking by the beach for Mount visitors. The best way to reach Mount is to walk across the causeway. There is an excellent visitor centre, cafe and art exhibition. Gardens are stunning and extensive views from castle, which has interesting historic interior- especially the chapel
Aug 2022
Ended up here at the end of a pilgrimage walk from Lelant. As we came to the top of the hill we looked out to sea and spotted the castle through the mist. As we descended, there was sunshine across the beach and we loved the walk across the causeway. Beautiful gardens, interesting displays and an informative tour of the castle. Magical day.
Aug 2022
Lovely spot and ensure you book in advance and know the tidal situation. High tide get the boat and low walk the causeway. Try to do both ! Good for kids plenty to see and big area to let off steam. Lovely morning was had and returned to Marazion where we picked up lunch and spent pm on the beach. A good day out.
Jun 2022
Been visiting for years. You can no longer enter just to use the cafe or toilet, like you used to. We had to book tickets on our phones at the gate and it allocated us a time slot - so we had to walk back into Marazion to kill an hour before walking back across. Bit of a shame. Still utterly beautiful though.
May 2022
We are National Trust Members and didn't actually book this. After walking across the causeway we were told we needed to have booked online tickets. We then did this on our phone and were admitted easily enough. Cafe has been updated and the plant sales area changed but for the better with more seating. A wonderful castle and beautiful gardens. You need to book a ticket for the boat trip before setting off if you cannot walk the causeway. You can't buy a ticket on the boat anymore. A fabulous day out.
Sep 2021
Jul 2021
Jun 2021
Jun 2021
Aug 2019
Jun 2019
Apr 2016
Aug 2015
St Michael's Mount is a truly unique and magical place and was the highlight of our stay. Check the tides on the website; you need to walk the Causeway one way and get the boat in the other as the tide will come in/out while you are there. I would advise going early during the high season. That way you will park easily in the National Trust Car Park on the beach and will avoid the worst of the crowds. Both National Trust Cafes on the Mount do amazing food, often sourced from local producers, and they have spectacular views of the mainland. The Crab Rarebit will linger in my memory...mmm!
The warnings of uneven ground should be heeded; you do need to wear supportive footwear...no flip-flops! The cobbled, steep paths up to the Mount are poorly maintained and have great gaps in between the cobbles. One section known as 'The Pilgrim Steps' dates from mediaeval times and are now little more than tumbledown boulders that have to be scrambled up. Buggies are better left behind or you will end up carrying them (and the kids)!
However, it is SO worth the climb for the amazing views from the top and to look around the house and Church. What a history! Medieval Abbey, to Civil War fortress, and now a private residence. Stunning!
Aug 2015
Whether you walk across the causeway or get the ferry (likelihood is you'll do both), at some point you will have to walk. The walk from quay to either the gardens or the castle is a bit of a trek, with the latter needing the visitor to scramble up steep cobbled steps and pathways. Once you reach either the strenuous walk is immediately forgotten as you are left agog at the stunning views, both natural and man made.
The top of the castle commands spectacular views across Mount Bay, with Newlyn, Penzance and Marazion all within a perfect vista. If you're brave enough you can peer over the ramparts and spy the fabulous gardens from on high.
Children are easily entertained by the castle quiz and they get a prize at the end, adults can simply wonder at the artefacts on display and the fabulous architecture.
Oct 2012
Oct 2012
Sep 2012
We love St Michael's Mount. If the tide is right you can walk across to the mount and then get a boat ride back. The house and surrounding area are very atmospheric and if you are fortunate enough you will get to see the Basking Sharks. A great day out and well worth a visit.
Aug 2012
Took the ferry as it was high tide. A long queue but with several ferries we didn't have to wait long. Kids enjoyed the ferry ride and the interesting things in the castle. Quite a steep climb on cobbles up to the castle so wished I had worn more sensible shoes but worth the climb. Cafe's were good and also places to picnic. Lovely views from the castle. Spent several hours on St Michael's Mount.
May 2012
Apr 2012
Sep 2011
The views are amazing and the castle is full of history. A bonus is the castle is still inhabited as a family home, which gives it a nice lived in feel. Gardens look fantastic from the ramparts, but are not open every day. Phone up before you visit to check tide times. We went out by boat, then walked back across the causeway.
The NT cafe is lovely, and you can have an above average waitress served meal.
Sep 2011
Jul 2011
Well worth being a member of the National Trust to be able to enjoy this treasure. Great afternoon's outing for family - we had our 2 older teenage kids who were very happy to go round the castle. Lovely place to sit and relax too enjoying an ice cream after you've viewed the property. Keep your eye on the tide though - it comes in very quickly but it adds to the fun to have to wade back through thigh-high water!
Jun 2011
The view from Sunnyside over St Michael's Mount is magical and a trip there doesn't disappoint. We were impatient for the tide to recede and so began our visit by paddling over the causeway, an adventure in itself. The walk up to the house was an exciting scramble, but not for the infirm. At the top the views were tremendous and the property quite as wacky as the octagonal dairy on the way up suggested it would be. Lunch in the tea shop was one of the best we had during our stay. All in all, a delight. Brilliant for anyone with children. Best not paddle over the causeway if you're taking the buggy though.
Apr 2009
Jan 2009
When in the area there is nothing nicer to do, whatever the weather, than walk or take a boat to the Mount (depending on the tide). At low tide you can meander up the causeway the to the Mount where a nice NT cafe awaits and a steep walk up to the castle (passing over the giant's heart on the way), here the views across the Mount's gardens are second to none. A magestic place.
Jan 2009
Check the tide times before you leave, as it's great to walk over to the mount. If you have small children it is better to walk or bring a baby carrier as pushing a buggy on the cobbles is really hard work. It's a magical place, nothing quite like it, it's amazing how the access to the mount suddenly appears and then disappears later in the day. There is also a fab outside play area for children with plenty to do for small tots and children up to about 12 years.
Jan 2009
Jan 2009
Sep 2008
A trip to St Michael's Mount is a wonderful way of spending a sunny summer's afternoon or even a beautiful autumn one, if you want to avoid the crowds! The view of the castle in the bay is so well known, it is lovely to get another perspective of the coastline by looking back from the island to Marazion beach and the sweep of the bay to Penzance. To get the full experience you need to walk across the causeway at low tide (there are often puddles!!) but the walk up to the castle itself is very steep, so not a day for heels! The restaurant is nice, and there is also a tea-room/cafe, but we like to buy pasties in Philps at Marazion and sit round the island's harbour to eat them. On your ascent to the castle don't forget to look out for the heart of Cormoran the Giant, now turned to stone...
Jul 2008
Wonderful five minute trip by sea or if the tide is low, you can walk across the causeway to this fairy tale castle which dominates Mounts Bay. Steep walk up to the castle itself which is not for the faint hearted! Those who would rather not can wander round the little harbour. Good coffee and pasties at the Cafe or there is the Sail Loft Restaurant. N.T. shop. There is plenty to see in the Castle and the views from it are stunning.