Place of Interest
St Michael's Mount St Michael's Mount
Visiting St Michael's Mount in Cornwall
St Michael's Mount is a popular tidal island just off the coast of Cornwall. It’s connected to the mainland by a cobbled causeway, which can be crossed on foot during low tide, but at high tide, you'll need to take a boat. There’s something for everyone to enjoy on the island, from marvelling at historic landmarks to strolling through beautiful gardens or exploring charming villages. It’s definitely a must-see if you're camping in Cornwall.
Keep reading our guide to learn how to access the island, what to expect during your visit, and how to prepare for your trip.
Getting to St Michael's Mount | St Michael's Mount tickets | Places to stay | Things to do at St Michael's Mount | Additional information
Getting to St Michael's Mount
Getting to St Michael’s Mount is an adventure in itself. You can locate the causeway to the island off the coast of Marazion in Cornwall. If the tide is low, you can walk across the causeway to the island and back. Remember to wear a good pair of walking boots as the path is cobbled.
If the tide is high, you must take a boat from Marazion to the island. You’ll have to pay extra for the boat ride, and you can purchase these tickets online, in advance, or on the day. Click here for more information on the time of day the causeway appears and when a boat is needed.
If you’re catching the boat to St Michael's Mount, there are three mainland landing points where you can board. On the day of your visit, a guide will direct you to the appropriate boat.
Note: Make sure you have enough time to get from the car park to the landing point. We’ve mentioned the estimated times below.
- Chapel Rock: This is located on the beach, and it takes roughly 5 to 10 minutes to walk here from the car park.
- Gwelva: A bit further down from Chapel Rock is Gwelva. It takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes to walk to this spot from the car park.
- Top Tieb: This location takes a bit longer to get to, and the walk is about 15 to 20 minutes from the car park. To get to Top Tieb, you’ll have to go through the town and head to Leys Lane. There are green direction signs on your walking route, so you won’t get lost.
Getting to St Michael's Mount by car
If you’re driving to St Michael’s Mount, you can park in Marazion before heading to the island on foot or by boat. The postcode to put into your sat nav for the St Michael’s Mount and Long Stay Marazion car park is TR17 0EG. On your map, this car park might be called Follyfield Car Park. This car park can get full during the busy season, but there's another overflow car park opposite.
Click here for more information on parking in St Michael’s Mount.
Getting to St Michael's Mount by public transport
The nearest train station to St Michael’s Mount is Penzance Station. From here, you can get a taxi (10-minute drive) or catch a bus (15-minute drive) to Marazion before walking across the causeway or taking a boat. The bus to Marazion runs regularly.
St Michael’s Mount tickets and prices
There are only two ways to get into St Michael's Mount,
- Purchase tickets here
- Book an afternoon tea (find details below)
To secure your visit, be sure to book your tickets to St Michael’s Mount in advance. Ticket prices start from £15 for adults, £7.50 for children under 17, and children under five can enter for free. Family and single adult family discounts are also available.
If you’re a member of the National Trust, you can book a free ticket here. Please be aware that tickets will be checked when you arrive.
Remember: if you’re entering the island during high tide, you must purchase a boat ticket, as the causeway will be closed. One-way ticket prices start from £1.50.
Places to stay near St Michael's Mount
If you’re travelling to St Michael’s Mount from other parts of the UK, you’ll want a comfortable place to rest and relax so you’re ready to explore the island. Discover our campsites in Cornwall for a peaceful stay.
Our Sennen Cove Club Site is a popular pick among campers. It’s just a 20-minute drive to St Michael’s Mount and the Long Stay Marazion car park, from where you can cross to the island. This campsite is the perfect getaway, sitting near the tranquil Cornish coast and offering spectacular ocean views.
Not only is Sennen Cove Club Site family-friendly, with a children's play area and space for ball games, but it’s also dog-friendly, so you can bring your canine companion along.
If you want to pitch your camping unit and head to the island via public transport, the nearest bus stop is an estimated 5-minute walk from the campsite entrance.
Psst, Are you a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club? If so, check out more places to stay near St Michael’s Mount and get your hands on some incredible camping discounts. Not a member? Join the Club today to start saving.
Things to do at St Michael's Mount
St Michael's Mount castle
St Michael's Mount castle sits at the very top of St Michael’s Mount, overlooking the island. As you explore each room of the castle, you’ll uncover its rich history and remarkable architecture. The castle houses incredible artefacts, including:
- A samurai warrior's suit of armour
- A clock that tells both the time of the tide and the hour of day
- A coat attributed to Napoleon, possibly worn during the Battle of Waterloo
- A statue of St Michael offering mercy to the Devil
The Garden Terraces
Welcoming visitors in spring, the Garden Terraces are every nature lover's haven. Designed in 1878, the garden features aloes, agaves, tulbaghias, rosemary, lavender, lampranthus, and much more. Take a quiet stroll through the gardens, admire the plants, or sit and reflect as you admire the wildlife.
The Harbour and Village
St Michael’s Mount is home to a close-knit community of around 30 people with deep-rooted links to the island. However, this was not always the case. It’s believed that around 2,000 years ago, ships would have sailed to the harbour to export Cornish tin to the rest of Europe. The island's population began to thrive, and by the early 1800s, the village was home to over 300 islanders, with 53 houses and four streets. The community grew, welcoming sailors and fishermen into their pubs. There was a local school that taught the island’s children, a policeman who kept the peace, and small village shops where locals would purchase their produce.
Today, the 30 remaining islanders travel to the mainland for schools, shops, and jobs.
Church of St Michael & All Angels
Although the present-day church was rebuilt in the 14th century, its footprint dates back to 1135. Some of the same stones that remained from the previous ruins are thought to have been used in the making of the current church.
Click here for more information on the Church of St Michael & All Angels.
Stewards House
Built around 1815 as a residence and office for the Mount Steward, the Steward House is one of the grandest and oldest buildings in the harbour. Inside, you’ll find Sheila Hichens's art collection, which comprises artwork created by Newlyn School artists. These beautiful pieces show how life was lived in Cornwall before the mid-20th century.
Click here for more information on the Stewards House.
Places to shop and eat in St Michael's Mount
Afternoon Tea
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, having a lovely catch-up, or you’re treating yourself, Afternoon Tea at the Harbour Loft on St Michael’s Mount makes for an exceptional day out.
Prices for afternoon tea start from just £32.50 for adults and £15 for children. With your booking of afternoon tea, you will not only get to enjoy tasty food inspired by fresh Cornish produce and harvested locally, but you can also have access to the Harbour Village, Stewards House Art Gallery, and any other shops and facilities on the Mount.
Are you visiting during Christmas? Why not book a Christmas afternoon tea with your loved ones and enjoy festive treats set against the breathtaking backdrop of St Michael’s Mount?
The Island Cafe
On the eastern side of the island, near the main lawn entrance, you’ll find the Island Cafe. Here, you can purchase a range of hot and cold foods – from homemade soups and stews to traditional Cornish pastries. This cafe is perfect for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
The Beach Hut
Located on the mainland inside the Folleyfield Long Stay Car Park in Marazion is the Beach Hut. Here, you’ll find a variety of snacks, hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and cakes. You can take your food to the island or enjoy it on the beach with an incredible view.
The Mount Shop
Explore the Mount Shop, located next to the Harbour Loft. Here, you’ll find homemade chocolates, Cornish gins, handmade jewellery, children's toys, and much more.
The Island Shop
Another shop that is perfect for picking up souvenirs and gifts is The Island Shop. Here, you can purchase Cornish chocolates, quirky crafts, drinks, and more.
Additional information on St Michael's Mount
Dogs at St Michael's Mount
Dogs are not allowed on the castle grounds, summit, Steward’s House, Harbour Loft, shops, or gardens unless they are assistance dogs. During the quiet period, between 1st October and 31st March, dogs are welcome at the harbour and village only.
Click here for more information on dogs at St Michael’s Mount.
Opening and closing times
St Michael’s Mount is open on Sunday to Friday from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 3:45 p.m. It’s closed on Saturdays.
St Michael’s Mount accessibility
There is restricted accessibility at St Michael’s Mount.
The cobbled causeway to the island can be difficult for pushchairs and wheelchair users to navigate. Pushchairs cannot explore the island and villages as the surfaces are steep, slippery, and uneven. The same applies to the summit.
Sensible footwear, such as walking boots, is encouraged when walking to and around the island. An all-terrain mobility scooter is available to hire for a charge. This scooter can help you move around the village, but there is a limited amount.
Click here for more information on accessibility at St Michael’s Mount.
Visiting with children
All parents are responsible for the safety of their children at all times. Please be aware that the island is rugged, with rocky outcrops and steep precipices. There’s also a working harbour with high walls and steep drops.
Appropriate clothing and footwear
Layers are a must when visiting St Michael’s Mount. On your visit, you might leave the mainland, where there’s sun, but return to heavy rain, or there might be heavy rain on the mainland, and the sun could be shining on the island. So make sure you pack a few layers and an umbrella.
Walking shoes or sensible shoes are also needed as the land can be cobbled, steep, rugged and uneven.
Please note you must be fully clothed when entering the castle or church.