# St Michael's Mount Cornwall – Historic Castle & Island > Markdown mirror of DialtoneApp's public top-site detail page for `stmichaelsmount.co.uk`. URL: https://dialtoneapp.com/top-sites/stmichaelsmount.co.uk/index.md Canonical HTML: https://dialtoneapp.com/top-sites/stmichaelsmount.co.uk ## Summary - Domain: `stmichaelsmount.co.uk` - Website: https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk - Description: ai readable | score 16 | purchase read only - Label: ai_readable - Payment surface: Not available - Purchase boundary: read_only - Control boundary: unknown - Rank: 528735 ## robots ~~~text # START YOAST BLOCK # --------------------------- User-agent: * Disallow: /wp-json/ Disallow: /?rest_route= Disallow: /wp-admin/ Disallow: /wp-includes/ Disallow: /wp-content/plugins/ Disallow: /wp-content/themes/ Disallow: /?URL=* Disallow: /feed/ Disallow: /trackback/ User-agent: Bytespider Disallow: / User-agent: Barkrowler Disallow: / User-agent: MJ12bot Disallow: / User-agent: AdsBot Disallow: / Sitemap: https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/sitemap_index.xml # --------------------------- # END YOAST BLOCK ~~~ ## llms ~~~text # St Michael's Mount > St Michael's Mount is an historic castle, garden and island found off the coast of Marazion, Cornwall. --- ## Pages - [Harbour Loft restaurant](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shopping-eating/harbour-loft-restaurant/) - [The Christmas Carol Wreath Trail](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/christmas-trail-2025/) - [Visiting Us Safely](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/visiting-us-safely/) - [Passes at St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/passes/) - [Visitor Centre](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/barge-house-visitor-centre/) - [Safeguarding Policy](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/safeguarding-policy-2/) - [Days out in Cornwall in May half term](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/days-out-in-cornwall-in-may-half-term/) - [Days out in Cornwall at Easter](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/easter-in-cornwall/) - [Mother's Day Afternoon Tea](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/mothers-day-afternoon-tea/) - [February half term in Cornwall](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/february-half-term/) - [What's open / available?](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/whats-open-available/) - [Looking After the Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/about-us/looking-after-the-mount/) - [Sustainability on St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/sustainability/) - [Spring information](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/winter/) - [Contact us](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/contact-us/) - [The Garden Terraces](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/the-garden-terraces/) - [Spring Opening Times](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/opening-times-2025-26/) - [Discover the incredible underwater world of seagrass meadows!](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/seagrass-film/) - [School Booking](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/school-booking/) - [St Michael’s Mount Live Webcam](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/live-webcam/) - [Schools & Learning](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/schools-learning/) - [Mount Memories Pass](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/passes/mount-memories-pass1/) - [Locals’ Pass](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/passes/locals-pass/) - [Sheila Hichens Collection](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/the-sheila-hitchens-collection1/) - [The Steward’s House Art Gallery](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/the-stewards-house/) - [2026 Tickets & Prices](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/ticket-prices/) - [Online Terms for the Purchase of Tickets and Products](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/online-terms-for-the-purchase-of-tickets-and-products/) - [Website Terms of Use](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/website-terms-of-use/) - [Church of St Michael & All Angels](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/the-church/) - [Groups](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/groups/) - [About St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/about-us/) - [Eat](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shopping-eating/) - [St Michael's Mount Shops](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shop/) - [Getting here. Boating or walking?](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/) - [Walking the causeway](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/walking/) - [Catching a boat](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/boating/) - [Parking for your visit](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/carparks/) - [Finding us](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/finding-us/) - [Pop Ups](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shopping-eating/pop-ups/) - [The Island Café](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shopping-eating/the-island-cafe/) - [Plant Sales](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plant-sales/) - [The Island Shop](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shop/the-island-shop/) - [The Mount Shop](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shop/st-michaels-mount-shop/) - [Privacy Policy](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/privacy-policy-2/) - [Stay in our cottages](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/stay-nearby/) - [Plan your visit](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/) - [Dogs](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/dogs/) - [Explore](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/) - [Italian](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/it/) - [French](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/fr/) - [German](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/de/) - [Around & About](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/around-and-about/) - [Accessibility](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/access/) - [Families](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/families/) - [FAQs](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/faq/) - [Work for us](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/work-for-us/) - [Press and Film Locations](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/press-and-film-locations/) - [History and legends](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/history-legends/) - [The Harbour and Village](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/village-harbour/) - [The Castle](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/castle/) - [Home](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/) --- ## News - [St Michael’s Mount features in new Great Western Railway campaign](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-features-in-new-great-western-railway-campaign/) - [St Michael’s Mount featured on BBC Countryfile in aftermath of Storm Goretti](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-featured-on-bbc-countryfile-in-aftermath-of-storm-goretti/) - [St Michael’s Mount makes an appearance on BBC2 Digging for Britain](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-featured-on-digging-for-britain/) - [Taking Stock After the Storm](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/taking-stock-after-the-storm/) - [St Aubyn Estates Reaccredited with Green Dragon Level 5](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-aubyn-estates-reaccredited-with-green-dragon-level-5/) - [Young Filmmakers Capture Mount Magic](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/young-filmmakers-capture-the-magic-of-the-mount/) - [Christmas Carol Wreath Trail](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/christmas-wreath-trail/) - [Dune Preservation at Marazion Beach](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/dune-preservation-at-marazion-beach/) - [St Aubyn Estates Achieves Prestigious Green Dragon Level 5 Accreditation](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-aubyn-estates-achieves-prestigious-green-dragon-level-5-accreditation/) - [Marazion School Unveil Time Capsule Plaque On Gwelva Boat Landing](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/marazion-school-unveil-time-capsule-plaque-on-gwelva-boat-landing/) - [Historic Craft Revived: Stephen Mathews' Withy Pot Journey Captured on Film](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/historic-craft-revived-stephen-mathews-withy-pot-journey-captured-on-film/) - [Marazion School to Commemorate Renovation of Gwelva Boat Landing with 100-Year Time Capsule](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/marazion-school-to-commemorate-renovation-of-gwelva-boat-landing-with-100-year-time-capsule/) - [Over 45,000 Mount visitors journey through time](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/over-45000-mount-visitors-journey-through-time/) - [Mount Garden Team support Wave Rangers Community Project](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/mount-garden-team-support-wave-rangers-community-project/) - [St Michael’s Mount Garden opening raises £4,800 for National Garden Scheme](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-garden-opening-raises-4800-for-national-garden-scheme/) - [Coronation Weekend at St Michael’s Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/coronation-weekend-at-st-michaels-mount/) - [Special garden opening for National Garden Scheme](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/special-garden-opening-in-support-of-the-national-garden-scheme/) - [The St Michael Returns After Refit](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-st-michael-returns-after-refit/) - [The Queen’s Green Canopy in Friendship Woods](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-queens-green-canopy-in-friendship-woods/) - [St Michael’s Mount - Where Learning Comes to Life](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-where-learning-comes-to-life/) - [St Michael’s Mount Extends Local’s Pass to include all west Penwith parishes](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-extends-locals-pass-to-include-all-west-penwith-parishes/) - [Sheila Hichens Collection of Newlyn School paintings displayed in the Steward’s House](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-sheila-hichens-collection-of-newlyn-school-paintings-displayed-in-the-s/) - [St Michael’s Mount garden opening raises £7,000 for National Garden Scheme](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-garden-opening-raises-7000-for-national-garden-scheme/) - [Once in a century Marazion boat landing & sea defence regeneration to begin](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/once-in-a-century-marazion-boat-landing-and-sea-defence-regeneration-to-beg/) - [Local artist captures Mount in bold new designs](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/jennifer-armitage-the-latest-artist-with-designs-on-the-mount/) - [Top Five Tips for Photographing the Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/top-five-tips-for-photographing-the-mount/) - [Walk the Pilgrim route from Lelant to St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-way/) - [Bronze Age Hoard](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/bronze-age-hoard/) - [Timeline of a Mount Lifeline - An Exhibition into the History of the Mount’s Amphibious Vehicles](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/timeline-of-a-mount-lifeline-an-exhibition-into-the-history-of-the-mounts-a/) - [The final stone is laid on the St Michael’s Mount Causeway](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-final-stone-is-laid-on-the-st-michaels-mount-causeway/) - [Happy 90th Birthday to HM the Queen](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/happy-90th-birthday-to-hm-the-queen/) - [Tactile model of the Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/local-sculptor-tom-leaper-creates-a-tactile-model-of-the-mount/) - [Civil War Watchtower](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/civil-war-watchtower/) --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages Perched above the harbour with views across Mount’s Bay, the Harbour Loft at St Michael’s Mount offers bistro-style dining celebrating the best of Cornwall’s coastal flavours. The menu is built around fresh Newlyn-landed fish and locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Expect simply prepared seafood, light small plates and bistro classics, all showcasing the quality of Cornish produce. Seating is available on a walk-in basis only, with tables assigned on arrival. Sample menu Mains: Prawn and Scallop Burger Harbour Loft Club Sandwich Roast Fillet of Hake Cornish Blue, Bacon & Apricot Salad Westcountry Pork Sausages Grilled Cornish Asparagus Tartine (vegetarian) Confit Celeriac Schnitzel (vegan) Sides: House Focaccia Cornish New Potatoes Green Salad Dessert: Citrus Buttermilk Pudding view menu Children's menu Westcountry Pork Sausage Served with mashed potato and peas. Harbour Loft Club Sandwich Filled with roasted gammon, Davidstow cheddar, tomato, lettuce and mayonnaise. There is also a children's drinks menu to choose from featuring the choice below: Polgoon apple juice Cornish milk Orange or blackcurrant cordial view menu Opening times & booking Open Sunday - Friday (closed Saturdays) from 10:30, food served from 11:30. Please note that we do not take reservations. The restaurant operates on a walk-in basis only, with tables allocated on arrival. Getting here Access on and off the island will be via our ferry boats and/or the causeway. Please see our access calendar for more information. Local suppliers At the Harbour Loft, our menu is shaped by what’s fresh, seasonal and close to home. We work with a trusted network of... --- Eleven local primary schools have each designed a unique wreath inspired by a Christmas carol chosen by one of the island's resident families. These wreaths are hidden throughout the harbour village - will you find them all? Each one includes a secret code that links to a recording of the carol sung by the children who created it. Linking our island community with our closest neighbours, this festive trail offers a moment of joy to visitors from near and far. Marazion School "Ding Dong Merrily On High" Chosen by: Darren the Head Gardener, Emma the Housekeeper and family Gulval School "Little Drummer Boy" Chosen by: Tom the Boatman and Holly the Harbour Loft Supervisor Ludgvan School "Silent Night" Chosen by: Mike the Boatman and his family St Hilary School "O Come all ye Faithful" Chosen by: Andy the Deputy Harbour Master and his family St Erth School "I Saw Three Ships" Chosen by: Josh the Head Boatman and Harbour Master St Marys CofE School "Hark the Herald Angels" Chosen by: Felix and Alice St Aubyn, and family Pensans School "Deck the Halls" Chosen by: Luke the Boatman and his partner Amy St Levan School "While Shepherds Watched" Chosen by: The Castle Steward and his Wife the Conservation Cleaner Heamoor School "Little Donkey" Chosen by: Rob the Gardener and his family St Marys RC School "Joy to the World" Chosen by: Jack the Senior Gardener and his family Alverton School "St Day Carol" Chosen by: Steven, an island resident --- St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island, shaped by nature and history, with a working harbour, historic castle, and terraced gardens, accessed by boat or walking the causeway depending on the tide.  Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the following guidance to help ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Post Storm Goretti Stay on the designated castle path and marked visitor routes, as clearance operations are in progress across the island, and some areas are unstable or under active management. Do not enter areas that are roped off or marked with barriers. These restrictions are in place for your safety while trees and debris are being managed. Expect work vehicles, contractors and equipment in and around the woodland areas. Please give them space and follow instructions from staff or contractors on site. Young children should be closely supervised at all times, particularly on the castle path. Walking the Causeway The causeway is only accessible at low tide – please check daily opening times before setting out. Surfaces may be wet, slippery and uneven. Sturdy footwear is essential. The tide comes in quickly – allow plenty of time to cross. Crossing outside of the recommended times is hazardous: the path is uneven, currents can be strong, and visibility is limited once submerged. For safety reasons, swimming or wading across the causeway is not advised. Vehicles frequently use the causeway to get to and from the island. Please keep to the route and supervise children at all times. Arriving by Boat Boat services... --- At St Michael’s Mount we offer two different passes. Every year 1,000 single use Mount Memories Passes will be available to people who have a special emotional tie to the island or to mark a special occasion. For those living in designated postcodes, our Locals' Pass provides free access to the village and harbour between 13 April and 12 September during opening hours. Find out more about both passes below: --- The Visitor Centre is located in the Barge House on the centre of the harbour front sandwiched between the village houses and the Learning Hub. The Barge House is a former boat store and barge barn, and is now a Grade II listed building. The centre also serves as the main orientation point where visitors can plan their day, learn about local history, and gain insight into island community life. Whether you're curious about the stories behind the Mount, want to understand how membership supports conservation efforts, or simply wish to browse the displays, the Barge House offers a friendly and informative starting point for your visit. A starting point If you’re planning a trip, start at the Barge House Visitor Centre to orient yourself with the island’s layout and history. It’s a beautifully crafted gateway that sets the tone for a rich experience of the island. Key exhibits Some of the displays include wall‑mounted infographics, timelines, “must‑see” highlights, and sections on the gardens and castle which are all useful tools to help visitors plan their trip. Copper model Explore the striking tactile copper model of the island featuring Braille labels and landmarks, which was created in collaboration with local sculptor Tom Leaper and is available to discover inside the Barge House. Film There is a film installation showcasing life on the Mount throughout the different seasons. It includes an insight of what life on the island is like for the residents, as well as the practicalities of living and working... --- Last updated – May 2025 Introduction and Purpose  Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. St Aubyn Estates has a designated Safeguarding Lead and two additional Safeguarding Champions who are qualified to manage any concerns in the absence of the Safeguarding Lead. From time-to-time staff of St Aubyn Estates may come into contact with children and vulnerable adults as employees or public beneficiaries of the work of the company. This Policy aims to safeguard those children and vulnerable adults from harm as well as supporting staff in the safeguarding of those children and vulnerable adults from harm.   General Principles  This Policy applies to all employees of St Aubyn Estates, Cornish Heritage Builders and the St Aubyn Foundation. For the purpose of this Policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18. A vulnerable adult is anyone aged 18 years or over and who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation. All suspicions or allegations of harm or abuse will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly. If an employee is likely work alongside a child or vulnerable adult in an area where they are the only two employees present, then they will be required to have an ‘Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check (including child and/or adult barred list check)’.   Wherever possible, all children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with... --- Looking for ideas for days out in Cornwall this May half term? Head to the Mount for a memorable adventure steeped in history and natural beauty. Explore the legendary castle and uncover stories of myths and folklore, browse the charming shops for unique finds, and unwind in the café or treat yourself to a delightful Afternoon Tea or sit down for a relaxing lunch in the Harbour Loft restaurant. The terraced garden is open, bursting with colour and offering stunning views that are perfect for a springtime stroll. Don’t miss the Steward’s House art gallery, home to captivating works by Newlyn School artists, offering a glimpse into life in west Cornwall before the mid-20th century. Wander through the quaint village and picturesque harbour, soaking up the island’s tranquil atmosphere as early summer blooms sway in the coastal breeze. You can reach the island either by walking the ancient cobbled causeway or by catching a boat across the sparkling channel from the mainland. Be sure to check the access calendar to plan your journey. Discover the castle Step into the past as you explore the castle’s atmospheric corridors and grand historic rooms. From medieval priory to fortified stronghold to the family home it remains today, the castle has witnessed centuries of change and each space tells part of its story. Knowledgeable guides are stationed throughout, ready to share fascinating insights, stories of myths and legends and details of how the building evolved into the cherished residence of the St Aubyn family,... --- Searching for ideas on days out in Cornwall at Easter? Visit the Mount during the Easter holidays and delve into a world of myths and legends in the historic castle, browse the shops for exclusive bespoke products, enjoy lunch in the Harbour Loft restaurant, a takeaway from the café or indulge in an Afternoon Tea. Visit the Steward's House art gallery showcasing artwork by Newlyn School artists and wander the village and harbour, soaking up the ambience of the island. Access is either via a walk on the ancient cobbled causeway or via a boat ride from mainland to the harbour. Please see the access calendar below to help you plan your visit. access calendar Explore the castle The castle invites you to step back in time, uncovering the layers of rich history and enduring legends. Our expert guides can be found along the route, sharing captivating tales from centuries gone by, ready to answer any questions you may have. Duck through historic doorways and discover how the building has transformed over the years from a medieval priory to a fortified stronghold and, since the mid-1600s, the cherished home of the St Aubyn family, who continue to reside here today. Book tickets by midnight the day before your visit to benefit from the Advance Booking Rate discount. book castle tickets Food & drink There's an abundance of options when it comes to food and drink over Easter. The Island Café serves children's lunch boxes, Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, sandwiches and... --- Make Mother's Day magical at the Mount Celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday 15 March with an Afternoon Tea set against the enchanting backdrop of St Michael’s Mount. Head Chef Greg Milne has crafted a spring menu using locally produced ingredients and flavours, some grown here on the island itself. Pair with a pot of Cornish Tregothnan tea, or a glass of fizz from the local vineyard. Take home a complimentary posy of fresh flowers, as a lasting memento. Wander through the cobbled village, visit the art gallery and take time to explore the island’s shops - all included with your booking. The castle will also be open and castle tickets can be booked separately online. Sample Menu Savouries: Spring vegetable & wild gremolata tartlet Cornish crab, lemon & tarragon crostini  Sandwiches: Atlantic prawn & devilled Marie Rose  Roast gammon, Cornish honey & mustard  Davidstow cheddar & nettle  Cornish asparagus & fennel pollen  Sweets: Bitter jaffa chiffon  Pine & rose choux bun  Cherry & almond shortbread sandwich Served with homemade scones, clotted cream, and Cornish strawberry jam. view menu Dietary requirements We offer classic Afternoon Tea, vegetarian Afternoon Tea and children’s Afternoon Tea with variations suitable for vegan and non-gluten containing options available. Menus are subject to change to reflect ingredients available throughout the seasons. Please let us know dietary requirements when booking. vegetarian menu vegan menu Booking your table Sunday 15th March:  First table 12:30am – last table 15:30Price: from £40 per head Use the booking calendar to book your table. Getting here Access... --- The island will be open Sunday 15 February to Monday 23 February during half term. Access on and off will be via the causeway and times will vary on each day. The island itself is free to explore, while there is an additional option to purchase a ticket to climb to the cannons on the castle summit. Opening times An update post Storm Goretti If you book tickets to 'Climb to the Cannons', you will notice that we lost a significant number of trees during Storm Goretti. The castle path has been cleared but some there will be ongoing signs of recovery such as felled trees, stacked trunks and areas where vegetation has gathered. Our teams are continuing essential conservation and safety work, and these changes are part of a longer-term process to care for the landscape and allow it to recover over time. Please stay on the designated castle path and marked visitor routes, as clearance operations are in progress, and some areas are unstable or under active management. Climb to the Cannons - tickets required This February half term, visitors can climb to the castle summit, where the cannons stand guard and sweeping bird’s-eye views of Mount’s Bay unfold below. Once at the summit, talks provided by our knowledgeable senior guides will also be available. If you do not wish to walk to the castle summit, you do not need a ticket to access the island. Adult ticket: £8Child ticket: £4Family ticket (1 adult, up to 3 children):... --- Autumn season (now)14 Sep - 31 Oct 2025During the autumn season, access to the harbour, village, shops, cafés and gallery is free. The castle is open to ticket holders only. The castle is open Sunday-Friday and closed Saturdays. The garden is closed. All dogs welcomed at this time, however assistance dogs only in the castle, gallery and afternoon tea. Access is by boat or by foot. CastleCaféAfternoon TeaShopsHarbour VillageGalleryDogsCheck our Dog PolicyBoatCheck Tide TimesWalkingCheck Tide TimesGarden Next Season --- The St Aubyn family The St Aubyn family have owned property in Cornwall since the 13th century. The first known connection between the family and St Michael’s Mount occurred in 1210, when William St Aubyn as Dean of St Buryan acted as witness to a gift to the Priory. In 1508, Henry VII pardoned Peter St Aubyn, for his role in Cornish rebellions, and he was appointed Governor of the island. His garrison fought off a French attack five years later. A hundred and fifty years on, another rebel against the crown - John St Aubyn, a colonel in the parliamentary army - was appointed Captain of the Mount, when the Civil War ended. He later purchased the island from a royalist neighbour in distress. A fortuitous family inheritance in the next century enabled the family to begin a 150 year programme of investment in the island’s castle, village and harbour.  This culminated in building the east wing of the castle, where the family still live today. In 1887, Queen Victoria marked her Jubilee by granting six peerages. One went to Sir John St Aubyn, the popular MP for Cornwall.  The twelfth family member to have sat in the Commons since 1283, he became Lord St Levan. In 2025, Felix and Alice St Aubyn moved to the castle with their two children. The Island Community Approximately 30 people live on the island throughout the year. At least one person in each household has a role to play in looking after... --- Did you know that a thriving community lives and works on St Michael’s Mount? Thirty people make their home here, as others have for hundreds of years. Sustainable tourism for us means ensuring both residents and visitors experience the beauty of this unique island for generations to come. St Aubyn Estates, which includes the iconic St Michael’s Mount, was awarded Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation in 2025 for the second year in a row, the highest level within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. This recognition underscores the estate's steadfast dedication to sustainability and environmental excellence in every aspect of its operations. St Michael's Mount is run in partnership with the National Trust, which is actively contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. We welcome scores of birds – including rare species – from nearby Marazion Marsh Nature Reserve to our island for food and shelter. Our avian friends remind us of our connection to, and sustainable responsibility towards, the wider community beyond our shores. Here’s some of the work we’re doing to promote sustainability. Important milestones Our sustainable work on the Mount has led to:• 40% approximate reduction in Co2 emissions in the past five years• 25% waste reduction in the past four years• Achieving and maintaining Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation, Green Dragon Level 5 In 2025, St Aubyn Estates achieved Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation for the second year in a row, the highest tier within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. Reaching and maintaining... --- What will I discover during spring? From 1 November to 30 April 2026, entry to the island is free to all visitors (excluding 2-19 April 2026). Tickets will need to be purchased should you wish to visit the castle and church. Spring is a wonderful time to experience the Mount at a gentler pace. With fewer visitors, discover a quieter, more contemplative side of island life. The castle and church are open to explore, while the Harbour Loft offers bistro-style dishes for relaxed lunches with Harbour views. Pre-booked Afternoon Teas are available in the afternoons or simply wander the cobbled village and historic harbour, before warming up with a hot drink and a slice of freshly baked cake in the Island Café. Browse the shops for unique gifts, and step inside the Steward’s House Art Gallery to see a collection of paintings by the renowned Newlyn School artists. With crisp air, sunny skies starting to emerge and sweeping sea views, spring offers a truly special atmosphere on the Mount. VIEW OPENING TIMES What’s open now? During opening hours in springtime, you can visit: Castle & Church Harbour Loft Restaurant Afternoon Tea Mount Shop Island Shop Harbour Village Steward's House Art Gallery Visitor Centre How do I visit? In the spring, the island is open 9:45-17:00, Sunday-Friday. At low tide, you can use the causeway to walk to and/or from the island. When the tide covers the causeway, the ferryboats will take you across the channel. view access calendar Can I... --- Contact St Michael’s MountMarazionCornwallTR17 0HS For enquiries email: Tickets: tickets@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Group & educational visits: groups@stmichaelsmount. co. ukGeneral enquiries: enquiries@stmichaelsmount. co. ukPress office: press@stmichaelsmount. co. ukShops: shop@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Marketing: marketing@staubynestates. comTo light up the castle: enquiries@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Office opening hours: 9am-5pm.   Drone enquiries: Filming with drones is not permitted on the beach, causeway, car parks, or anywhere on the island as this area is covered by a Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ).   In addition to the consent that is required under the FRZ status to fly a drone, consent in writing is also required from St Aubyn Estates, the National Trust and Penzance Heliport To seek permission, please contact: press@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Please note: all drone images used on this site and on our digital channels, including social media, were commissioned by St Aubyn Estates/National Trust --- The gardens will reopen 1 May 2026Tickets for 2026 are on sale now. Book tickets by midnight the day before your visit to benefit from the Advance Booking Rate. This beautiful, fragile, terraced garden was designed in 1878 for Sir John St Aubyn, later the 1st Lord St Levan, and would have delighted his family of eleven people. Aloes and agave rear out of the bedrock, tulbaghias wave their delicate heads, and binding threads of rosemary, lavender and lampranthus tumble down the terraces. Come and experience life beyond the castle walls... Stroll among the steep, sloping terraces and you’ll spot all manner of unlikely plants, which thrive in this curiously mild microclimate.  Despite the gales and salty winds that you’d expect here, frosts are a rarity and the rock acts as a gigantic radiator – absorbing the heat by day and releasing it at night. Book tickets by midnight the day before your visit to save with the Advance Booking Rate. book tickets online An update post Storm Goretti During Storm Goretti, the island experienced strong westerly winds, but the terraced gardens were left untouched. Sheltered on the south-east side of the island and protected by the castle, the terraces avoided the worst of the gusts that affected the trees in the woodland on the more exposed north side. Careful planting also played a key role. Low-growing, wind-resilient plants are deliberately chosen for these conditions, and as a result not a single succulent was lost. While storm damage is visible in the woodland areas along the castle path, the subtropical... --- What's open and when? During the spring season, the island is open Sunday-Friday, 9:45-17:00. Last entry onto the island is 15:45. view access calendar Spring season (now)15 Mar - 30 Apr 2026During the spring season, access to the harbour, village, shops, cafés and gallery is free, excluding Easter holidays 2 -19 April. The castle is open to ticket holders only from 15 March. Afternoon Tea are served from 15 March. Harbour Loft restaurant is open from 16 March. The castle and village is open Sunday-Friday and closed Saturdays. Dogs are welcome, excluding Easter holidays 2 -19 April. Access is by boat or by foot. CastleCaféAfternoon TeaShopsHarbour VillageGalleryDogsCheck our Dog Policy Excluding EasterBoatCheck Tide TimesWalkingCheck Tide TimesGardenPrevious SeasonNext Season --- This film is just one of the many interactive features of the Mounts Bay Marine Trail. Experience the iconic coast path of Mounts Bay between Newlyn and Marazion. Discover more and find out about the wildlife, history and stories of the bay here. This film has been created as part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Your Shore movement with thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out how you can get involved here. Film created by Polly Ford Media (@pollyfordmedia) and Claire’s Conservation Media (@clairesconservationmedia) --- Please provide as much detail as possible to help us set up your visit. Highlight options as appropriate, add any notes that you feel we would need to know. If you have any questions please contact kerry. rice@staubynestates. com. --- The Learning Hub is headed up by Kerry Rice, Learning Manager for St Aubyn Estates. Based at St Michael’s Mount, Kerry leads the educational programme on the Mount with plans to establish an outdoor learning strategy across the entire Estate. Working with schools and community groups across Cornwall, the programme is designed to engage children and young people in creative and collaborative experiences that bring the history of the island and its locality to life. In the 2024/25 academic year, Kerry welcomed over 7,000 young learners to experience the magic of the Mount. The Learning Hub is funded by the St Aubyn Foundation, a charitable programme that supports initiatives in west Cornwall that make a difference to the local community. All pre-booked Cornish schools, can visit St Michael's Mount for free. Plan your visit Kerry will support teachers and group leaders to plan visits and tours, helping create links to the National Curriculum and providing relevant teaching resources. Contact kerry. rice@staubynestates. com for a step-by-step guide to a sucessful school visit. Essential information PricesSelf-led visitsBooking formHealth, safety and access informationOrientation notes for teachers Teacher resources Queen Victoria’s Diary EntryThe Key to the CastleThe Harbour ChallengeCormoran The Giant Getting here: grants for school transport Cornwall Heritage Trust may give financial support for transport to enable schools to make visits to heritage sites or undertake visits which have a purpose of developing awareness and appreciation of Cornish heritage. Learn more about CHT transport grants Voluntary Work Placement Programme Through the St Aubyn Foundation we offer... --- We understand that the Mount is important to people beyond west Cornwall. Every year 1,000 single use passes will be available to people who have a special emotional tie to the island or to mark a special occasion. Each pass will give a group of up to four people access to the castle and gardens for a one-off visit during opening hours. Applications for a Mount Memories Pass will need to be made in advance explaining the special link or occasion, e. g. having a relative who lived or worked on the Mount, or to celebrate a significant birthday or anniversary. We look forward to helping you make happy memories! Reasons to request a pass could include: • A special emotional tie to the island, e. g. the applicant or a family member used to work on the island or were married on the island• To mark an occasion, a wedding anniversary or significant birthday• To revive a happy memory, this could be as simple as having visited the island with a grandmother at a particular time of the year for a number of years• To create a new memory, to propose to a partner or for parents to take children to the castle or garden for the first time• To cheer up a loved one or a friend following a difficult time How do I apply? For information on how to apply for a pass and other key information, click here. --- The Locals' Pass provides people whose primary residence is in one of the following postcodes: TR17, TR18, TR19, TR20, TR26, TR27 with free access to the village and harbour between 1 May and 11 September 2026 during opening hours. Alongside the Free Access Period that runs from 14 September 2025 until 30 April 2026, this will give local residents year-round access to the harbour and village during opening times. How do I apply? 1. Permanent residents of a household within one of the eligible postcodes need to show proof of primary residency at the Change House on the Mount’s harbour front, either with a driving licence, bank statement or an electoral roll polling card. No documents will be copied or retained, but a member of the team will complete a visual check. 2. The resident’s photograph will be taken and a pass made whilst they wait. 3. On future visits to the island, the pass holder will show the pass before boarding a boat on the mainland or at the checkpoint at the end of the causeway. 4. Any permanent resident of a household aged 18 and over can get a pass and it’s one adult to one pass only. Under 18s do not need a pass, but must be accompanied by a Locals’ Pass holder to visit the island. 5. Locals’ Pass holders do not need to book online to visit – simply turn up with the pass during opening hours. Opening hours vary throughout the year. 6. In... --- Visitors to St Michael’s Mount can view the Sheila Hichens Collection of Newlyn School art at the restored Steward’s House that is found in the harbour village. The Sheila Hichens Trust was formed by virtue of Sheila Hichens’ Will to create an art collection to show how life was lived in West Cornwall before the middle of the twentieth century. Showcasing the famed Newlyn School This culturally significant collection contains more than 40 paintings and is currently displayed in the Steward’s House. It includes many works by acclaimed Newlyn School artists such as Walter Langley, Stanhope Forbes, Laura Knight, and Harold Harvey. The Newlyn School began in the 1880s and continued into the first half of the twentieth century. Artists came to West Cornwall attracted by the beauty of the scenery, quality of light, simplicity of life, and the drama of the sea. They would often paint their subject in the open air, in a purer, more natural, setting. Free to visitors and local schools The Steward’s House and Sheila Hichens Collection will be free to access for visitors to the island during opening hours.   The Steward’s House will be available for pre-booked visits by local schools and community groups as part of the learning programme, funded by the St Aubyn Foundation. 'Tulip Pickers' by Harold Harvey Who was Sheila Hichens? Sheila Hichens was born in 1924 and her childhood was deeply rooted in West Cornwall, where her father was headmaster of Lescudjack School in Penzance and her grandfather lived in... --- Opening hours: 9:45-17:00, Sunday-Friday. The Steward’s House was built in the 1700s to act both as a residence and an office for the Mount Steward. At the time, the population of the village was about 300 people and included three pubs, a school and various activities connected to a thriving harbour. It is the grandest building in the harbour area and one of the few that survives from before the great Victorian restorations on the island that started in the 1870s. This is one of the properties on the Mount that still belong to the St Aubyn family, who as well as restoring the building itself, have also created an intimate walled garden at the rear of the Steward’s House for visitors to enjoy. Inside: Newlyn School artwork The Steward’s House is currently home to the Sheila Hichens Collection which comprises artwork by Newlyn School artists that depict how life was lived in west Cornwall before the middle of the twentieth century. This exhibition of artwork will be available to visit in the Steward’s House, free of charge, for visitors to the island.   Showcasing the famed Newlyn School This culturally significant collection contains more than 40 paintings and is currently displayed in the Steward’s House. It includes many works by acclaimed Newlyn School artists such as Walter Langley, Stanhope Forbes, Laura Knight, and Harold Harvey. The Newlyn School began in the 1880s and continued into the first half of the twentieth century. Artists came to west Cornwall attracted by the... --- Tickets are not required to visit the island until 30 April 2026 (excluding 2-19 April 2026). Tickets are required to visit the castle and garden when they are open. An Advance Booking Rate discount will be applied to all island tickets booked before midnight on the day before your visit. Family discount applied at checkout. Castle & Garden Please note: The garden reopen on 1 May 2026. Combination tickets are available Monday-Friday when the garden reopens on 1 May 2026. ticket typesinglesinglefamily discountfamily discountAdultChild (5-15yrs*)1 adult & up to3 children2 adults & up to3 childrenCastle on the day21. 0010. 5031. 5052. 50Castle Advance Booking Rate18. 009. 0027. 0045. 00CASTLE & GARDENon the day 37. 0018. 5055. 5092. 50CASTLE & GARDENAdvance Booking Rate32. 0016. 0048. 0080. 00Garden on the day 16. 008. 0024. 0040. 00Garden Advance Booking Rate14. 007. 0021. 0035. 00 *Children under 5 are free. BOOK TICKETS Boats Boats are only available when the tide covers the causeway. The last day of boating operations is 31 October 2026. Between 1 May and 11 September, boat tickets can only be purchased with a valid castle or garden ticket or with an Afternoon Tea booking. Ticket typePRICEAdult£3. 20Child (1-15 years)£1. 60Children Under 1FREE Book Boat Tickets Afternoon Tea Please check causeway opening times when you book your Afternoon Tea to work out whether you will need to walk across to the island or take a boat. Boat tickets are available to purchase on the day from one of our guides on the mainland. Afternoon Tea... --- 1. Introduction 1. 1 We are St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall. In this document, we will refer to it simply as “the Island”. 1. 2 The Island is open to visitors for most of the year, though there are times when the Island is closed to the public, as notified from time to time via the Website. There are different types of ticket to suit your needs. As well as tickets for adults, children and families we also have National Trust (free admission) tickets, locals’ passes and Mount Memories Passes. 1. 3 You will need to purchase separate tickets for gaining admission to the Island itself, to the castle, to the gardens, and for the boat (which is essential for taking you to the Island if you are visiting while the causeway is covered by the sea). There is more information about the different ticket types at clause 3 below. 1. 4 The address of the Island is; St Michael’s Mount Marazion Cornwall TR17 0HS 1. 5 Below are the terms and conditions (“the Terms”) on which we supply goods, or services to you. Please read these terms carefully before purchasing tickets online or goods from the online shop. In these terms we explain our delivery, return and refunds policies, as well as providing details on tickets and payment conditions. 1. 6 By purchasing a ticket online, or by purchasing goods from our online shop, you are agreeing to be bound to these Terms. 1.... --- The Purpose of These Terms These terms of use (together with the documents referred to in it) tell you (whether as a guest or a registered user) the terms of use on which you may make use of this website, which is owned and controlled by St Michael’s Mount Trading (“our site”). Use of our site includes accessing, browsing, or registering to use our site. Please read these terms of use carefully before you start to use our site, as these will apply to your use of our site.   Some of the sections in these terms apply solely to consumers and businesses, these sections are marked as such, otherwise all terms apply to everyone who visits our site. By using our site, you confirm that you accept these terms of use and that you agree to comply with them.   If you do not agree to these terms of use, you must not use our site. Who We Are and How to Contact Us We are St Michael’s Mount Trading ("We", “Our” or “Us”). Our contact details are:  St Michael’s Mount Marazion Cornwall TR17 0H Email: enquiries@stmichaelsmount. co. uk  Tel: +44 (0)1736 710265 Applicable Law Please note that these terms of use, its subject matter and its formation, are governed by English law. You and we both agree to that the courts of England and Wales will have non-exclusive jurisdiction. However, if you are a resident of Northern Ireland you may also bring proceedings in Northern Ireland, and if... --- The beating heart of St Michael’s Mount. On the footprint of the church built in 1135, and probably reusing the same stones, the present building was largely rebuilt in the late-14th century. In all likelihood, there would have been an earlier church still on the summit, but no remains are identifiable. There is a belief that St Cadoc and St Keyne met on the island in the sixth century. Nowadays, we have our own Chaplain and hold regular Sunday services from the middle of May to the end of September. Discover these details inside the church: The Organ – built in 1786 for Colonel John Lemon, MP for Truro, for his London house in Bryanston Square. Apparently, Colonel Lemon was an insomniac and during his wakeful spells would find relief by playing his organ at all hours of the night. Eventually, the complaints of his neighbours persuaded him to sell the organ to his friend John St Aubyn for £800. The organ still retains its original superb tonal quality. Lantern Cross – 15th century, made from Cornish stone from near Padstow. The four panels represent the crucifixion, the virgin and child, a king (possibly Edward the Confessor, who by some accounts gave the Mount to Mont-St-Michel) and a priest (maybe a prior, or possibly Thomas Beckett). Bronze of St Michael – the modern bronze figure of St Michael defeating the Devil, yet offering the hand of mercy, was made by the figurative sculptor, Lyn Constable Maxwell. The neighbouring stained glass panels were installed by the 5th Sir... --- Explore together, remember always... We welcome organised groups to explore St Michael's Mount. Marvel at the terraced gardens clinging to the cliffs between 1 May and 4 September, wonder at the priory church at the Mount’s summit which dates back to 1135, or gaze out across rows of cannons to where Napoleonic ships lay at anchor up until 30 October. view our FAQs What should we do before our visit? Our group tickets are booked online and you will be able to book and pay for your trip in advance. We are no longer able to invoice for visits and all bookings need to be completed online. On the ticket platform you will see the ticket slots available to book and it will also automatically reserve you a coach bay. If the group needs to boat to the island the website will prompt you to purchase boat tickets at the same time. If boat tickets are required to return to the mainland these can be purchased online or on the island from one of our guides. Please ensure your group arrives at the island at the time of your group ticket. book group tickets If you are visiting between 01 October and 30 April (excluding 2-19 April) you will not need tickets for the harbour and village, but tickets will be required if you want to visit the castle. Check causeway times in advance via the website. For photo stops, please email the car park team in advance carparks@staubynestates. com... --- St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island joined to the mainland by a cobbled causeway.  Each year, thousands of visitors from across the globe come for its rich history, natural beauty, subtropical gardens and, of course, iconic castle. Access to the island is ruled by the tides. This means getting across and back is an experience in itself. You may find yourself gliding into the historic harbour on a small ferryboat. Then returning to shore across the ancient causeway, the sea lapping at its edges. Here’s some ideas to inspire you for your visit.  Click on the links below for more details. Bear in mind, some parts of the island are closed in winter.  Check our Winter Opening page for more details. Explore an ancient castle Take in sweeping views from the defensive battlements of this magnificent castle, where rows of cannons stare out to Mount’s Bay below.  Inside, walk through a labyrinth of corridors to see how occupants lived, ate, prayed and did battle over the centuries. Find out more. Step into the past History comes in waves here. Henry de la Pomeroy seized and fortified the Mount in 1193. Soldiers fired cannons at Napoleonic ships. And it has become home to fascinating artefacts along the way, including Samurai armour and a mummified cat from Egypt. Find out more. Soak up the subtropical gardens Built in 1887, the Garden Terraces at the rear of the castle are a plant-lover’s delight.  Agave, cacti, aloe and many more subtropical species cling to the granite on a patchwork of meticulous terraces. Look up and you’ll also enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the castle, which rises out of the cliff face above you. Find out more. Wander the harbour and village... --- Licking ice cream off sticky fingers. Spooning jam onto freshly baked scones. Tucking into a flaky Cornish pasty. Whether it’s a summer treat or a winter warmer, our café, restaurant and pop-ups cater for all tastes. From seafood landed fresh from the bay, to locally produced wines, Cornish teas and ingredients foraged on the island itself, we scour the county to bring you the best seasonal produce. --- Bespoke products, Cornish plants, local art and foodie treats. You'll find a delightful mix of exclusive, design-led St Michael's Mount homeware products and presents, as well as Cornish food, drinks, artisan jewellery, mugs, candles and soaps and – not forgetting – Cornish fudge. --- St Michael’s Mount lies in Mount’s Bay, off the coast of Marazion. This ancient tidal island is connected to the mainland by a cobbled causeway. When the tide is high and the causeway is covered, you’ll need to take a boat from Marazion. When the tide is low, you can walk across. If a boat is necessary during your visit, a boat ticket banner will automatically appear during booking. National Trust members are required to pay boat fares when booking, but not island admission fees. --- At low tide, you can use the ancient causeway to walk across to the island. Step onto the cobbles and tread a path followed by pilgrims, traders, nobles and villagers over many hundreds of years. The causeway is cobbled, uneven and tricky to navigate, please check our accessibility information before you visit. For your own safety, please be aware that attempting to cross the causeway outside of the suggested times can be hazardous. When the causeway is submerged, it can limit visibility, the path is uneven, there can be strong currents and the sea rises quickly. Causeway Opening Times Use the access calendar to schedule your visit. Note that times are estimates and subject to change due to weather conditions, storm surges, and tidal variations. < Previous Week Today Next Week > Walking Boat Closed < Previous Week Today Next Week > When can I use the causeway? At high tide, the sea covers the causeway however, at low tide, the causeway is revealed and visitors can stroll across and back. The causeway is open for around four hours each day, depending on the tides and weather. You’ll need around 15 minutes to walk the length of the causeway. --- Step aboard a ferryboat and take the short trip across to the Mount. You’ll glide into our historic harbour and see the famous castle rising high above you. An unforgettable experience. Use the access calendar to schedule your visit. Note that times are estimates and subject to change due to weather conditions, storm surges, and tidal variations. < Previous Week Today Next Week > Walking Boat Closed < Previous Week Today Next Week > Need to book a boat? You will only need to purchase a boat ticket when the causeway is closed and times vary every day. In the spring (15 March - 30 April, excluding 2 - 19 April) and autumn (13 September - 30 October), you can purchase a boat ticket to visit the island without buying a ticket for the castle, gardens or Afternoon Tea. These boat tickets can be purchased on the day from the ticket trailer in the short stay car park or from our guides found on the boat landings. During Easter (2 - 19 April) and in the summer (1 May - 11 September), you can only book a boat when you purchase a ticket to visit the castle, gardens or come for an Afternoon Tea. These boat tickets can be purchased online when you book your admission tickets or in person on the day from the ticket trailer in the short stay car park or from our guides found on the boat landings. book 2026 tickets When can I cross by... --- Where should I park? The St Michael’s Mount & Long Stay Marazion Car Park is also sometimes called Follyfield Car Park and it is marked on the map below as 'Visitor Parking'. This is an ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) car park. The satnav postcode is TR17 0EG. The What Three Words for the entrance to our car park is: unopposed - toward - speedily. Please note: you can 'top up' your payment if you have stayed on the Mount longer than intended when you park in one of our car parks. You don't need to rush off! The parking codes are as follows: Long Stay Mount car park– 528051 Overflow car park – 528045 Short Stay West to the right of the slipway – 528060 – maximum stay in this car park is three hours. Short Stay East to the left of the slipway – 528061 – maximum stay in this car park is three hours. What if it’s full? During busy periods, there is a large Overflow Car Park opposite the main one. You speak to any of our welcoming car park attendants, who are on hand to help you with any questions that you might have. How much does it cost? Up to 1 hour: £2. 00 Up to 2 hours: £3. 50 Up to 3 hours: £5. 00 Up to 5 hours: £6. 00 Up to 10 hours: £9. 00 Per day (24-hour period): £14. 00 7-day stay: £60. 00 How long should I stay on... --- A short bus ride from Penzance and easily accessible from Cornwall’s main roads, getting to Marazion is simple... By car Use the postcode TR17 0EG for satnav The carpark you need may be marked as Folly Field on your map; this is the St Michael’s Mount and Long Stay Marazion car park. From North Cornwall and the A30 Follow the A30 past Hayle and towards Penzance. About a mile after Crowlas village, take the second exit at the roundabout, signposted to Marazion. Turn left at the junction with the main road and you'll soon be in Marazion. From Penzance Follow the A30 east, and about three miles out of Penzance take the third exit at the roundabout, signposted Marazion. Turn left at the junction with the main road and follow the signs. From Helston & The Lizard Take the A394 from Helston towards Penzance. After about nine miles, go straight over the roundabout (ignore the left hand exit signposted Marazion). Follow this road to a further roundabout and take the first exit, signposted Marazion. Turn left at the junction with the main road and follow the signs. Read about car parking By rail and bus Local and intercity trains run to Penzance station. From here you can travel by bus or taxi to Marazion (about 10 minutes away). There is also a regular bus service to Marazion from the bus station in Penzance. By bicycle Travelling here by bike can add to the adventure. The nearest bike racks can be... --- Keep an eye out for our seasonal pop-up stalls, appearing during peak times with a tempting selection of treats. Enjoy everything from Moomaid ice cream and refreshing cold drinks to fresh doughnuts, warm beverages, and delicious cakes. The Horsebox Location: found in the village, on the bowling green opposite the Steward's House art gallery as you first come onto the island. Serving: barista coffee, tea, cold drinks, cream teas, and cakes. The Ice Cream Bike Location: next to the Horse Box on the bowling green - see above. Serving: delicious Moomaid of Zennor ice cream pots. We stock a variety of flavours – just choose your favourite and enjoy! Ice Cream & Coffee Hut Location: located on the tennis court by the dairy lawn and Pilgrim Steps at the start of the castle path. Serving: a wide variety of Moomaid ice cream with a choice of toppings including sauces and sprinkles, doughnuts, hot and cold drinks. The Ice Cream Horsebox Location: tucked away behind the Island Café on the lawn leading up to the gardens. Serving: a variety of Moomaid ice cream flavours served in pots or cone, as well as refreshing cold drinks. --- You will find the Island Café on the eastern side of the island, near to the main lawn entrance. Once the castle laundry, the building has since been transformed into a relaxed and refreshed eatery, with indoor and sea-view outdoor seating. When permitted on the island, dogs are welcome inside and outside the café Opening hours: 9:45-16:30, Sunday-Friday. view access calendar Breakfasts, lunches, cream teas... Here, you can indulge in a variety of delicious options. Start your morning with a breakfast roll and freshly made Origin coffee or a cup of tea – fuel for a busy day of exploring ahead. Or pop in at lunchtime and enjoy a wholesome, traditional Cornish pasty, homemade soup, sausage roll or something lighter, such as our freshly made sandwiches, wraps or rolls. There's also a selection of cakes, tray bakes and of course, Cornish cream teas. Children's lunch boxes Price: £7. 50 Our lunch boxes are packed with tasty favourites to keep little ones happy. Each includes a ham or cheese roll, crisps, an apple, and a refreshing juice. To make lunchtime more fun, every box comes with crayons and a colour-in design; perfect for creativity at the table. Indoor space Take a seat indoors at the Island Café and relax in a light-filled space with sweeping views across to Marazion and Mount's Bay. Cosy and calm whatever the weather, this is the perfect space to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a pastry before or after exploring the island. Al fresco dining Enjoy... --- Our plant sales shop has a selection of plants to please the most green-fingered visitors. Browse at your leisure and should you choose to purchase, please just use the honesty box. Here are a few of our favourites: Lampranthus: Early summer blooms, in a variety of colours. Loves dry borders, a rockery or a mixed container with other low growing succulents. Echeveria: Steeley-grey blue succulent foliage with bronzed tips and vibrant orange flowers in the summer.  Adds form and colour in rockeries, gravel gardens and containers. Sempervivum: Silvery foliage with purple tips and flowers.  Excellent for border fringes, carpet bedding displays, raised beds, gravel gardens and tubs. Salvia: A truly stunning sage with abundant bright flowers.  Ideal in pots on the patio. Gazania: Large red/orange flowers, fading to yellow. The colours of a sunset! Perfect in pots, border fringes and raised beds. Agapanthus Big Blue: Majestic, large, sky-blue flowers, stand over a metre from the ground when in bloom. A beautiful perennial for a sunny spot. --- Guide books written by Lord St Levan can be purchased in both shops. You’ll find everything from arts and crafts, designer rucksacks, outerwear and homeware items, jewellery, and accessories. There’s also a range of locally produced gins, whisky, rums, liquors, fudge, treats and traditional sweets to enjoy at the end of the day. Wherever we can we work with local suppliers, printers, designers and companies with a shared passion for sustainability - putting people and planet first. Visitors may also want to explore the Mount Shop, located next to the Harbour Loft. Both shops offer a different selection of items to discover during your island visit. Opening hours: 9:45-16:50, Sunday-Friday. view access calendar Easter Celebrate the season with a curated selection of spring gifts. Discover decorative pieces by Gisela Graham, alongside vibrant gluggle jugs and colourful tins that bring a fresh feel to the home. Roka bags sit alongside Quay Traders homewares in bright jades and crisp whites. Easter photo gallery Gifts & keepsakes Discover the perfect memento of your visit. From locally crafted treasures and maritime-themed keepsakes to exclusive Mount-branded jigsaws. Whether you're looking for a special gift, a unique piece of Cornish heritage, or a small token to remember your adventure, our carefully curated collection captures the spirit of the island. Gifts & keepsakes photo gallery Food & drinks Indulge in the flavours of Cornwall. Showcasing a delicious range of locally sourced treats, from artisan preserves and traditional Cornish biscuits to speciality locally grown teas, gins and local... --- Guide books written by Lord St Levan can be purchased in both shops. Located next to the Harbour Loft, the Mount Shop is a wonderful place to explore. From Cornish, artisan chocolates and gins, through to handmade jewellery and children's toys. It is also home to the toy shop, where curious young minds can enjoy myths and legends being brought to life. During the spring, summer and autumn, the garden shop will be in full bloom in the courtyard outside the Mount Shop, inspiring visitors to take home a living memento from the island. The Mount Shop also works closely with local designers to design and produce bespoke products that can only be purchased on the island, from tea towels and tote bags, to candles and coasters. Visitors may also want to explore the Island Shop, located next to the Steward's House Art Gallery. Both shops offer a different selection of items to discover during your island visit. Opening hours: 9:45-16:50, Sunday-Friday. view access calendar Easter Celebrate the season with a carefully curated selection of spring gifts. Discover Jellycat bunnies alongside Chocolate Detective bird eggs, perfect for thoughtful Easter treats. Succulents bring a touch of greenery to the home, complemented by Gisela Graham’s delicate glass birds in a palette of fresh spring colours. Easter photo gallery Designer collaborations The team works closely with a number of local designers to create bespoke products for the island shops. Matt Johnson, Poppy Treffry, Jennifer Armitage, Mabel Woodhouse and Bloom Remedies and Arvor Press,... --- 1. Introduction and important information St Aubyn Estates Ltd are committed to protecting and respecting your personal data and privacy. This privacy policy relates to how we use and collect personal data from you when you use or purchase our products/services or access our website. It also relates to our use of any personal information you provide to us by telephone (including SMS), in written correspondence (including letter and email) and in person. Please note that: our services and our website are not intended for children under the age of 18 and we do not intentionally collect data relating to children; and our website and services may include links to third-party websites, plug-ins and applications. Clicking on those links or enabling those connections may allow third parties to collect or share data about you. We do not control these third-party websites and are not responsible for their privacy statements. When you leave our website, we encourage you to read the privacy policy of every website you visit. Whenever you provide personal data, we are legally obliged to use your information in line with all applicable laws concerning the protection of such information; including the Data Protection Act 1998 and 2018 (DPA) and The General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR) to the extent to which it is applied by UK GDPR as defined by the Data Protection Act 2018 together with other subsequent laws (“Data Protection Laws”). This privacy policy also forms part of our terms of business and is not... --- St Aubyn Estates owns and manages seven self-catering cottages in and around evocative Porthgwarra Cove, once home to a small fishing community and famously featured in the BBC’s tv series Poldark. The Porthgwarra Cove Café can also be found at the heart of this community, serving refreshments to locals, visitors and walkers. The properties sleep between two and eight people and are very comfortably furnished. The holiday cottages all offer sea views and provide an ideal base to explore the wild west of Cornwall. The walk from Porthgwarra to Nanjizal Beach, heading towards Land’s End, is one of the most beautiful stretches of the whole South West Coast Path. Phone: 01736 888515 view our cottages --- St Michael’s Mount is an ancient tidal island. This is part of its charm, but occasionally it can also be a part of the challenge. How to get to the Mount You can reach the Mount by a cobbled causeway at low tide and by boat when the causeway is covered and the tide is high. Boats run from 15 March to 30 October. Meeting your accessibility needs If you have young children or mobility issues, it can sometimes be tricky to get around. Please note: you can’t take a wheelchair or pushchair up to the castle. Getting Here Find out how to get to and from the island on the date you would like to visit here. Bad weather Strong winds and/or rough seas can force us to close the island. Where possible, we’ll give 24 hours’ notice. We’ll let visitors know by email and issue refunds within seven working days. We also announce closures on our website and social media. If we don’t announce a closure, we are open. Plan your visit using the links below. --- From 14 September 2025 to 30 April 2026 (excluding 2 April - 19 April 2026), dogs are welcome in the harbour and village of St Michael’s Mount. This does not include the castle, summit, castle grounds, castle paths, Steward's House, Harbour Loft, shops or garden. When can I bring my dog? Dogs (and other pets) and are not permitted to visit the island during the busier season between 1 May and 11 September 2026 inclusive.  We know that this will disappoint some visitors, however with higher footfall, limitations on space and few shaded areas on hot days, we feel this is the safest thing to do. What about assistance dogs? Assistance Dogs are permitted to visit St Michael's Mount, the harbour, café, Harbour Loft, shops, village, castle and the garden at all times throughout the year when we are open. If you require an assistance dog, please email us at enquiries@stmichaelsmount. co. uk to let us know in advance of your visit. Can my dog go on Marazion Beach? Marazion beach has a dog ban from 1 July until 31 August between 10:00 and 18:00 and is dog-friendly outside of these hours and between 1 September and 30 June when dogs are permitted on the beach. --- An ancient castle fortress, sloping subtropical gardens, sweeping lawns, and a harbour village. What will you discover first? Our gardens, castle, lawns and village all provide perfect scope for the imagination – shaped and weathered over centuries, this extraordinary place is waiting to be explored. --- L'isola, il castello, il porto, le case. Il mondo del nostro Mount è attraente. Scoprite le storie del passato creando la vostra. Programmate oggi stesso la vostra avventura... al Mount il tempo e le maree creano momenti indimenticabili. Quali saranno i vostri? GUARDARE, FARE, ESPLORARE Scoprite il castello Salite per la strada lastricata fino alla sommità dell’isola per esplorare le sue molteplici facce. Abitanti dell’età del bronzo, monaci, pellegrini e soldati hanno tutti lasciato il segno sul Mount. Cercate i tesori del passato del Mount, dalle origini religiose all’epoca dei conflitti e dell’assedio, ed ascoltate la storia della famiglia St Aubyn che vive qui dal XVII secolo. Esplorate i giardini Tra macchie di aeonium e agapanti, fatevi strada nei giardini terrazzati che esplodono di colori, tra i fiori e le numerose piante esotiche che prosperano in questo luogo dal 1780. Respirate l’aria di mare, profumata dai fiori primaverili o dalle fragranze estive. Sporgetevi dai parapetti merlati per ammirare i giardini terrazzati che digradano verso il mare. Per via della loro delicatezza, i giardini hanno orari di apertura limitati. Image by Roland Stuehmer via Flickr. com License Fatevi prendere dalla vita dell'isola Nel suo fulgore, il villaggio al porto del Mount era la dimora di oltre 300 abitanti e fino al 1811 c’erano 53 case, 4 vie, 3 scuole e 3 edifici pubblici. Oggi sull’isola vivono 30 residenti e tutti, dal barcaiolo al giardiniere, dalla guida al meccanico, collaborano per mantenere l’isola in perfetto stato. Organizzate una memorabile giornata in famiglia... --- Une île, un château, un port, un village. St Michael’s Mount est un lieu unique et mémorable. Découvrez les légendes du passé et façonnez vos propres histoires. Préparez votre périple dès maintenant : quels que soient les saisons et les caprices de la mer, St Michael’s Mount saura toujours vous émerveiller et vous vivrez des moments inoubliables­­. Qu’aurez-vous à raconter? À VOIR, À FAIRE Explorer le château Empruntez les petites rues pavées qui mènent au sommet de l’île pour découvrir ses nombreux visages. Colons de l’Âge de bronze, moines, pèlerins et soldats : tous y ont laissé leur empreinte. St Michael’s Mount était jadis un haut lieu de religion et a été témoin de sièges militaires et de conflits armés : partez à la recherche des trésors de ce lieu chargé d’histoire. Venez également découvrir l’histoire passionnante de la famille St Aubyn, installée sur l’île depuis le XVIIe siècle Découvrir les jardins Admirez les massifs d’aeoniums et d’agapanthes des jardins en terrasse de l’île. Depuis 1780, les plantes exotiques y déploient en grosses grappes leurs fleurs aux couleurs éclatantes. . Ainsi, l’air marin change au gré des saisons : vous pourrez sentir l’odeur des herbes aromatiques en été et celle de bourgeons au printemps. Admirez les jardins s’étendre jusqu’à la mer depuis la chaîne de fortifications. En raison de la fragilité des jardins, leurs horaires d’ouverture sont sujets à modifications. Image by Roland Stuehmer via Flickr. com License Découvrir le village Le village, qui se situe à côté du port, comptait plus de 300... --- Insel, Schloss, Hafen, Zuhause; wir laden sie ein in unsere Welt auf dem Mount. Entdecken Sie Geschichten der Vergangenheit, sowie Ihre ganz eigene Geschichte. Beginnen Sie noch heute damit, Ihr Abenteuer zu planen... . . über Zeiten und Gezeiten hinweg vermittelt der Mount unvergessliche Momente. Welche davon werden wohl die Ihren sein? SEHEN, TUN, ERKUNDEN Entdecken Sie das Schloss Steigen Sie den mit Pflastersteinen bedeckten Weg hinauf zum Gipfel der Insel und erleben Sie, wie sie sich stetig verändert. Siedler des Bronzezeitalters, Mönche, Pilger und Soldaten haben allesamt ihre Spuren auf dem Mount hinterlassen. Begeben Sie sich auf die Suche nach Schätzen aus der Vergangenheit des Mounts, von religiösen Wurzeln angefangen bis hin zu Zeiten von Belagerung und Gefechten und entdecken Sie die Geschichte der St Aubyn Familie, die hier schon seit dem 17. Jahrhundert lebt. Erkunden Sie die Gärten Schlängeln Sie sich zwischen Aeonium- und Agapanthuspflanzen (Schmucklilien) hindurch über die terrassenförmig angelegten farbenprächtigen Gärten, wo seit 1780 reichlich Blüten und exotische Pflanzen gedeihen. Atmen Sie die Meeresluft ein, die angereichert ist mit dem Duft von Frühlingsblüten oder Sommerkräutern. Halten Sie Ausschau von den Zinnen der Terrassen, die sich bis hinunter zum Meer erstrecken. Aufgrund ihrer Zartheit unterliegen die Gärten eingeschränkten Öffnungszeiten. Image by Roland Stuehmer via Flickr. com License Gewinnen Sie Einblick ins Inselleben Zu seinen Hochzeiten war das Hafendorf des Mount das Zuhause für über 300 Inselbewohner, und um 1811 gab es 53 Häuser, 4 Straßen, 3 Schulen und 3 Kneipen. Heute leben 30 Inselbewohner auf der Insel... --- Marazion An historic chartered town, Marazion today is a lively place with safe, sandy beaches lapped by the clear waters of Mount’s Bay. It has an active community and a plethora of cafes, pubs and art galleries, as well as a local store, post office and deli. Marazion Museum in the Town Hall houses a fascinating exhibition of domestic and working life in the town as well as a unique display devoted to HMS Warspite, which was beached off St Michael’s Mount in 1950. Alternatively, take Marazion’s Town Trail and spend an hour exploring the town and discovering its unique history on the mainland. It’s available as a printed booklet from local shops and Marazion Museum, and as a Kindle eBook. The South West Coast Path runs through the town and the RSPB nature reserve is home to Cornwall’s largest reed bed and an abundance of plants and birds. Further afield Head off on a day trip to the Isles of Scilly, a collection of islands set 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast. Travel from Land’s End Airport, Penzance Heliport, or Penzance docks. Visit the local Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, the beautiful and historic Minack Theatre or the fascinating PK Porthcurno, the hub of international cable communications from 1870-1970. The art galleries of Newlyn, Penzance and St Ives are all a short drive away, and the vibrant fishing villages of Mousehole and Porthleven can be reached in 30 minutes. --- Making the most of every Mount experience... Ancient and rugged, some parts of the island, causeway and boat landings can be very tricky to navigate, especially if you have limited mobility. Paths around the island and castle are steep, cobbled and uneven with no handrails in some places. There are unguarded edges and steep drops. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to take a wheelchair or pushchair up to the Mount summit and if you are walking, sensible footwear is highly recommended.   We have a 'Tramper', an all-terrain mobility scooter, that is available to hire for a nominal fee to provide assisted access around the village areas. This can be booked in advance, however, please note that we only accept one booking per day. When you arrive on the island, go to the Change House by the island entrance on the day of your visit with your booking details to collect the vehicle. A limited number of vehicles mean we can only supply on a first come, first served basis.  Click here for the Tramper Route Map. To book the Tramper: changehouse@stmichaelsmount. co. uk or +44 (0)1736 710265 Download the Accessibility Guide detailing the visitor journey from start to finish here. Accessibility guide Access Statement At St Michael's Mount, we’re continually working to ensure that all visitors, no matter what their ability, can gain the most from their visit and have the best possible access to our facilities and services. Download the full Access Statement below. ACCESS STATEMENT Admissions Wheelchair users are admitted free... --- Adventures for all the family on St Michael’s Mount – a treasure island of myths and legends. Hunt for the giant’s heart. Picnic on the lawn. Watch your little ones light up as they learn about our living, breathing island. Families visiting St Michael’s Mount with young children will find a range of experiences designed to spark curiosity and encourage time spent outdoors together. Children under five can visit free of charge, while Family Discount tickets offer a practical option for those planning a full day on the island. From wide, open lawns ideal for energetic toddlers to the terraced gardens, which provide a vibrant setting for gentle exploration, there is plenty of space for little ones to roam. The historic castle introduces an element of storytelling and discovery, where myths and legends are woven through its rooms and passageways. As families make their way through, younger visitors can trace the Giant’s footsteps and search for the hidden Giant’s heart along the route. Food and drink options are well suited to families. The Island Café provides children’s lunch boxes, while the Harbour Loft offers a dedicated children’s menu alongside a themed afternoon tea, complete with a Giant’s heart jelly. A visit to the Mount Shop rounds off the experience, with its toy shop featuring much-loved favourites including Jellycat soft toys, Steiff bears and traditional children’s books. Can I visit with children? Of course, but there are a few things to bear in mind. The cobbled causeway to St Michael’s Mount... --- Jump to: Access | Accessiblity | Facilities | Food & Drink | Getting Here | Shopping | Tickets Access Do I have to pay to access the island? Between 14 September and 30 April access to the harbour, village, shops and cafe is free for everyone during opening hours (excluding Easter 2-19 April). During the main season (1 May - 12 September) access is by ticket for most people, and those who are not National Trust members will have to pay. We offer a Locals' Pass for permanent residents of west Penwith which provides free access to the harbour and village. We have also created a Mount Memories Pass which provides free access to the harbour, village, castle and garden subject to eligibility. Who is eligible for a Locals' Pass? People whose primary residence is within one of 16 local postcode sectors in west Penwith. For further information and application details, please click here. Why is the Free Access Period for all only between 1 October and 30 April? We know that the number of people wanting to visit west Cornwall and St Michael’s Mount has risen and will continue to rise. That increases pressure on facilities on the Mount, the town and our wider local community. Continuing to manage numbers and control access to the Mount is key to balancing the needs of local residents and visitors and therefore we have to be able to control numbers during the main season. While the Locals' Pass is restricted to residents... --- Keep an eye on our social media platforms for updates on employment and apprenticeship opportunities. Visit the St Aubyn Estates careers page for all the latest roles. --- Please get in touch if you're looking for an exciting film location, a dramatic backdrop to a photo shoot or television show. Our team has lots of experience managing crews, large and small, and can offer recces of the island to find the best place for that picture perfect moment. Contact: press@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Drone filming is not permitted on the island or causeway Filming with drones is not permitted on the beach, causeway, car parks, or anywhere on, or near, the island as this area is covered by a Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ).   Drone flights are only permitted with written consent from Penzance Heliport, St Aubyn Estates and the National Trust and this permission needs to be granted at least 2 weeks prior to filming. To seek permission, please contact: press@stmichaelsmount. co. uk --- Open your eyes and ears to the stories that rise on the tide: from the Archangel Michael to Jack the Giant Killer. Pilgrims’ bare feet padding across the causeway. Soldiers’ heavy leather boots racing up to the battlements. The chant of monks’ prayer in the priory. Stride into the Mount’s past and unearth a rich vein of history that flows from prehistoric times. Sacred safe haven From as far back as 495AD, tales tell of seafarers lured by mermaids onto the rocks or guided to safety by an apparition of St Michael. Said to have appeared on the island’s western side, the Archangel Michael, patron saint of fishermen, is believed to have warned them from certain peril. This legend has drawn pilgrims, monks and people of faith to the island ever since to pray, praise and celebrate. Four miracles said to have happened here during 1262 and 1263 would have only added to the religious magnetism that drew pilgrims from far and wide. The island is also an important landmark for those spiritual seekers, who say its unique energy is thanks to age-old ley lines which course under the sea, and cross at the heart of the Mount.   Whether it’s religious beliefs, spiritual energies, or simply the opportunity to take a breath and reflect, people of all sorts are drawn to pause and become immersed in the uplifting atmosphere of the Mount. The castle’s beginnings By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the island had come into... --- Entry into the harbour and village is free up to and including April 30 2026 (excluding the Easter holidays). It’s thought that during classical times the island formed a trading centre for the tin industry. More than 2,000 years ago Phoenician ships may have sailed into the Mount’s harbour and exported Cornish tin to the rest of Europe. Life on the island – then and now The island’s population ebbed and flowed, but by the early 1800s the Mount was thriving commercially and the village was alive with activity, home to over 300 islanders with 53 houses and four streets. Pubs welcomed sailors and fishermen, a school taught the island’s children, a parish policeman kept the peace, the dairy churned butter and the green saw villagers gather to play bowls. It was said that at times you could walk from one side of the harbour to the other stepping over the boats that were moored there. There were net lofts, stables, a pilchard press and even a Victorian change house, where castle residents could wriggle into their swimsuits for a sea dip. Today, around 30 islanders still live here, travelling to the mainland for schools, shopping and employment. Walk in royal footsteps Royal visits to the island have been captured in time by casting the actual footprints of visiting kings and queens. To walk in the footsteps of royalty, keep an eye out for the bronze casts of Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and King Charles, set amongst the harbour cobbles. The Barge... --- With shades of the past in each room and new discoveries waiting around every corner, dig deep into the Mount’s history. The winding corridors lead to fascinating rooms filled with artefacts, with the Chevvy Chase and Blue Drawing Room proving particular highlights. Stoop through ancient doorways and glimpse the building’s changing faces – from priory to fortified castle and, since the mid-1600s, home to the St Aubyn family, who still live here today. As you wander centuries-old corridors and unpeel layers of history, look out for some extraordinary finds. Knowledgeable guides are stationed throughout, ready to share fascinating insights, stories of myths and legends and details of how the building evolved into a cherished family residence. Book tickets by midnight the day before your visit to save with the Advance Booking Rate. book tickets online Highlights in the castle A few of the many highlights include: A Samurai Warrior suit of armour. A clock that tells you the time of the tide as well as the hour of the day. A frieze with hunting scenes, including an ostrich munching on a horseshoe. A piece of Napoleon’s coat worn at the Battle of Waterloo. A statue of St Michael offering mercy to the Devil at his feet. The sofa where Queen Victoria sat as the housekeeper entertained her to a cup of tea. A rather unusual souvenir from a trip to Egypt: a mummified cat. How to plan your visit You will need to book a castle ticket online. This gives... --- Explore this spring Visit the Mount and step into a world of history, myth and legend. It is free entry to enjoy the shops, restaurant, café, art gallery, harbour and village, and dogs are welcome. Tickets are required for anyone wanting to explore the castle. find out more Harbour Loft restaurant Overlooking the harbour with sweeping views across Mount’s Bay, the Harbour Loft restaurant at St Michael’s Mount serves delicious dishes inspired by Cornwall’s coastal produce. Find out more Opening times At low tide, follow the ancient cobbled causeway to the island and at high tide, hop on a boat. Travel in the footsteps of pilgrims, traders, nobles and villagers who have made this journey for hundreds of years. find out more Hop aboard a boat Hop aboard a boat to make the journey as memorable as the destination. Glide into the historic harbour as the castle rises above. Find out more Step back in time Discover how life was lived in west Cornwall before the mid-20th century at the Steward's House Art Gallery. Showcasing works by the Newlyn School artists, capturing everyday lives, landscapes and communities of the time. find out more --- --- ## News St Michael’s Mount appears in a new national advertising campaign from Great Western Railway (GWR), as part of its ongoing Famous Five series. This spring, the Famous Five embark on a new adventure across the GWR network, following the trail of a mysterious dragon. The campaign brings the story to life through a series of locations across the region, with St Michael’s Mount providing a striking coastal setting at the start of the story. The advert captures the approach into Penzance by train before turning to the Mount, where the dragon is seen flying above the castle. GWR were given creative freedom to interpret the landscape, with the final film offering a distinctive perspective on one of Cornwall’s most recognisable landmarks. The collaboration forms part of a wider effort to showcase destinations across the South West and encourage travel by rail. Penzance station provides a convenient gateway to St Michael’s Mount, with onward travel options including walking, local bus services, or a short taxi journey. The advert is now live and can be viewed below. https://www. youtube. com/watch? v=oRjl0eUsAms --- St Michael’s Mount takes centre stage in a recent episode of Countryfile, offering a powerful look at the island in the wake of Storm Goretti. Filmed in the weeks following the storm, the programme explores the impact of extreme weather on the Mount’s landscape and community, alongside the careful work now underway to assess and respond to the damage. Presenters Anita Rani and Sean Fletcher meet members of the Mount team and island residents, sharing personal insights into life on the island during this extraordinary time. The episode reveals both the scale of change and the resilience of the Mount. From newly exposed areas along the castle path to the island’s reshaped silhouette, it offers a visually striking account of a landscape in transition and the sensitive approach guiding its recovery. The episode aired on BBC One on Sunday 29 March, reaching 3. 5 million viewers on the night, and is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer. watch online --- The popular BBC2 show visited the island last summer. St Michael’s Mount appeared on Digging for Britain on BBC2 in February 2026, shining a light on the Mount’s extraordinary past and its place in Britain’s ancient story. The programme followed archaeologists from Durham University as they uncovered compelling new evidence linking the Mount to the semi-mythical island of Ictis, long associated with the Bronze Age tin trade that once connected Cornwall to the wider ancient world. Also featured were Head Gardener Darren Little and National Trust archaeologist Jim Parry, who explored the story of the remarkable Bronze Age hoard discovered on the island. This significant find prompted further archaeological investigation, revealing artefacts and clues that point to the Mount’s role as a vital trading hub thousands of years ago. Through discoveries of ancient objects, evidence of long-distance trade routes and the unique nature of a tidal island once closely connected to mainland Europe, the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the Mount’s origins, which stretch back far further than the medieval castle and priory. The feature forms part of ongoing research that continues to deepen our understanding of St Michael’s Mount as a place shaped by people, trade and belief over millennia, and reinforces its importance within Cornwall’s rich archaeological landscape. If you missed it, watch it now on BBCiplayer Series 13, episode 6. --- A Conversation with Head Gardener Darren Little In the days following Storm Goretti, the landscape of St Michael's Mount has been left markedly changed. Gusts strong enough to fell mature trees and strip established planting have reshaped areas that have taken generations to form. Head Gardener Darren Little talks about the impact of the storm, the immediate priorities on the island, and how the team is beginning to look ahead carefully and thoughtfully to what comes next. Photos Courtesy Hugh Hastings/Getty Images What was the immediate impact of Storm Goretti on the estate? “The scale of it took time to fully understand. On Friday morning, we assessed it quickly and noticed around 70-80 trees were down, but it wasn’t until later on Monday when we made the area safe that the count escalated to 119. Beyond that, there’s been widespread damage to other plants including camellias, hydrangeas and rhododendrons, and to the overall character of the landscape. Some of what’s been affected isn’t immediately visible, and that makes it something we need to approach slowly and with care. ” How has the team responded in the days since? “The focus has been on safety and assessment. Before anything else, we need to make sure paths and working areas are secure. Alongside that, we’re documenting what’s been lost and what may recover naturally. Eventually, we will move forward with a replanting strategy. There’s a balance between acting quickly where it’s necessary and not rushing decisions that will shape the landscape moving... --- St Aubyn Estates Reaccredited with Green Dragon Level 5 St Aubyn Estates, including St Michael’s Mount, has been awarded Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation again in 2025. This is the second year the estate has reached the highest level within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. Maintaining Level 5 status reflects continued work to reduce environmental impact and follow good practice in areas such as carbon reduction, responsible procurement, biodiversity enhancement, waste minimisation and sustainable land management. The team recognises that these remain long-term commitments rather than achievements to rest on. Felix St Aubyn, CEO, St Aubyn Estates, said: “Receiving Green Dragon Level 5 for a second year is down to the dedicated, day-to-day efforts of everyone across the estate. We’re pleased to have met the standard again, but we know there’s always more to do. Our aim is simply to keep improving – whether through renewable energy, resource efficiency, or protecting biodiversity – and to look after the environment as best we can. ” The reaccreditation reflects collaborative efforts across the estate. St Michael’s Mount continues to play a part through its ongoing sustainability initiatives, from renewable energy adoption and resource efficiency improvements to community engagement in west Cornwall. The Green Dragon Level 5 Environmental Standard is aligned with ISO 14001, an internationally recognised benchmark for environmental management. St Aubyn Estates will continue working on the practical steps needed to maintain and improve its environmental impact. Image: Trenow Farm, with a view of the Mount --- A group of talented students from Penwith College have produced a new short film celebrating some of the people, stories and landscape of St Michael’s Mount. The project formed part of their UAL Media Production and Technology course, which challenges students to develop real-world creative skills through hands-on industry experience. Working to a brief inspired by Time and Tide, the students were tasked with creating a three-minute showreel that captures the spirit of St Michael's Mount. With only a couple of hours on site each week, they were responsible for every stage of production, from filming and editing, to selecting music and ensuring the final cut remained on brand. The film features interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses with several members of the Mount team, including Head Gardener Darren Little, Castle Guide Lorna Prouse and Visitor Services Manager Jen Holme. Their contributions offer an insight into the day-to-day life of the island and the people who help bring its history, gardens and visitor experience to life. The finished film highlights the students’ creativity, technical ability and talent for telling an authentic story within a professional brief. This project is part of an ongoing partnership between Penwith College and the St Aubyn Foundation which supports the learning programme based on St Michael’s Mount. Together, they are giving young filmmakers valuable industry experience while bringing new perspectives to the island’s storytelling. https://youtu. be/N6cXHYVFmEE --- This year, St Michael’s Mount is marking the Christmas season with a project organised by the St Aubyn Foundation involving eleven local primary schools, and the children who live on the Mount. They were tasked with creating a Christmas wreath with each design based on a Christmas carol selected by one of the island’s resident families. The wreaths have been hidden around the harbour village for visitors to find as part of our Christmas Carol Wreath Trail. Each wreath includes a QR code that leads to a recording of the chosen carol sung by the children who designed them. The Christmas Carol Wreath Trail provides a festive way to explore the island and discover the thought and creativity the children have put into this collaboration. The trail can be viewed on the island from 4 December - 5 January inclusive. Access is free to all visitors and dogs are welcome. If you are unable to make it over to the island, you can listen to each of the school's singing their carols below. view opening times SchoolCarol REQUESTSMarazion SchoolDing Dong Merrily - chosen By DARREN the HEAD GARDENEr, HOUSEKEEPER EMMA & familySt Hilary SchoolO Come all ye faithful - chosen by andy the deputy HARBOUR MASTER and familyLudgvan AcademySilent Night - chosen by mike the boatman and familyGulval SchoolLittle Drummer Boy - chosen by tom the boatman and HOLLY THE HARBOUR LOFT SUPERVISORAlverton SchoolSt Day Carol - chosen by steveN, AN ISLAND RESIDENTSt Erth SchoolI saw three ships - Chosen... --- St Aubyn Estates is pleased to support an important environmental initiative currently taking place at Marazion Beach, directly opposite St Michael’s Mount. As part of the ‘Making Space for Sand’ project, new dune management work is now underway to help restore and protect the fragile dune habitat. Fencing has recently been installed to allow areas of the dune system to regenerate, with local volunteers also planting native species to stabilise the sand and encourage biodiversity. These efforts will help support a rich mix of wildlife, particularly insects, reptiles and wildflowers. Crucially, the dunes also play a vital role as a natural flood defence for the town of Marazion. Acting as a buffer against coastal storms and rising sea levels, they help reduce the risk of flooding and erosion along this stretch of coast. Allowing the dunes space to recover strengthens their protective capacity for the long term. The protected areas have been cordoned off to give plants the best chance to establish. Visitors and dog walkers are kindly asked to respect these zones by keeping to the paths and avoiding fenced areas. The Making Space for Sand project is one of 25 projects funded by Defra through the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FRCIP) as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which are being managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate. This work is being delivered in partnership with Mount’s Bay... --- St Aubyn Estates, which includes the iconic St Michael’s Mount, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation, the highest level within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. This accolade highlights the estate’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence across all its operations. The Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation is a significant achievement, recognising not only St Aubyn Estates’ dedication to reducing its environmental impact, but also its leadership in driving best practices in areas such as carbon reduction, biodiversity enhancement, waste minimisation and sustainable land management. Commenting on the achievement, Hugh St Aubyn, Head of Sustainability at St Aubyn Estates, said: “Achieving Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation is a significant milestone for us and reflects our longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. From renewable energy projects to protecting biodiversity, every element of this recognition represents the hard work and dedication of our team. My thanks go to all involved in achieving this. There is always more to do and improvements to be made, but together we have set a benchmark, objectives and strategy, demonstrating how businesses can play a key role in protecting the environment for future generations. ” The journey to accreditation has been a collective effort involving innovation and collaboration across the estate’s teams. St Michael’s Mount, a jewel in Cornwall’s landscape, is an integral part of St Aubyn Estates and plays a key role in its sustainability efforts. Initiatives included adopting renewable energy solutions, improving resource efficiency and engaging with... --- On Friday 19th July 2024, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque took place at the newly renovated Gwelva boat landing, marking the site of a unique 100-year time capsule. The event was a celebration of the past, present and future, symbolising the connection between today's generation and those who will follow a century from now. Kerry Rice, Head of Learning for St Aubyn Estates, worked closely with every pupil at Marazion School to curate the contents of the time capsule. The children, inspired by the Newlyn School artists who vividly depicted Cornish life a century ago, created drawings, writings and projects that captured everyday life in west Cornwall. These contributions reflect the influence of artists such as Stanhope Forbes, Dame Laura Knight, and Harold Harvey, whose works are displayed in the Steward’s House on St Michael’s Mount. The time capsule is buried beneath the Gwelva boat landing, directly opposite St Michael’s Mount. The recent extensive renovations of the boat landing were led by Cornish Heritage Builders, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and engineering. Each new brick and steel reinforcement was placed in coordination with the tides and weather, ensuring that Gwelva will continue to serve as a viable boat landing for generations to come. --- Stephen Mathews, a much-loved island boatman with an encyclopaedic knowledge of St. Michael’s Mount, has brought his family’s centuries-old tradition of withy pot making back to life. With roots stretching back 300-400 years on the Mount, Stephen’s story is rich with history and personal anecdotes. After a 30-year hiatus from making withy pots—willow pots used to catch lobster —Stephen expressed a desire to revisit this craft. Sarah Trevillion, a film maker from Storylines, intrigued by his journey, documented the process with her camera and audio recorder. The result is a film that meticulously captures the slow, skilful process of withy pot making. Stephen, who initially learned the craft from his grandfather and fished with these pots alongside his father, finds deep personal connection in this endangered craft. The project not only showcases each step of Stephen’s meticulous craftsmanship but also includes historical Pathe news footage from 1949 of Stephen’s grandfather making a pot on the Mount, adding a touching continuity to the story. The film will be featured in the Withy Lore project, a collaboration with artist Anna Pope and the Royal Cornwall Museum, aimed at preserving the endangered craft of withy pot making. Stephen’s film was also used to inspire a workshop at Marazion School and will be part of the Withy Lore exhibition at the Royal Cornwall Museum from March 10 to June 22, 2025. This project has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, FEAST Cornwall, Cornwall Community Foundation, Cornwall Council, the St.... --- On Friday, 19th July 2024, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the spot of a unique 100-year time capsule will take place on the newly renovated Gwelva boat landing. This event will be a celebration of the past, present and future, connecting today’s generation with those a century from now. Kerry Rice, Head of Learning for St Aubyn Estates, worked with every pupil at Marazion School to create the contents for the time capsule. Inspired by the iconic Newlyn School artists who vividly depicted Cornish life a century ago, the capsule contains drawings, writings and projects created by the children. The Newlyn School artists, renowned for their realistic and socially conscious works, left a lasting impact on the region’s cultural heritage. A collection of their paintings can be found in the Steward’s House on St Michael’s Mount and works by this well-known group of artists, such as Stanhope Forbes, Dame Laura Knight and Harold Harvey, were used as inspiration for the children whose contributions offer a snapshot of contemporary, everyday life in west Cornwall. James St Levan shared his enthusiasm for the event: “The original Gwelva landing was built just over 100 years ago and it seemed a lovely idea that the children of Marazion School should create their messages for our successors to discover when they come to rebuild the landing in another 100 years or so. ” The time capsule is buried below Gwelva boat landing, opposite St Michael’s Mount. The boat landing has been extensively renovated... --- A new collection of artworks has captivated the hearts and minds of visitors from across the world. The Steward's House gallery, home to the Sheila Hichens Collection of Newlyn School art, has become a hub of cultural significance, drawing in over 45,000 visitors in its inaugural year alone. Founded on the testament of Sheila Hichens, a stalwart protector of Cornwall's heritage, the Sheila Hichens Trust was established with a single purpose – to commemorate everyday Cornish life, as it thrived a century ago. And what better way to manifest this vision than through the masterpieces of the Newlyn School artists? As visitors walk through the gallery, they are transported back in time to an era when life revolved around the bustling fishing village of Newlyn and the surrounding countryside. The talents of revered artists such as Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley fill the walls, breathing life into their subjects with each brushstroke. Pioneers of British plein-air painting, they captured the soul of West Cornwall, the landscape, and its hardworking people. “For over 45,000 people to visit this exhibition in its first year is extraordinary and confirms both the public interest in this fine collection, as well as the unique location The Mount provides to exhibit it. ” William Rogers, Trustee of the Sheila Hichens Trust The significance of this collection extends beyond the walls of the gallery. It serves as a veritable time capsule, preserving for future generations, a period that shaped Cornwall's cultural and social fabric. Educational initiatives from... --- On Thursday 20 July, the Wave Rangers installation in St Anthony’s Gardens, Penzance was officially opened. Wave Rangers, the nature-based educational programme from The Wave Project, opened the garden designed by pupils from Nancealverne School Sixth Form. The garden is a unique collaboration between pupils from Nancealverne School, The Wave Project, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, St Aubyn Estates, Jubilee Pool, garden designer Michael Harvey, graphic designer Amelia Berkely and the RSPB. During the planning stage, pupils visited St Michael’s Mount and worked with the garden and Learning Hub team to propagate succulent plants which have subsequently been planted in the gardens. They visited the RSPB in Marazion and worked with Cornwall Wildlife Trust to learn about the intertidal zone. They learnt how special and unique their local environment and community is and created the garden to send a message to visitors and the community to love and respect their local area. Showcasing a notice board describing the journey and involvement of the pupils, the garden display will form part of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Trail in Mount’s Bay. Find out more about Wave Rangers on The Wave Project website here. --- During the King’s Coronation weekend in May, hundreds of visitors enjoyed exploring the island’s unique, terraced garden with proceeds donated to a worthy cause. The National Garden Scheme supports a range of beneficiaries from the income generated from private garden openings that take place across the country each year. This extends across healthcare from Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Parkinson’s UK, through to Perennial, the UK’s only charity to support gardeners and their families during difficult times. Dr Sarah Gadd from the National Garden Scheme said: “On behalf of us all, I want to thank the St Aubyn family for their generosity, which reaches back more than 60 years when they first opened their beautiful garden for our charity. Raising over £4,800 during The King’s Coronation weekend was an amazing result and testament to their visitors’ love of this very special place and its beautiful, inspiring garden. The island’s Head Chef kindly created delicious Coronation cupcakes which went down a treat with visitors, the proceeds of which were also kindly donated. ” The beneficiaries of the charity donations raised will be close to the hearts of many of us at some stage in our lives. In Cornwall, the charity will continue to support this vital work for many years to come. George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme added: “To have the support of one family and one very special garden since 1959 is wonderful for the National Garden Scheme. The fact that many gardens open for... --- Bells, boats, bunting and a Big Lunch, to celebrate this momentous occasion... --- There will be a special opening of the beautiful garden at St Michael’s Mount in support of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) during the King’s coronation weekend as part of the island's celebrations. On Sunday 7 May, visitors can explore the inspiring garden that has evolved over the years since the creation of the initial Walled Garden in the 1780s. The island’s garden is not normally open on a Sunday and all proceeds from garden tickets sold for this day will be donated to the NGS. Dr Sara Gadd from the National Garden Scheme said: “St Michael’s Mount is a fascinating and iconic landmark. We are so pleased that Lord and Lady St Levan are opening the stunning garden once again as part of their support for the National Garden Scheme. The St Aubyn family have backed the NGS for more than 60 years, first opening their garden for our charity in 1959. ” The National Garden Scheme supports a range of beneficiaries from the income generated from private garden openings that take place across the country annually. This extends across healthcare from Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, and The Queen’s Nursing Institute. It also supports Perennial, the UK’s only charity that provides help for gardeners and their families during challenging times. Originally established as a charity in 1927 to support District Nurses from The Queens Nursing Institute, today it provides access to more than 3,500 exceptional private gardens with more than £3. 1 million donated to their... --- An oversized amphibious vehicle made for an unusual sight on Cornwall’s roads recently as it made the 22-mile journey on a specialist lorry from Falmouth to Marazion after undergoing a major refit in the Cornish port. The St Michael, a ‘Sealander 32’ amphibious vehicle that is as happy on land as it is on water, is more commonly found making light work of the half-mile journey through the waves from St Michael’s Mount to Marazion beach. It provides a transport lifeline to the 30 residents of St Michael’s Mount during the winter months when the Marazion to St. Michael’s Mount duty boat service is not possible to operate. It ferries the residents and staff, including taking the island children to school and brings provisions from the mainland. Originally built in Falmouth and launched in 2003, the versatile twin-engine amphibious vehicle measures 11. 5 metres in length and has a beam (width) of 4. 7 metres. It can carry 38 passengers or up to 1,000kg of cargo. The St Michael was specifically commissioned by Lord St Levan and is the latest in the line of amphibious vehicles that have served the island and its residents since the 1950s. The acquisition of the first amphibious vehicle, a World War Two DUKW, came after the then Lord St Levan witnessed these vehicles transporting scrap from the grounded HMS Warspite from the sea just off the island. Several other amphibious vehicles were used in the intervening years to connect the island to the mainland... --- Over 250 pupils from St Hilary and Marazion schools in West Cornwall gathered in Friendship Woods this week to plant 500 new trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a nationwide initiative to create a living legacy in Her Majesty’s name. The project, to mark the year of the Platinum Jubilee, will see one million new trees planted across the nation. Friendship Woods is part of the St Aubyn Estate and is a favourite with walkers. There are a variety of tree species in the woodland, including many majestic, mature pines. An initial planting area measuring 70m by 30m that sits in the heart of Friendship Woods, has been planted with of a variety of native trees including a mix of sessile oak, beech and birch for the main area, with mountain ash, field maple, crab apple and cherry planted on the perimeter. The initiative teaches children to plan, plant and protect a new tree. It helps future generations understand the importance of trees in our environment and community, as well as providing a vital habitat for local wildlife. The young trees are planted around the focal point of a central, mature oak tree. “Asking local children to plant new trees felt both symbolic and appropriate,” said Kerry Rice, Education Officer from St Aubyn Estates, “mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and this project certainly has that ambition for success. ” Lord St Levan and Rowan Shaw of TreeWise Tree Services helped the children to plant the trees and... --- A new initiative to engage with schools and community groups across West Cornwall has been created by St Aubyn Estates. The Learning Hub is headed up by Kerry Rice, Education Officer, who joins the Estate following 10 years of teaching at a local primary school and before that, 20 years as Learning Curator at Tate St Ives. Based at St Michael’s Mount, Kerry will lead and shape a new educational programme on the Mount with plans to establish an outdoor learning strategy across the entire Estate. Working with schools and community groups across West Cornwall, the programme will be designed to engage children and young people in creative and collaborative experiences that bring the history of the island and its locality to life. Kerry will be supporting teachers to plan group visits, helping them create links to the National Curriculum and providing them with relevant teaching resources. This includes literacy-focused visits to learn about the myth of Cormoran the giant; geography-focused trips to understand the nature of a tidal island; art-focused visits to view paintings from the Newlyn School art collection, history-focused tours that delve deep into the timeline of the Mount and science-based topics exploring the wildlife and shoreline of Marazion beach and marshes. Several exciting projects are already in the pipeline. This December will see the planting of 500 trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy in Friendship Woods with pupils from St Hilary School and Marazion School planting saplings to be enjoyed by future generations. The Gwelva Time... --- St Michael’s Mount is set to extend its Local’s Pass to ensure free entry onto the Mount all year round for anyone from the west Penwith parishes that ring the historic island. The Local’s Pass was first introduced as the Marazion Pass after the Covid-19 pandemic forced St Michael’s Mount to limit the number of people visiting the island. After a 12-month trial with free access available to anyone living in Marazion, the scheme is to be opened to anyone living in the parishes from Sennen in the west to St Hilary and St Erth in the east. That means that people living locally will be able to visit the harbour and village for free whenever the Mount is open for business. Residents from the 16 parishes of Sennen; St Just; St Levan; St Buryan, Lamorna and Paul; Sancreed; Morvah; Madron; Marazion; Zennor; Penzance; Perranuthnoe; Ludgvan; St Hilary; St Erth; Towednack can now apply for a Local’s Pass on the day they visit the island. Access for all other visitors to the island during the months of May to September will continue to be only with a castle or garden ticket. From October to April access to the harbour and village will be free for all visitors. Ticket-only visiting has significantly reduced pressure on the island’s infrastructure and its team, made visiting the island more enjoyable and lessened traffic congestion in Marazion. St Aubyn Estates chief executive Harvey Thomas said: “During the early part of the pandemic, we had to... --- An exhibition of culturally significant Cornish artwork opens to the public for the first time on St Michael’s Mount in October. The Sheila Hichens Collection of paintings by well-known Newlyn School artists will be on display in the island’s newly renovated Steward’s House. Sheila Hichens was born in 1924 and her childhood was deeply rooted in West Cornwall, where her father was headmaster of Lescudjack School in Penzance and her grandfather lived in Newlyn. After winning a scholarship to Exeter University, she had a successful career as an educationalist and travelled widely, but in retirement came back to live in Mousehole before she was able to buy her grandfather’s old house in Newlyn Sheila died in 2012 and by virtue of her Will, the Sheila Hichens Trust was formed to create a specific art collection to show how life was lived in West Cornwall before the middle of the twentieth century. Her trustees are William Rogers and Lord St Levan. The great majority of the Collection are by artists of the Newlyn School and includes works by Walter Langley, Stanhope Forbes, Laura Knight and Harold Harvey. The Newlyn School began in the 1880s and continued into the first half of the twentieth century. Artists came to West Cornwall attracted by the beauty of the scenery, quality of light, simplicity of life, and the drama of the sea. They would often paint their subject in the open air, in a purer, more natural, setting. Lord St Levan said: “Sheila Hichens’ vision... --- Visitors enjoyed exploring the island’s unique terraced garden was designed in the 1870s for Sir John St Aubyn, who later became the 1st Lord St Levan. Dr Sarah Gadd from the National Garden Scheme said: “St Michael’s Mount is a totally unique place, and we are very fortunate that Lord and Lady St Levan are such fabulous supporters of the National Garden Scheme. On behalf of us all, I want to thank the St Aubyn family for their generosity, which extends back more than 60 years to 1959 when they first opened their beautiful garden for our charity. “Raising over £7,000 on their open day during The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend was an amazing result and testament to visitors’ love of this very special place and its inspiring garden. I was amazed by the kindness of all the St Michael’s Mount staff who came in on a Saturday, which is usually their day off, to support our charities. ” The National Garden Scheme supports a range of beneficiaries from the income generated from private garden openings that take place across the country each year. This extends across healthcare from Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Parkinson’s UK, through to Perennial, the UK’s only charity to support gardeners and their families during difficult times. Originally established as a charity in 1927 to support District Nurses from The Queens Nursing Institute, the NGS donated over £3 million to charities post-pandemic in 2021 alone. Dr Gadd added: “The Benefactors of the charity donations... --- Two significant and interlinked projects are scheduled to begin on 5th September. These are to repair part of Marazion’s sea defences to protect key infrastructure and redevelop Gwelva boat landing to meet current and future boating needs for island residents and visitors to St Michael’s Mount. --- St Michael's Mount has commissioned local artist and illustrator Jennifer Armitage to create her trademark, bold, abstract graphic illustrations for a range of products in the island shops and striking artwork that features in the island cafe. --- Expert photographer and local man, Mike Newman, offers an insight into how to nail that perfect shot. One of the country’s most iconic images, St Michael’s Mount commands fairy-tale awe. A truly magnificent subject for any budding or seasoned photographer, it is as beautiful on a balmy summer’s day when sunshine trickles down its stony façade as in a brewing winter storm, waves swelling and heaving in the background. So how best to go about capturing a sense of our mighty St Michael’s Mount? Sharing some of his top tips from over 20 years’ experience, expert photographer and local man, Mike Newman, offers an insight into how to nail that perfect shot. Mike Newman’s Top Five Tips for Photographing St Michael’s Mount: 1.  Lighting. At midday the sun is high in the sky and the light can make everything look flat. If you shoot when the light is coming from one particular side of the Mount, shadows are created which reveal the true shapes of the island and buildings. Shooting in the 'Golden Hour' at the beginning and end of the day will also add eye-catching sunrise/sunset colours to your photograph.   2.  Composition. Think about having something in the foreground to add interest – a boat or a person, perhaps. These will add a sense of scale to your picture. While you're looking, see what's happening in the background as well; is it worth adding that cheeky white cloud floating in a blue sky to your shot? 3.  Use... --- You may have heard of El Camino in Spain, the final section of the legendary Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Way. But did you know that part of the pilgrimage could be found here in Cornwall? A vast network of trails in Europe leading to St James’ Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, northern Spain, El Camino is world famous. With roots dating back to pre-historic times between 10,000BC and 410AD, it has been followed by missionaries and pilgrims for thousands of years. Of immense spiritual significance, St James’ Cathedral is believed to hold the remains of St James the Great, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, and has drawn millions of worshippers. These days, people of all denominations and faiths follow part or all of the trail to strengthen their faith, find peace, or to simply enjoy the walk. With many branches of the Pilgrim route all over Europe, a lot of people don’t realise that Cornwall is home to part of the pilgrimage. Starting in Lelant near St Ives and finishing at our very own St Michael’s Mount, St Michael’s Way is a 12. 5-mile walk stretching from coast to coast. If you’d like to experience the walk for yourself, the route officially begins at St Uny Church. Nestled on a sandy headland, the church perches high above the medieval harbour town of Lelant, affording walkers with beautiful views over the Hayle Estuary. With origins dating back to the 6th century, St Uny Church has been nearly lost to encroaching sand... --- In 2009 our Assistant Head Gardener, Darren Little came across something quite unusual when clearing away some bracken from the North Westerly slopes of the Island's garden. Darren discovered a small axe head hidden within a cavity in some rocks. Upon further inspection, a total of 48 artefacts were discovered, including blade fragments, a buckle, a chape and various ingot fragments. The finds were sent to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum for x-rays, cleaning, and inspection. It was then verified by the British Museum that the artefacts dated from the late Bronze Age, making them around three thousand years old. Whilst we know the age of these historic items, it is unclear as to how they came to be on The Mount. It is assumed that they belonged to a Blacksmith who used the cavity as storage, to keep the hoard hidden from potential thieves. The discovery of the Bronze Age Hoard provides a link between St Michaels Mount and the manufacture of artefacts from this period. The most significant item in the hoard is a buckle, possibly a scabbard decoration, which is thought to be unique, as no other buckle of its design has been found in Great Britain. Part of the Bronze Age Hoard is currently undergoing essential conservation work, which is being carried out by specialists based at the Royal Cornwall Museum. The remainder of the hoard is being cared for by the National Trust and will be returned to the Mount when its new display case has... --- As part of our Island, Harbour, Home season, our amphi-craft the St Michael will be home to an exhibition showcasing how amphibious vehicles have served as a vital lifeline to the Island since the 1950's The timeline begins with the story of how amphibious vehicles began serving on the Island in the 1950's, as a result of the Lord St Levan at the time witnessing World War Two DUKWs transporting scraps of the grounded HMS Warspite from the sea just off the Mount to the in land scrap yard. It was then decided that these vehicles would be a necessity in transporting people and goods to and from the Island, particularly in the winter months. The arrival of the Mount's own DUKW then swiftly followed, and in the period of time between then and 2000, various other amphibious vehicles were used and trialled until the commission of the Island's bespoke vessel, the St Michael. The exhibition will also highlight the extensive work that the Island's boating department undertakes in order to maintain the vital lifeline, as well as features various tales surrounding these vessels, including receiving the royal seal of approval! Climb around the St Michael for the Timeline of a Mount Lifeline, which will be on display until the 26th August. For more information of our Island, Harbour, Home season, please click here. --- This week, the final stone was laid on the Island’s causeway after what was initially going to be an 11 year project, was speeded up to a 9 year project after the historic walkway was damaged during the monumental storms in 2014. Work started on the causeway in 2007, and initially was projected to finish in 2018. However, the storms on Valentine's Day in 2014, which washed away many parts of the causeway, forced the process to be sped up, and to a higher specification. Ultimately two years were shaved off the original timeline, and we can now open for the 2016 summer season with a completed causeway that will hopefully remain intact for generations to come.  It has taken an estimated 218,000 man hours to complete, not to mention architectural and design time. The iconic stone paved pathway is inevitably vulnerable to the tempestuous seas of Mounts Bay, particularly in the winter months, and so the design and materials used in the project were carefully considered to prevent any further serious damage to the causeway. An incredible 3511 tonnes of concrete was used in the project and four miles of marine grade stainless steel bar was laid to line the sides of the causeway, before 4560 pins were inserted to pin the curb stones. This was to ensure that once the stones were laid, natural movement in strong seas would be minimal. The original stones from the causeway that were lifted by the storms and scattered amongst the beach were gathered,... --- In honour of the Queen's 90th birthday we will be lighting the St Michael's Mount beacon at 8. 30pm. In addition to the St Michael's Mount beacon being lit, the Marazion Town beacon will also be lit simultaneously at 8. 30pm. As the beacon fades, we will light the castle in honour of the Queen's birthday. We have received several enquiries about the evening and have responded to the most frequent questions we are being asked. What type of beacon will be used? We will be using a wood fired basket positioned on a five foot pole. Where will the beacon be positioned? The beacon will be positioned on the lower western gun battery. If you are on Marazion Beach looking towards the Mount this is to the right of the castle. Where is the best place to view the beacon? The best place to view the beacon will be on Marazion Beach, or at the Godolphin Arms. We recommend the Royal Mojito at the Godolphin Arms - a cocktail with a royal twist - just to get you in to the spirit! How long will the beacon be lit for? The beacon will be lit for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. How long will the castle be floodlit? The castle will be lit from approximately 9. 15pm - 11. 30pm. Will the castle be open? The castle and island are closed to the public - this is for safety reasons. Will there be photos of the beacon lighting? Yes -... --- In partnership with the National Trust we are currently planning, designing and building a visitor centre. This brand new facility will be situated in the Barge House in the heart of the village at the base of the island and will be the focal point for all of our visitors. In particular, it will provide an experience for visitors that are unable to take the climb to the castle, or around the gardens. St Michael’s Mount is one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable attractions in the south west. We pride ourselves on providing every visitor with a great experience and our feedback and visitor enjoyment scores reflect this. However, our accessibility has been a continual challenge.   The centre piece of the visitor centre is to be a tactile model of the island. This will enable all our visitors to gain an understanding and appreciation of the island, its scale and intricacies and the visitor’s position in relation to the island as a whole. Using the data provided by a recent 3d survey of the island, and working with local sculptor Tom Leaper, the model will be an accurate representation of St Michael’s Mount which visitors can touch, feel, and explore with their hands and eyes. The photo above shows the model mid-creation, we are looking forward to seeing the next stage which will involve Tom 'planting' the trees on the East side of the island.   The sculpture will have public routes marked in braille, points of interest,... --- The Watchtower was an important feature of the overall defences of the castle during the English Civil War period. At the outbreak of war the castle was under the ownership of Sir Francis Bassett, a staunch royalist. Bassett built all of the civil war defences on the island at great personal sacrifice; employing twelve soldiers and a gunner at his own expense before King Charles increased the garrison to fifty men. The castle was an impregnable fortress and the import of weapons from France in lieu of payment for tin being exported from the island harbour meant that the Mount was invaluable to the King. In recent years the watchtower has become a quiet footnote of this important chapter in the island’s history, rather overgrown and deemed unsafe for visitors to view up close. The decision to highlight this remarkable military vantage point has been welcomed by all and the recent restoration and subsequent viewing platform ensures that the watchtower will now be enjoyed for generations to come. The watchtower is positioned on the right hand side of the path as you reach the summit of the Mount. It affords amazing views across to Marazion and is a good to point to rest and appreciate the views, before the final climb to the castle. --- --- ~~~ ## llms-full Not found.