St. Michael's Mount

St. Michael\'s Mount which includes heritage elements, general coastal views and château or palace
St. Michael\'s Mount which includes heritage elements, general coastal views and château or palace
St. Michael\'s Mount which includes a castle, heritage architecture and heritage elements
St. Michael\'s Mount showing general coastal views and a castle
St. Michael\'s Mount showing interior views


Rising high out of the waters of Mount's Bay, this magnificent island is one of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks. 

St. Michael's Mount is an island of granite and slate topped with a medieval church and 17th-century castle. Discover the castle’s impressive collection of armour and antique furniture, enjoy views across the bay and relax in its stunning gardens.

Excavations have revealed that the island has been inhabited for more than 3,000 years. A monastery built on the site in the 5th century was replaced by a Benedictine abbey in the 12th century. Over the years, the building has also served as a fortress and a private residence. Explore different buildings on the mount, ranging from the remains of the 12th-century abbey to more modern Victorian additions.

Don’t miss the Chevy Chase Room, which once served as the monks' refectory. Check out the 17th-century plaster friezes running the room’s length, depicting compelling hunting scenes. Admire the stained-glass windows, some of which date back to the 16th century.

View the collection of armoury and weapons gathered by members of the family during their military service and travels and now housed in the Garrison Room. You’ll see a samurai suit of armour in addition to various muskets.

Look inside the 12th-century Priory Church, set at the mount’s summit. This tranquil church houses lovely 15th-century alabaster panels from Nottingham.

Originally part of the 12th-century complex, the library is now home to more than 1,300 books. Check out the 19th-century Italian gaming table, once used for playing card games and chess.

Head up to the terraces for spectacular views across the bay to Penzance, Newlyn, Land's End and the Lizard Peninsula. You’ll be able to spot the subtropical gardens of the complex clinging to the cliff. Diverse plants from Mexico, the Canary Islands and South Africa all flourish in the region’s mild climate.

St. Michael's Mount is located off the shore of the town of Marazion. At high tide, catch a ferry across to the island or wait for low tide so you can walk across via the cobbled causeway.

Reviews of St. Michael's Mount

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
101
5 - Excellent 66%
4 - Good
45
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

the place is great and overall experience was fantastic. tickets to the gardens are sooo pricy...

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Allow time for visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Must be the only National Trust property that is closed on a Saturday in midsummer !,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

One more off the bucket list. Guides were good and friendly,views from the roof were stunning.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

perfect and amazing day out!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Unfortunately there are no walking paths available to those who do not wish to tour the home/castle.

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Things to do near St. Michael's Mount

Shopping

For shopping near St. Michael's Mount, the Wharfside Shopping Centre is only 3.2km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops. Trevaskis Farm, located 12.9km away, provides a delightful market experience. If you're up for a drive, Discovery Quay is 30.6km away, featuring family-friendly shops and more.

Recreation

At Jubilee Pool, enjoy a refreshing swim in a stunning outdoor setting, perfect for families and sports enthusiasts. Acorn Theatre offers a cultural escape with romantic performances and entertainment. For golf lovers, the West Cornwall Golf Club provides a beautiful outdoor course, ideal for a relaxing day on the greens.

Adventure

Embark on the South West Coast Path Section 24 Trailhead for a scenic hike 3.2km away, or enjoy family fun at Grand Casino Amusements, located 4.8km from St. Michael's Mount. For more hiking, explore the South West Coast Path Section 20 Trailhead, 11.3km distant.

Nightlife

The nightlife in St. Michael's Mount is charming and relaxed. Enjoy a meal at The Godolphin Arms with stunning views, then head to The Mounts Bay Inn for a pint of local ale. For a more vibrant atmosphere, visit the nearby towns of Penzance and Marazion for lively pubs and live music.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near St. Michael's Mount

Discover the enchanting St. Michael's Mount, where you can explore its stunning beaches, marina, and local galleries. Engage in cultural experiences by visiting the medieval castle and taking in the breathtaking sights as you stroll the island on foot. Whether you're after outdoor adventures or simply soaking up the scenery, this captivating destination offers a worthwhile visit for every traveller.

  • Carbis Bay Beach: Renowned for its stunning golden sands and crystal-clear waters, Carbis Bay Beach offers a tranquil escape with a picturesque backdrop. Just 9.7km from St. Michael's Mount, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying beach vibes while taking in breathtaking views of the coastline.
  • Chysauster Ancient Village: Located 6.4km from St. Michael's Mount, this historic village offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Cornish people in the Iron Age. Explore the well-preserved stone huts and learn about the region's rich culture and history amid a serene landscape.
  • Penlee House Gallery and Museum: Situated 4.8km away, this museum showcases an impressive collection of Cornish art and historical artefacts. With its cultural vibes, visitors can enjoy exhibitions that celebrate local heritage and the stunning natural beauty of West Cornwall.

Best time to go to St. Michael's Mount

The best time to visit St. Michael's Mount is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.8°F (9.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.6°F (12.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Tips to save on your trip to St. Michael's Mount

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to St. Michael's Mount.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically January to February and November) for more affordable package holidays to St. Michael's Mount.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.