St Michael's Mount is a tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, linked to the mainland village of Marazion by a granite causeway that is only walkable around low tide. Crowned by a medieval castle with 12th-century origins and a former Benedictine priory chapel, it is the English counterpart to France's Mont-Saint-Michel. Managed by the National Trust since 1954, it remains a genuinely lived-in home: the St Aubyn family (the Lords St Levan) still reside in the castle. As of 2026, admission to the castle and garden must be pre-booked online, and access is on foot across the causeway or by ferry depending on the tide.
The medieval castle interiors, armoury and historic rooms - still the family home of the St Aubyns
The subtropical terraced gardens clinging to the granite cliffs (open on limited days - check ahead)
Walking the cobbled granite causeway to the island at low tide (about a 15-minute crossing)
The summit priory chapel and sweeping panoramas across Mount's Bay
The harbour village, its ties to Mont-Saint-Michel, and the legend of the giant Cormoran and 'Jack the Giant Killer'
Good to know
SafetyThe causeway opens for only about four hours a day, dictated by the tide. Use the official Causeway Calculator to check crossing windows and head back with time to spare before the water rises - if you miss it, you'll need the ferry.
SafetyThe cobbled causeway and the rocky climb up to the castle are steep and can be slippery. Wear trainers or walking shoes with good grip; heels and sandals are a bad idea, and pushchairs/wheelchairs cannot reach the summit.
RulesIn the main season (roughly May-September) no tickets are sold on-site, so book in advance via the official website. Castle and garden tickets are separate (combination tickets exist), and even National Trust members enter free but must still book a ticket.
SeasonThe Mount is closed every Saturday. The ferry from Marazion beach runs only roughly mid-March to the end of October; in winter you can only cross on foot when the causeway is open. Cornish weather and wind can cut off access, so keep your plans flexible.
MannersThis is both a private family home and a small working community. Respect residential areas, keep quiet in the chapel and follow the visitor route. Dogs are not allowed in the castle or garden (harbour and village only, at certain times of year).
CautionBuy tickets only from the official site (stmichaelsmount.co.uk); avoid resale sites with mark-ups or fake tickets, and park in Marazion's official car parks. Good-tide days sell out fast in peak season, so book early.
Practical info
The nearest railway station is Penzance; from there take a bus or taxi to Marazion. Cross on foot along the causeway (about 15 minutes) at low tide, or take the small ferry from Marazion beach when the tide is in. The island is generally open Sunday-Friday, about 09:45-17:00 (last entry around 15:45) and closed Saturdays - always confirm current prices, sailings and opening times on the official website.
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