St Michael's Mount

A Tidal Island With A Medieval Abbey And Castle. A Benedictine Priory From The 12th Century, A Fortress And, Since 1659, The Home Of The St Aubyn Family, With The National Trust Owning The Site. Often Compared To Mont Saint Michel In Normandy. · Marazion, England

St Michael's Mount is a rocky tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, crowned by a castle that began as a Benedictine priory in the 12th century and has been the home of the St Aubyn family since 1659. The National Trust owns the site. At low tide you walk out from Marazion along a cobbled causeway; at high tide a small ferry takes over, weather permitting. It is often compared to Mont Saint-Michel, though it is far smaller. The setting is the real draw: the walk over the sea floor, the steep village path and the sea views from the terraces. Inside, the castle is a lived-in house with a limited number of rooms, reached by steep, uneven stairs, so do not expect a great palace. The sub-tropical terraced gardens are seasonal. It suits families, photographers and anyone who likes a small, odd island. Allow half a day. In July and August it is crowded and queues build at the castle door, so arrive early, check tide tables first, and confirm opening days and prices before you set out.

Tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, reached on foot along a cobbled causeway from the village of Marazion at low tide or by a small ferry at high tide, Marazion, England, United Kingdom

The island and castle are open on set days through the main season, roughly spring to autumn, with the castle commonly closed on one or two days a week and limited or no castle access in winter. Island village, shop and cafes keep their own hours. The causeway can be walked only when the tide is low, a window of a few hours either side of low water that changes daily, so check the tide tables for Marazion before you go. At high tide the boat runs instead, weather and sea state permitting, and it can be cancelled in rough conditions. Gardens open on seasonal days and not all year. Confirm everything with the National Trust before travelling.

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