A Local’s Guide to St Michael’s Mount: History, Tips & When to Visit

The coastal county of Cornwall is renowned for its beautiful beaches, expansive shorelines, rugged cliff tops and iconic landmarks. One such landmark is the historic St Michael’s Mount, just across the water from Marazion, near the coastal town of Penzance.

Throughout this guide we will find out what makes St Michael’s Mount one of the favourite places to see when visiting Cornwall, covering its location, history and best times to visit, so you can decide whether it’s worth the trip.

What Is St Michael’s Mount and Why Is It So Special?

St Michael’s Mount is a pretty unique attraction…it’s a small tidal island just off the Cornish coast near Marazion. Think of a steep-like granite hill rising up, a rocky island which is crowned by a Medieval castle and a chapel with the addition of lovely gardens and views out to Mounts Bay. It’s managed by the National Trust which means it’s been well cared for and at low tide, you can walk there along the granite causeway, a rather impressive and unusual scenic route.

A Short History of St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount has religious roots dating back to 1044, when Edward the Confessor granted land there for a chapel link to the Benedictine Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel in Brittany, and a full priory followed in 1135.

It’s dramatic coastal position made it an ideal spot for a stronghold and spent it’s time under the control of Perkin Warbeck. The Mount was passed to the Crown and went through numerous owners before it was bought by the Aubyn family in 1659. They transformed it into a home adding the East Wing and then in the late 19th Century went onto build a grand mansion.

In 1954 it was gifted to the National Trust along with funds for its upkeep, though the St Aubyn family still live in the castle today which continues a tradition stretching back over 800 years. 

How to Visit: Causeway, Boat, Tickets and Timing

So we’ve talked about how unique this Cornish landmark is, now it’s time to think about the practicalities of getting there. As it’s an island, a bit of planning is required. That’s not to say it’s tricky, it just means if the tide’s in you need to hop on a boat to get to St Michael’s Mount, which just takes around 5 minutes. It’s worth noting the foot ferry only runs between mid-March to October and since the tides shift daily it’s always worth checking the crossing times before you set off.

If the tide’s out, you can access the Mount via the old cobbled causeway. Just be mindful of when the tide will be coming back in, as you don’t want to leave yourself short on time. It’s recommended to give at least half a day to explore St Michael’s Mount, taking in the time to get to the island and back, as well as explore it once there.

Tickets and opening times do vary throughout the year around the seasons so it’s worth checking the website for updated information.

When Is the Best Time to Visit St Michael’s Mount?

The best time to visit St Michael’s Mount depends on what you want to get out of your day. Are you interested in experiencing both the walk along the causeway and the ferry boat ride? In which case, assessing the tide times are the most important thing in order to get the best experience of exploring St Michael’s Mount.

The seasons obviously matter too, as a warm Summer’s day is sure to bring the holiday crowds out, but generally the earlier the arrival the fewer people. 

It’s worth remembering that the island isn’t open every day and the access to St Michael’s Mount can sometimes be affected by the weather or due to rough seas. So do check out the website before considering visiting St Micheal’s so you’re not left feeling disappointed.

What to See and Do Once You’re There

So you’ve walked the causeway or made the boat crossing and it’s now time to explore the island! The main pull is the castle with meandering, cobbled paths, Medieval history and ornate plasterwork. Just below the castle are the gardens, a must-see in the Summer, home to plants from the Mediterranean and South Africa, which all thrive in the sub-tropical micro climate that the island enjoys.

The bottom of St Michael’s Mount is home to a small working harbour village which is home to 30 islanders as well as the At Aubyn family. It’s definitely worth a stroll to appreciate the chapel, quaint cottages and a place to stop off and enjoy a traditional Cornish cream tea. 

Just a tip to note: there’s a lot of walking and in places, uneven surfaces, so wear a good pair of shoes and read the latest information regarding accessibility on the official St Michael’s Mount website before heading out for the day. 

Why Penzance Makes a Good Base for Visiting St Michael’s Mount

St Michael’s Mount is across the water from Marazion and roughly 4 miles from the Cornish seaside town of Penzance which offers an ideal base for visiting St Michael’s Mount and for exploring the rest of West Cornwall.

Hotel Penzance offers stunning sea views, traditional bedrooms and is within walking distance of the beach. There are also numerous things to do in Penzance itself, from browsing the many independent shops, strolling along the promenade through to dipping  your toes in the sea or their renovated saltwater lido, the Jubilee Pool. check out coastal hotels in Penzance for your perfect place to explore St Michael’s Mount and wider Cornwall.