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 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
St. Michael\'s Mount featuring heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture


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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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near St. Michael's Mount

St. Michael's Mount in Marazion offers a delightful beach getaway with its stunning sands and picturesque views. Visitors can indulge in rejuvenating spa breaks at nearby facilities, perfect for relaxation. Additionally, the area boasts charming beach clubs where you can unwind with refreshing drinks and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. This enchanting destination promises a blend of leisure and beauty, making it an ideal spot for a memorable holiday.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is Wharfside Shopping Centre, located 3.2km away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. Trevaskis Farm, an 12.9km drive, features local produce and gifts. If you're up for a drive, Discovery Quay, 30.6km away, has boutiques and family-friendly shops.

Recreation

The Jubilee Pool offers a refreshing outdoor swimming experience with family-friendly vibes, just 3.2km from St. Michael's Mount. For golf enthusiasts, West Cornwall Golf Club, located 8.0km away, provides stunning coastal views, while Penwith Pitch and Putt, 6.4km away, is perfect for a relaxed round of golf.

Adventure

Embark on the South West Coast Path Section 24 Trailhead, a thrilling 3.2km hike boasting stunning coastal views and rugged scenery. Alternatively, explore Section 20 and Section 19, located 11.3km and 8.0km away, respectively, both offering exhilarating adventures amidst beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the enchantment of Minack Theatre, just 14.5km away, where culture and romance come alive under the stars. For adventure, visit Grand Casino Amusements, located 4.8km away, offering thrilling arcade games. Don’t miss Lighthouse Cinema, 43.5km away, perfect for a romantic film night.

*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

St. Michael's Mount offers a delightful blend of attractions, including picturesque beaches, a charming marina, and local galleries. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences while enjoying the stunning outdoor scenery. Whether you seek relaxation by the coast or a taste of the area's artistic heritage, there's something for everyone in this enchanting destination.

  • St Ives Harbour: Located 11.3km from St. Michael's Mount, this picturesque marina offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning views of the boats and surrounding coastline. Enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking or simply relax on the beach while soaking up the seaside vibes.
  • Carbis Bay Beach: Just 9.7km away, Carbis Bay Beach boasts golden sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing or a leisurely swim. The tranquil setting makes it an ideal spot for families and couples seeking a peaceful beach experience.
  • Hayle Towans Beach: Situated 9.7km from St. Michael's Mount, Hayle Towans Beach combines city vibes with beach life. Explore the charming town nearby, then enjoy the expansive sandy shoreline, perfect for beach games and leisurely strolls.

Best time to go to St. Michael's Mount

The best time to visit St. Michael's Mount is dependant 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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Michael's Mount

To save on your visit to St. Michael's Mount, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to February and November. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, especially on a Tuesday when prices are lowest. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and refine your search for eco-friendly accommodations. Look out for free cancellation options and combine your hotel with flights for additional savings. Take advantage of free activities around the area to enhance your experience without straining your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Michael's Mount are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around St. Michael's Mount is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around St. Michael's Mount is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around St. Michael's Mount is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation for St. Michael's Mount with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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