# St Michael's Mount > St Michael's Mount is an historic castle, garden and island found off the coast of Marazion, Cornwall. --- ## Pages - [Days out in Cornwall in October half term](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/days-out-in-cornwall-in-october-half-term/) - [Visiting Us Safely](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/visiting-us-safely/) - [Passes at St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/passes/) - [Visitor Centre](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/barge-house-visitor-centre/) - [Safeguarding Policy](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/safeguarding-policy-2/) - [What's open / available?](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/whats-open-available/) - [Christmas Afternoon Tea](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shopping-eating/christmas-afternoon-tea/) - [Looking After the Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/about-us/looking-after-the-mount/) - [Sustainability on St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/sustainability/) - [Winter information](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/winter/) - [Contact us](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/contact-us/) - [The Garden Terraces](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/the-garden-terraces/) - [Opening Times](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times-2025-26/) - [Discover the incredible underwater world of seagrass meadows!](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/seagrass-film/) - [School Booking](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/school-booking/) - [St Michael’s Mount Live Webcam](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/live-webcam/) - [Schools & Learning](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/schools-learning/) - [Mount Memories Pass](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/passes/mount-memories-pass1/) - [Locals’ Pass](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/passes/locals-pass/) - [Sheila Hichens Collection](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/the-sheila-hitchens-collection1/) - [The Steward’s House Art Gallery](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/the-stewards-house/) - [2025 Tickets & Prices](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/ticket-prices/) - [Online Terms for the Purchase of Tickets and Products](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/online-terms-for-the-purchase-of-tickets-and-products/) - [Website Terms of Use](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/website-terms-of-use/) - [Church of St Michael & All Angels](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/the-church/) - [Groups](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/groups/) - [About St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/about-us/) - [Eat](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shopping-eating/) - [St Michael's Mount Shops](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shop/) - [Getting here. Boating or walking?](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/) - [Walking the causeway](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/walking/) - [Boating](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/boating/) - [Parking for your visit](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/carparks/) - [Finding us](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/getting-here/finding-us/) - [Pop Ups](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shopping-eating/pop-ups/) - [The Island Café](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shopping-eating/the-island-cafe/) - [Plant Sales](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plant-sales/) - [The Island Shop](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shop/the-island-shop/) - [The Mount Shop](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/shop/st-michaels-mount-shop/) - [Privacy Policy](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/privacy-policy-2/) - [Stay in our cottages](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/stay-nearby/) - [Plan your visit](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/) - [Dogs](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/dogs/) - [Explore](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/) - [Italian](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/it/) - [French](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/fr/) - [German](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/welcome-to-st-michaels-mount/de/) - [Around & About](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/around-and-about/) - [Accessibility](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/access/) - [Families](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/families/) - [FAQs](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/faq/) - [Work for us](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/work-for-us/) - [Press and Film Locations](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/press-and-film-locations/) - [History and legends](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/history-legends/) - [The Harbour and Village](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/village-harbour/) - [The Castle](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/explore-the-mount/castle/) - [Home](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/) --- ## News - [Dune Preservation at Marazion Beach](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/dune-preservation-at-marazion-beach/) - [St Aubyn Estates Achieves Prestigious Green Dragon Level 5 Accreditation](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-aubyn-estates-achieves-prestigious-green-dragon-level-5-accreditation/) - [Marazion School Unveil Time Capsule Plaque On Gwelva Boat Landing](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/marazion-school-unveil-time-capsule-plaque-on-gwelva-boat-landing/) - [Historic Craft Revived: Stephen Mathews' Withy Pot Journey Captured on Film](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/historic-craft-revived-stephen-mathews-withy-pot-journey-captured-on-film/) - [Marazion School to Commemorate Renovation of Gwelva Boat Landing with 100-Year Time Capsule](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/marazion-school-to-commemorate-renovation-of-gwelva-boat-landing-with-100-year-time-capsule/) - [Over 45,000 Mount visitors journey through time](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/over-45000-mount-visitors-journey-through-time/) - [Mount Garden Team support Wave Rangers Community Project](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/mount-garden-team-support-wave-rangers-community-project/) - [St Michael’s Mount Garden opening raises £4,800 for National Garden Scheme](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-garden-opening-raises-4800-for-national-garden-scheme/) - [Coronation Weekend at St Michael’s Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/coronation-weekend-at-st-michaels-mount/) - [Special garden opening for National Garden Scheme](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/special-garden-opening-in-support-of-the-national-garden-scheme/) - [The St Michael Returns After Refit](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-st-michael-returns-after-refit/) - [The Queen’s Green Canopy in Friendship Woods](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-queens-green-canopy-in-friendship-woods/) - [St Michael’s Mount - Where Learning Comes to Life](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-where-learning-comes-to-life/) - [St Michael’s Mount Extends Local’s Pass to include all west Penwith parishes](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-extends-locals-pass-to-include-all-west-penwith-parishes/) - [Sheila Hichens Collection of Newlyn School paintings displayed in the Steward’s House](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-sheila-hichens-collection-of-newlyn-school-paintings-displayed-in-the-s/) - [St Michael’s Mount garden opening raises £7,000 for National Garden Scheme](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-mount-garden-opening-raises-7000-for-national-garden-scheme/) - [Swim around the Mount raises over £20,000 for men’s health charity](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/swim-around-the-mount-raises-20000/) - [Once in a century Marazion boat landing & sea defence regeneration to begin](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/once-in-a-century-marazion-boat-landing-and-sea-defence-regeneration-to-beg/) - [Lighting up the Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/lighting-up-the-mount/) - [Local artist captures Mount in bold new designs](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/jennifer-armitage-the-latest-artist-with-designs-on-the-mount/) - [Sunsets in Cornwall](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/top-ten-places-to-watch-a-sunset-in-west-cornwall/) - [Top Five Tips for Photographing the Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/top-five-tips-for-photographing-the-mount/) - [Pretty Harbours in Cornwall](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/pretty-harbours-in-cornwall/) - [West Cornwall in spring](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/things-to-enjoy-during-spring-in-west-cornwall/) - [Walk the Pilgrim route from Lelant to St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/st-michaels-way/) - [Foraging on the Coast](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/foraging-on-the-coast/) - [Garden Map by Neil Gower](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/garden-map-by-neil-gower/) - [Bronze Age Hoard](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/bronze-age-hoard/) - [Boats Ahoy!](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/boats-ahoy/) - [Timeline of a Mount Lifeline - An Exhibition into the History of the Mount’s Amphibious Vehicles](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/timeline-of-a-mount-lifeline-an-exhibition-into-the-history-of-the-mounts-a/) - [The final stone is laid on the St Michael’s Mount Causeway](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-final-stone-is-laid-on-the-st-michaels-mount-causeway/) - [New Visitor Centre on St Michael's Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/designing-the-barge-house-st-michaels-mounts-new-visitor-centre/) - [Happy 90th Birthday to HM the Queen](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/happy-90th-birthday-to-hm-the-queen/) - [Tactile model of the Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/local-sculptor-tom-leaper-creates-a-tactile-model-of-the-mount/) - [St Michael’s Mount lights up pink in support of Breast Cancer Now, wear it pink campaign.](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/turning-pink-for-breast-cancer-now/) - [RNLI Around the Mount open water swim a great success](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/rnli-around-the-mount-open-water-swim-a-great-success/) - [The St Michael is Unveiled](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-st-michael-is-unveiled/) - [Civil War Watchtower](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/civil-war-watchtower/) - [21st Century Island Life](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/21st-century-island-life/) - [Island Harbour Home –  living and working on St Michael’s Mount](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/island-harbour-home-living-and-working-on-st-michaels-mount/) - [Cornwall Fire & Rescue exercise on St Michael's Mount, Cornwall](https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/cornwall-fire-and-rescue-service-and-st-michaels-mount-join-forces-for-a-fu/) --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages Looking for memorable days out in Cornwall this October half term? A visit to St Michael’s Mount offers the perfect blend of history, culture and coastal beauty. Explore the island’s iconic castle, where centuries of stories and legends unfold, then browse the island shops for distinctive gifts and local treasures. Relax in the café, enjoy its seasonal flavours or indulge in an Afternoon Tea. Step inside the Steward’s House art gallery to view a remarkable collection of works by Newlyn School artists, capturing life in west Cornwall before the mid-20th century. Access to the island itself is free, however, tickets are required to visit the castle. Take time to wander through the village and harbour, home to over 30 residents living and working on this unique tidal island. Depending on the tide, you can cross the ancient cobbled causeway on foot or take a boat across the water from Marazion for a truly Cornish adventure this half term. access calendar Discover the castle Step into the past as you explore the castle’s historic rooms and winding corridors. Once a medieval priory, later a fortress, and now a family home, the castle reflects centuries of transformation, with each space revealing a distinct chapter in its remarkable story. Knowledgeable guides are on hand throughout, sharing captivating insights into the island’s myths and legends, as well as the evolution of the building into the much-loved residence of the St Aubyn family, who continue to live here today. Please note: advance booking is recommended... --- St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island, shaped by nature and history, with a working harbour, historic castle, and terraced gardens, accessed by boat or walking the causeway depending on the tide.  Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with the following guidance to help ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable. Walking the Causeway The causeway is only accessible at low tide – please check daily opening times before setting out. Surfaces may be wet, slippery and uneven. Sturdy footwear is essential. The tide comes in quickly – allow plenty of time to cross. Crossing outside of the recommended times is hazardous: the path is uneven, currents can be strong, and visibility is limited once submerged. For safety reasons, swimming or wading across the causeway is not advised. Vehicles frequently use the causeway to get to and from the island. Please keep to the route and supervise children at all times. Arriving by Boat Boat services are dependent on sea and weather conditions and may be delayed or cancelled at short notice. Take care when boarding and disembarking – steps and landings may be wet or uneven. There are unguarded edges and steep drops. Always follow the crew’s instructions and keep young children closely supervised. All boats are fitted with life rafts and life jackets. The Harbour & Village The harbour is a working environment with boats, equipment and uneven granite surfaces – please watch your step. Keep to marked visitor routes and be mindful of service vehicles and staff buggies. Dogs must... --- At St Michael’s Mount we offer two different passes. Every year 1,000 single use Mount Memories Passes will be available to people who have a special emotional tie to the island or to mark a special occasion. For those living in designated postcodes, our Locals' Pass provides free access to the village and harbour between 13 April and 12 September during opening hours. Find out more about both passes below: --- The Visitor Centre is located in the Barge House on the centre of the harbour front sandwiched between the village houses and the Learning Hub. The Barge House is a former boat store and barge barn, and is now a Grade II listed building. It serves as the island’s visitor centre where the National Trust team is based and a place where visitors can discover more about the National Trust’s work, find out how to get involved, and take out membership for those who wish to support the Trust's ongoing conservation efforts. The centre also serves as the main orientation point where visitors can plan their day, learn about local history, and gain insight into island community life. A starting point If you’re planning a trip, start at the Barge House Visitor Centre to orient yourself with the island’s layout and history. It’s a beautifully crafted gateway that sets the tone for a rich experience of the island. The National Trust The Barge House serves as an information and membership point for the National Trust, where visitors are warmly welcomed by a knowledgeable team. Staff are on hand to provide insight into the island’s rich history, answer enquiries, and assist those interested in becoming members. Here, guests can learn more about the National Trust’s work both on the island and across the UK, including its role in protecting historic places, landscapes, and wildlife. Whether you're curious about the stories behind the Mount, want to understand how membership supports conservation efforts, or... --- Last updated – May 2025 Introduction and Purpose Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. St Aubyn Estates has a designated Safeguarding Lead and two additional Safeguarding Champions who are qualified to manage any concerns in the absence of the Safeguarding Lead. From time-to-time staff of St Aubyn Estates may come into contact with children and vulnerable adults as employees or public beneficiaries of the work of the company. This Policy aims to safeguard those children and vulnerable adults from harm as well as supporting staff in the safeguarding of those children and vulnerable adults from harm.   General Principles This Policy applies to all employees of St Aubyn Estates, Cornish Heritage Builders and the St Aubyn Foundation. For the purpose of this Policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18. A vulnerable adult is anyone aged 18 years or over and who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation. All suspicions or allegations of harm or abuse will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly. If an employee is likely work alongside a child or vulnerable adult in an area where they are the only two employees present, then they will be required to have an ‘Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check (including child and/or adult barred list check)’.   Wherever possible, all children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with... --- Autumn season (now)14 Sep - 31 Oct 2025During the autumn season, access to the harbour, village, shops, cafés and gallery is free. The castle is open to ticket holders only. The castle is open Sunday-Friday and closed Saturdays. The garden is closed. All dogs welcomed at this time, however assistance dogs only in the castle, gallery and afternoon tea. Access is by boat or by foot. CastleCaféAfternoon TeaShopsHarbour VillageGalleryDogsCheck our Dog PolicyBoatCheck Tide TimesWalkingCheck Tide TimesGarden Next Season --- Enjoy a festive treat at St Michael's Mount Whether it’s a seasonal party with your work colleagues or a festive treat with family or friends, join us for a warm welcome and some tempting treats, set against the enchanting backdrop of St Michael’s Mount. Head Chef Greg Milne has crafted a Christmas menu using locally produced ingredients and flavours, some grown here on the island itself. Pair with a pot of Tregothnan tea or a glass of festive fizz. Wander through the cobbled village, visit the Steward’s House art gallery and take time to explore the island’s shops, offering exclusive gifts from local artists and designers. Exclusively available on two dates in December at select times - see below for full details. Festive menu Savouries:- Pigs in blankets, prune ketchup & sage- Prawn Marie rose, chicory & lemon Sandwiches:- Turkey & stuffing- Cornish yarg & conference pear- Roasted gammon & quince relish- Seasonal squash, Cornish camembert & thyme Sweets:- Mince pie financier, dark chocolate & candid orange- Apple, cinnamon & brown butter madeleine- Blackberry & toasted honey tartlet - Homemade scones, clotted cream, choice of blackcurrant or strawberry and champagne jamVegetarian, vegan and children's versions also available on request. Booking your table Monday 22nd December: First sitting @ 10:20 – last sitting @ 13:00 Tuesday 23rd December: First sitting @ 11:00 – last sitting @ 13. 40 Price: £40pp with tea, £51pp with fizz Please let us know dietary requirements when booking your table. Getting here Access to the island during the winter is via... --- Enter the St Aubyn family The St Aubyn family have owned property in Cornwall since the 13th century.  The first known connection between the family and St Michael’s Mount occurred in 1210, when William St Aubyn as Dean of St Buryan acted as witness to a gift to the Priory.  In 1508, Henry VII pardoned Peter St Aubyn, for his role in Cornish rebellions, and he was appointed Governor of the island.  His garrison fought off a French attack five years later. A hundred and fifty years on, another rebel against the crown - John St Aubyn, a colonel in the parliamentary army - was appointed Captain of the Mount, when the Civil War ended.  He later purchased the island from a royalist neighbour in distress. A fortuitous family inheritance in the next century enabled the family to begin a 150 year programme of investment in the island’s castle, village and harbour.  This culminated in building the east wing of the castle, where the family still live today. In 1887, Queen Victoria marked her Jubilee by granting six peerages. One went to Sir John St Aubyn, the popular MP for Cornwall.  The twelfth family member to have sat in the Commons since 1283, he became Lord St Levan. In 2003, James and Mary St Aubyn moved to the castle with their four children. They, in their turn, inherited the family title in 2013. The Island Community Approximately 30 people live on the island throughout the year. At least one person in... --- Did you know that a thriving community lives and works on St Michael’s Mount? Thirty people make their home here, as others have for hundreds of years. Sustainable tourism for us means ensuring both residents and visitors experience the beauty of this unique island for generations to come. St Aubyn Estates, which includes the iconic St Michael’s Mount, was awarded Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation in 2024, the highest level within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. This recognition underscores the estate's steadfast dedication to sustainability and environmental excellence in every aspect of its operations. St Michael's Mount is run in partnership with the National Trust, which is actively contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. We welcome scores of birds – including rare species – from nearby Marazion Marsh Nature Reserve to our island for food and shelter. Our avian friends remind us of our connection to, and sustainable responsibility towards, the wider community beyond our shores. Here’s some of the work we’re doing to promote sustainability. Important milestones Our sustainable work on the Mount has led to:• 40% approximate reduction in Co2 emissions in the past five years• 25% waste reduction in the past four years• Achieving Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation, Green Dragon Level 5 In 2024, St Aubyn Estates achieved Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation, the highest tier within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. Reaching Green Dragon Level 5 showcases St Aubyn Estates’ dedication to minimising its environmental footprint while setting a benchmark for best practices... --- What will I discover during winter? The winter season runs from 01 November to 30 April 2026 and entry to the island is free to all visitors (excluding Easter 2026). Winter is a wonderful time to experience the Mount at a gentler pace. With fewer visitors, you’ll discover a quieter, more contemplative side of island life. Wander the cobbled village and historic harbour, before warming up with a hot drink and a slice of freshly baked cake in the Island Café. Browse the shops for seasonal gifts, and step inside the Steward’s House Art Gallery to see a collection of paintings by the renowned Newlyn School artists. With crisp air, dramatic skies and sweeping sea views, winter offers a truly special atmosphere on the Mount. Christmas Afternoon Tea Whether you’re celebrating the season with colleagues, loved ones, or friends, experience a truly magical Christmas at St Michael’s Mount. Surrounded by the island’s captivating scenery, guests can enjoy a delicious selection of festive delicacies created by Head Chef Greg Milne. His Christmas menu showcases locally sourced ingredients — including some grown right here on the island — perfectly complemented by a pot of Tregothnan tea or a sparkling glass of festive fizz. Only available on selected dates and times in December, see link for details. find out more What’s open during winter? During opening hours in winter, you can visit the: Harbour and village Island Shop The Mount Shop Steward's House Gallery Island Café What’s not open? Castle (open 15 March... --- Contact St Michael’s MountMarazionCornwallTR17 0HS For enquiries email: Tickets: tickets@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Group & educational visits: groups@stmichaelsmount. co. ukGeneral enquiries: enquiries@stmichaelsmount. co. ukPress office: press@stmichaelsmount. co. ukShops: shop@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Marketing: marketing@staubynestates. comTo light up the castle: enquiries@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Office opening hours: 9am-5pm.   Drone enquiries: Filming with drones is not permitted on the beach, causeway, car parks, or anywhere on the island as this area is covered by a Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ).   In addition to the consent that is required under the FRZ status to fly a drone, consent in writing is also required from St Aubyn Estates, the National Trust and Penzance Heliport To seek permission, please contact: press@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Please note: all drone images used on this site and on our digital channels, including social media, were commissioned by St Aubyn Estates/National Trust --- The gardens are now closed until 1 May 2026 This beautiful, fragile, terraced garden was designed in 1878 for Sir John St Aubyn, later the 1st Lord St Levan, and would have delighted his family of eleven people. Aloes and agave rear out of the bedrock, tulbaghias wave their delicate heads, and binding threads of rosemary, lavender and lampranthus tumble down the terraces. Come and experience life beyond the castle walls... Stroll among the steep, sloping terraces and you’ll spot all manner of unlikely plants, which thrive in this curiously mild microclimate.  Despite the gales and salty winds that you’d expect here, frosts are a rarity and the rock acts as a gigantic radiator – absorbing the heat by day and releasing it at night. book 2025 tickets How to plan your visit Book a garden ticket online for access to the island including the harbour, art gallery and village, the gardens themselves and the lawns, shops and cafés. Alternatively, you can purchase a combi ticket which also gives you access to the castle. The gardens are open Monday-Friday and closed at the weekends. Assistance dogs only in the gardens. book tickets online Highlights in the gardens Among the many highlights are: The Victorian ‘Seagull Seat’, the perfect place to absorb the bay views from the top of the west terraces. Exotic succulents nestled among the granite bedrock in the east terraces and west terraces. A trip through time in the walled garden, designed by two daughters of the fourth baronet in 1780. Winter in the gardens The inevitable wear and tear from so... --- The island opens at 10:00 and closes at 17:00 Sunday-Friday - closed Saturdays. Last entry to the island is 16:00. To access the island 14 September-30 April, you do not need a ticket (excluding Easter holidays 2-19 April). From 1 May 2026, you will need to have a ticket to visit the castle, garden or have a booking for Afternoon Tea in the Harbour Loft. The garden is closed and will reopen on 1 May 2026. VILLAGECASTLE MOnday10:00 - 17:0010:00 - 15:45Tuesday10:00 - 17:0010:00 - 15:45Wednesday10:00 - 17:0010:00 - 15:45Thursday10:00 - 17:0010:00 - 15:45Friday10:00 - 17:0010:00 - 15:45SaturdayCLOSEDCLOSEDSUNDAY10:00 - 17:0010:00 - 15:45 Autumn season (now)14 Sep - 31 Oct 2025During the autumn season, access to the harbour, village, shops, cafés and gallery is free. The castle is open to ticket holders only. The castle is open Sunday-Friday and closed Saturdays. The garden is closed. All dogs welcomed at this time, however assistance dogs only in the castle, gallery and afternoon tea. Access is by boat or by foot. CastleCaféAfternoon TeaShopsHarbour VillageGalleryDogsCheck our Dog PolicyBoatCheck Tide TimesWalkingCheck Tide TimesGarden Next Season --- This film is just one of the many interactive features of the Mounts Bay Marine Trail. Experience the iconic coast path of Mounts Bay between Newlyn and Marazion. Discover more and find out about the wildlife, history and stories of the bay here. This film has been created as part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Your Shore movement with thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out how you can get involved here. Film created by Polly Ford Media (@pollyfordmedia) and Claire’s Conservation Media (@clairesconservationmedia) --- Please provide as much detail as possible to help us set up your visit. Highlight options as appropriate, add any notes that you feel we would need to know. If you have any questions please contact kerry. rice@staubynestates. com. --- The Learning Hub is headed up by Kerry Rice, Education Officer for St Aubyn Estates. Based at St Michael’s Mount, Kerry leads the educational programme on the Mount with plans to establish an outdoor learning strategy across the entire Estate. Working with schools and community groups across Cornwall, the programme is designed to engage children and young people in creative and collaborative experiences that bring the history of the island and its locality to life. In the 2023/24 academic year, Kerry welcomed over 6,000 young learners to experience the magic of the Mount. The Learning Hub is funded by the St Aubyn Foundation, a charitable programme that supports initiatives in west Cornwall that make a difference to the local community. All pre-booked Cornish schools, can visit St Michael's Mount for free. Plan your visit Kerry will support teachers and group leaders to plan visits and tours, helping create links to the National Curriculum and providing relevant teaching resources. Contact kerry. rice@staubynestates. com for a step-by-step guide to a sucessful school visit. Essential information PricesSelf-led visitsBooking formHealth, safety and access informationOrientation notes for teachers Teacher resources Queen Victoria’s Diary EntryThe Key to the CastleThe Harbour ChallengeCormoran The Giant Getting here: grants for school transport Cornwall Heritage Trust may give financial support for transport to enable schools to make visits to heritage sites or undertake visits which have a purpose of developing awareness and appreciation of Cornish heritage. Learn more about CHT transport grants Voluntary Work Placement Programme Through the St Aubyn Foundation we offer... --- We understand that the Mount is important to people beyond west Cornwall. Every year 1,000 single use passes will be available to people who have a special emotional tie to the island or to mark a special occasion. Each pass will give a group of up to four people access to the castle and gardens for a one-off visit during opening hours. Applications for a Mount Memories Pass will need to be made in advance explaining the special link or occasion, e. g. having a relative who lived or worked on the Mount, or to celebrate a significant birthday or anniversary. We look forward to helping you make happy memories! Reasons to request a pass could include: • A special emotional tie to the island, e. g. the applicant or a family member used to work on the island or were married on the island• To mark an occasion, a wedding anniversary or significant birthday• To revive a happy memory, this could be as simple as having visited the island with a grandmother at a particular time of the year for a number of years• To create a new memory, to propose to a partner or for parents to take children to the castle or garden for the first time• To cheer up a loved one or a friend following a difficult time How do I apply? For information on how to apply for a pass and other key information, click here. --- The Locals' Pass provides people whose primary residence is in one of the following postcodes: TR17, TR18, TR19, TR20, TR26, TR27 with free access to the village and harbour between 1 May and 11 September 2026 during opening hours. Alongside the Free Access Period that runs from 14 September 2025 until 30 April 2026, this will give local residents year-round access to the harbour and village during opening times. How do I apply? 1. Permanent residents of a household within one of the eligible postcodes need to show proof of primary residency at the Change House on the Mount’s harbour front, either with a driving licence, bank statement or an electoral roll polling card. No documents will be copied or retained, but a member of the team will complete a visual check. 2. The resident’s photograph will be taken and a pass made whilst they wait. 3. On future visits to the island, the pass holder will show the pass before boarding a boat on the mainland or at the checkpoint at the end of the causeway. 4. Any permanent resident of a household aged 18 and over can get a pass and it’s one adult to one pass only. Under 18s do not need a pass, but must be accompanied by a Locals’ Pass holder to visit the island. 5. Locals’ Pass holders do not need to book online to visit – simply turn up with the pass during opening hours. Opening hours vary throughout the year. 6. In... --- Visitors to St Michael’s Mount can view the Sheila Hichens Collection of Newlyn School art at the restored Steward’s House that is found in the harbour village. The Sheila Hichens Trust was formed by virtue of Sheila Hichens’ Will to create an art collection to show how life was lived in West Cornwall before the middle of the twentieth century. Showcasing the famed Newlyn School This culturally significant collection contains more than 40 paintings and is currently displayed in the Steward’s House. It includes many works by acclaimed Newlyn School artists such as Walter Langley, Stanhope Forbes, Laura Knight, and Harold Harvey. The Newlyn School began in the 1880s and continued into the first half of the twentieth century. Artists came to West Cornwall attracted by the beauty of the scenery, quality of light, simplicity of life, and the drama of the sea. They would often paint their subject in the open air, in a purer, more natural, setting. Free to visitors and local schools The Steward’s House and Sheila Hichens Collection will be free to access for visitors to the island during opening hours.   The Steward’s House will be available for pre-booked visits by local schools and community groups as part of the learning programme, funded by the St Aubyn Foundation. 'Tulip Pickers' by Harold Harvey Who was Sheila Hichens? Sheila Hichens was born in 1924 and her childhood was deeply rooted in West Cornwall, where her father was headmaster of Lescudjack School in Penzance and her grandfather lived in... --- The Steward’s House was built in the 1700s to act both as a residence and an office for the Mount Steward. At the time, the population of the village was about 300 people and included three pubs, a school and various activities connected to a thriving harbour. It is the grandest building in the harbour area and one of the few that survives from before the great Victorian restorations on the island that started in the 1870s. This is one of the properties on the Mount that still belong to the St Aubyn family, who as well as restoring the building itself, have also created an intimate walled garden at the rear of the Steward’s House for visitors to enjoy. Inside: Newlyn School artwork The Steward’s House is currently home to the Sheila Hichens Collection which comprises artwork by Newlyn School artists that depict how life was lived in west Cornwall before the middle of the twentieth century. This exhibition of artwork will be available to visit in the Steward’s House, free of charge, for visitors to the island.   Showcasing the famed Newlyn School This culturally significant collection contains more than 40 paintings and is currently displayed in the Steward’s House. It includes many works by acclaimed Newlyn School artists such as Walter Langley, Stanhope Forbes, Laura Knight, and Harold Harvey. The Newlyn School began in the 1880s and continued into the first half of the twentieth century. Artists came to west Cornwall attracted by the beauty of the... --- Tickets are not required to visit the island from 14 September 2025 to 30 April 2026 (excluding Easter 2026). Tickets are required to visit the castle. Castle The castle is open until 31 October. It reopens 15 March 2026. Ticket typePRICEAdult Single£16Single Adult Family* (1 Adult, 3 Children)£24Family* (2 Adults, 3 Children)£40Child (5-15 years)£8Children Under 5FREE Book Castle Tickets Boats Boats are only available when the tide covers the causeway. The last day of boating operations is 31 October and they will start again 15 March 2026. Ticket typePRICEAdult£3. 20Child (1-15 years)£1. 60Children Under 1FREE Book Boat Tickets Afternoon Tea Please check causeway opening times when you book your Afternoon Tea to work out whether you will need to walk across to the island or take a boat. Boat tickets are available to purchase on the day from one of our guides on the mainland. Afternoon Tea is available up to and including October 31 and will begin serving again 15 March 2026. Ticket typePRICEAdult£37. 50Child (5-15 years)£17. 50 Book Afternoon Tea Gardens (closed) The gardens are now closed and will reopen 1 May 2026. Ticket typePRICEAdult SingleSingle Adult Family* (1 Adult, 3 Children)Family* (2 Adults, 3 Children)Child (5-15 years)Children Under 5 Combination (closed) Combination tickets are available Monday-Friday when the garden reopens 1 May 2026. Ticket typePRICEAdult SingleSingle Adult Family* (1 Adult, 3 Children)Family* (2 Adults, 3 Children)Child (5-15 years)Children Under 5 Dogs Dogs are welcome from 14 September to 30 April 2026 (excluding Easter). Please see our dog policy for further information.... --- 1. Introduction 1. 1 We are St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall. In this document, we will refer to it simply as “the Island”. 1. 2 The Island is open to visitors for most of the year, though there are times when the Island is closed to the public, as notified from time to time via the Website. There are different types of ticket to suit your needs. As well as tickets for adults, children and families we also have National Trust (free admission) tickets, locals’ passes and Mount Memories Passes. 1. 3 You will need to purchase separate tickets for gaining admission to the Island itself, to the castle, to the gardens, and for the boat (which is essential for taking you to the Island if you are visiting while the causeway is covered by the sea). There is more information about the different ticket types at clause 3 below. 1. 4 The address of the Island is; St Michael’s Mount Marazion Cornwall TR17 0HS 1. 5 Below are the terms and conditions (“the Terms”) on which we supply goods, or services to you. Please read these terms carefully before purchasing tickets online or goods from the online shop. In these terms we explain our delivery, return and refunds policies, as well as providing details on tickets and payment conditions. 1. 6 By purchasing a ticket online, or by purchasing goods from our online shop, you are agreeing to be bound to these Terms. 1.... --- The Purpose of These Terms These terms of use (together with the documents referred to in it) tell you (whether as a guest or a registered user) the terms of use on which you may make use of this website, which is owned and controlled by St Michael’s Mount Trading (“our site”). Use of our site includes accessing, browsing, or registering to use our site. Please read these terms of use carefully before you start to use our site, as these will apply to your use of our site.   Some of the sections in these terms apply solely to consumers and businesses, these sections are marked as such, otherwise all terms apply to everyone who visits our site. By using our site, you confirm that you accept these terms of use and that you agree to comply with them.   If you do not agree to these terms of use, you must not use our site. Who We Are and How to Contact Us We are St Michael’s Mount Trading ("We", “Our” or “Us”). Our contact details are:  St Michael’s Mount Marazion Cornwall TR17 0H Email: enquiries@stmichaelsmount. co. uk  Tel: +44 (0)1736 710265 Applicable Law Please note that these terms of use, its subject matter and its formation, are governed by English law. You and we both agree to that the courts of England and Wales will have non-exclusive jurisdiction. However, if you are a resident of Northern Ireland you may also bring proceedings in Northern Ireland, and if... --- The beating heart of St Michael’s Mount. On the footprint of the church built in 1135, and probably reusing the same stones, the present building was largely rebuilt in the late-14th century. In all likelihood, there would have been an earlier church still on the summit, but no remains are identifiable. There is a belief that St Cadoc and St Keyne met on the island in the sixth century. Nowadays, we have our own Chaplain and hold regular Sunday services from the middle of May to the end of September. Discover these details inside the church: The Organ – built in 1786 for Colonel John Lemon, MP for Truro, for his London house in Bryanston Square. Apparently, Colonel Lemon was an insomniac and during his wakeful spells would find relief by playing his organ at all hours of the night. Eventually, the complaints of his neighbours persuaded him to sell the organ to his friend John St Aubyn for £800. The organ still retains its original superb tonal quality. Lantern Cross – 15th century, made from Cornish stone from near Padstow. The four panels represent the crucifixion, the virgin and child, a king (possibly Edward the Confessor, who by some accounts gave the Mount to Mont-St-Michel) and a priest (maybe a prior, or possibly Thomas Beckett). Bronze of St Michael – the modern bronze figure of St Michael defeating the Devil, yet offering the hand of mercy, was made by the figurative sculptor, Lyn Constable Maxwell. The neighbouring stained glass panels were installed by the 5th Sir... --- Explore together, remember always... We welcome organised groups to explore St Michael's Mount. Marvel at the terraced gardens clinging to the cliffs, wonder at the priory church at the Mount’s summit which dates back to 1135, or gaze out across rows of cannons to where Napoleonic ships lay at anchor. view our FAQs What should we do before our visit? Our group tickets are booked online and you will be able to book and pay for your trip in advance. We are no longer able to invoice for visits and all bookings need to be completed online. On the ticket platform you will see the ticket slots available to book and it will also automatically reserve you a coach bay. If the group needs to boat to the island the website will prompt you to purchase boat tickets at the same time. If boat tickets are required to return to the mainland these can be purchased online or on the island from one of our guides. Please ensure your group arrives at the island at the time of your group ticket. book group tickets If you are visiting between 01 October and 30 April you will not need tickets for the harbour and village, but tickets will be required if you want to visit the castle. Check causeway times in advance via the website. For photo stops, please email the car park team in advance carparks@staubynestates. com causeway times Is there somewhere we can eat together? Between 01 April and... --- St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island joined to the mainland by a cobbled causeway.  Each year, thousands of visitors from across the globe come for its rich history, natural beauty, subtropical gardens and, of course, iconic castle. Access to the island is ruled by the tides. This means getting across and back is an experience in itself. You may find yourself gliding into the historic harbour on a small ferryboat. Then returning to shore across the ancient causeway, the sea lapping at its edges. Here’s some ideas to inspire you for your visit.  Click on the links below for more details. Bear in mind, some parts of the island are closed in winter.  Check our Winter Opening page for more details. Explore an ancient castle Take in sweeping views from the defensive battlements of this magnificent castle, where rows of cannons stare out to Mount’s Bay below.  Inside, walk through a labyrinth of corridors to see how occupants lived, ate, prayed and did battle over the centuries. Find out more. Step into the past History comes in waves here. Henry de la Pomeroy seized and fortified the Mount in 1193. Soldiers fired cannons at Napoleonic ships. And it has become home to fascinating artefacts along the way, including Samurai armour and a mummified cat from Egypt. Find out more. Soak up the subtropical gardens Built in 1887, the Garden Terraces at the rear of the castle are a plant-lover’s delight.  Agave, cacti, aloe and many more subtropical species cling to the granite on a patchwork of meticulous terraces. Look up and you’ll also enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the castle, which rises out of the cliff face above you. Find out more. Wander the harbour and village... --- We have a whole host of delicious treats waiting for you on the island in our seasonal pop-ups dotted around the island. Licking ice cream off sticky fingers. Spooning jam onto freshly baked scones. Tucking into a flaky Cornish pasty. Whether it’s a summer treat or a winter warmer, our café, restaurant and pop-ups cater for all tastes. From seafood landed fresh from the bay, to locally produced wines, Cornish teas and ingredients foraged on the island, we scour the county to bring you the best local produce. --- Bespoke products, Cornish plants, local art and foodie treats. You'll find a delightful mix of exclusive, design-led St Michael's Mount homeware products and presents, as well as Cornish food, drinks, artisan jewellery, mugs, candles and soaps and – not forgetting – Cornish fudge. --- St Michael’s Mount lies in Mount’s Bay, off the coast of Marazion. This ancient tidal island is connected to the mainland by a cobbled causeway. When the tide is high and the causeway is covered, you’ll need to take a boat from Marazion. When the tide is low, you can walk across. If a boat is necessary during your visit, a boat ticket banner will automatically appear during booking. National Trust members are required to pay boat fares when booking, but not island admission fees. --- At low tide, you can use the ancient causeway to walk across to the island. Step onto the cobbles and tread a path followed by pilgrims, traders, nobles and villagers over many hundreds of years. The causeway is cobbled, uneven and tricky to navigate, please check our accessibility information before you visit. For your own safety, please be aware that attempting to cross the causeway outside of the suggested times can be hazardous. When the causeway is submerged, it can limit visibility, the path is uneven, there can be strong currents and the sea rises quickly. Causeway Opening Times Use the causeway calendar to schedule your visit. Note that causeway times are estimates and subject to change due to weather conditions, storm surges, and tidal variations. < Previous Week Today Next Week > Walking Boat Closed < Previous Week Today Next Week > When can I use the causeway? At high tide, the sea covers the causeway however, at low tide, the causeway is revealed and visitors can stroll across and back. The causeway is open for around four hours each day, depending on the tides and weather. You’ll need around 15 minutes to walk the length of the causeway. --- Step aboard a ferryboat and take the short trip across to the Mount. You’ll glide into our historic harbour and see the famous castle rising high above you. An unforgettable experience. < Previous Week Today Next Week > Walking Boat Closed < Previous Week Today Next Week > Need to book a boat? You will only need to purchase a boat ticket when the causeway is closed. In the summer season (1 May -11 September), you can only book a boat if you purchase a ticket to visit the castle, gardens or come for an Afternoon Tea. In the spring (15 March - 1 May excluding Easter) and autumn (13 September - 31 October) seasons, you can purchase a boat ticket to visit the island without buying a ticket for the castle, gardens or Afternoon Tea. book 2025 tickets When can I cross by boat? At low tide, you can only visit by walking across the causeway. At high tide during the spring, summer and autumn seasons, you can cross by boat. Our ferryboats operate between 15 March and 31 October. This means that during the winter months, the causeway is the only route to the island. How long does it take? The crossing takes around five minutes. Please arrive at the boat landing 30 minutes before your timed ticket to the castle and/or garden. Your boat ticket will work on any of our fleet of boats. How do I book a boat? To ensure you get a boat crossing,... --- Where should I park? The St Michael’s Mount & Long Stay Marazion Car Park is also sometimes called Follyfield Car Park and it is marked on the map below as 'Visitor Parking'. This is an ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) car park. The satnav postcode is TR17 0EG. The What Three Words for the entrance to our car park is: unopposed - toward - speedily. Please note: you can 'top up' your payment if you have stayed on the Mount longer than intended when you park in one of our car parks. You don't need to rush off! The parking codes are as follows: Long Stay Mount car park– 528051 Overflow car park – 528045 Short Stay West to the right of the slipway – 528060 – maximum stay in this car park is three hours. Short Stay East to the left of the slipway – 528061 – maximum stay in this car park is three hours. What if it’s full? During busy periods, there is a large Overflow Car Park opposite the main one. You speak to any of our welcoming car park attendants, who are on hand to help you with any questions that you might have. How much does it cost? Up to 1 hour: £2. 00 Up to 2 hours: £3. 50 Up to 3 hours: £5. 00 Up to 5 hours: £6. 00 Up to 10 hours: £9. 00 Per day (24-hour period): £14. 00 7-day stay: £60. 00 How long should I stay on... --- A short bus ride from Penzance and easily accessible from Cornwall’s main roads, getting to Marazion is simple... By car Use the postcode TR17 0EG for satnav The carpark you need may be marked as Folly Field on your map; this is the St Michael’s Mount and Long Stay Marazion car park. From North Cornwall and the A30 Follow the A30 past Hayle and towards Penzance. About a mile after Crowlas village, take the second exit at the roundabout, signposted to Marazion. Turn left at the junction with the main road and you'll soon be in Marazion. From Penzance Follow the A30 east, and about three miles out of Penzance take the third exit at the roundabout, signposted Marazion. Turn left at the junction with the main road and follow the signs. From Helston & The Lizard Take the A394 from Helston towards Penzance. After about nine miles, go straight over the roundabout (ignore the left hand exit signposted Marazion). Follow this road to a further roundabout and take the first exit, signposted Marazion. Turn left at the junction with the main road and follow the signs. Read about car parking By rail and bus Local and intercity trains run to Penzance station. From here you can travel by bus or taxi to Marazion (about 10 minutes away). There is also a regular bus service to Marazion from the bus station in Penzance. By bicycle Travelling here by bike can add to the adventure. The nearest bike racks can be... --- Keep an eye out for our seasonal pop-up stalls, appearing during peak times with a tempting selection of treats. Enjoy everything from Moomaid ice cream and refreshing cold drinks to fresh doughnuts, warm beverages, and delicious cakes. The Horsebox Location: found in the village, on the bowling green opposite the Steward's House art gallery as you first come onto the island. Serving: barista coffee, tea, cold drinks, cream teas, and cakes. The Ice Cream Bike Location: next to the Horse Box on the bowling green - see above. Serving: delicious Moomaid of Zennor ice cream pots. We stock a variety of flavours – just choose your favourite and enjoy! Ice Cream & Coffee Hut Location: located on the tennis court by the dairy lawn and Pilgrim Steps at the start of the castle path. Serving: a wide variety of Moomaid ice cream with a choice of toppings including sauces and sprinkles, doughnuts, hot and cold drinks. The Ice Cream Horsebox Location: tucked away behind the Island Café on the lawn leading up to the gardens. Serving: a variety of Moomaid ice cream flavours served in pots or cone, as well as refreshing cold drinks. --- You will find the Island Café on the eastern side of the island, near to the main lawn entrance. Once the castle laundry, the building has since been transformed into a relaxed and refreshed eatery, with indoor and sea-view outdoor seating. Opening hours: Sunday-Friday, 10:00-16:45 Breakfasts, Lunches, Cream Teas... Here, you can indulge in a variety of delicious options. Start your morning with a breakfast roll and freshly made Origin coffee or a cup of tea – fuel for a busy day of exploring ahead. Or pop in at lunchtime and enjoy a wholesome, traditional Cornish pasty, homemade soup, sausage roll or something lighter, such as our freshly made sandwiches, wraps or rolls. There's also a selection of cakes, tray bakes and of course, Cornish cream teas. Children's Lunch Boxes Price: £7. 50 Our lunch boxes are packed with tasty favourites to keep little ones happy. Each includes a ham or cheese roll, crisps, an apple, and a refreshing juice. To make lunchtime more fun, every box comes with crayons and a colour-in design; perfect for creativity at the table. Al Fresco Dining Enjoy your meal al fresco at the Island Café’s outdoor seating area filled with picnic tables and benches, where food and drinks are enjoyed with a side of sea views. Gaze across the water and over to the Cornish mainland as you soak up the salty breeze and the ever-changing coastal scenery. Indoor Space Take a seat indoors at the Island Café and relax in a light-filled space with sweeping... --- Our plant sales shop has a selection of plants to please the most green-fingered visitors. Browse at your leisure and should you choose to purchase, please just use the honesty box. Here are a few of our favourites: Lampranthus: Early summer blooms, in a variety of colours. Loves dry borders, a rockery or a mixed container with other low growing succulents. Echeveria: Steeley-grey blue succulent foliage with bronzed tips and vibrant orange flowers in the summer.  Adds form and colour in rockeries, gravel gardens and containers. Sempervivum: Silvery foliage with purple tips and flowers.  Excellent for border fringes, carpet bedding displays, raised beds, gravel gardens and tubs. Salvia: A truly stunning sage with abundant bright flowers.  Ideal in pots on the patio. Gazania: Large red/orange flowers, fading to yellow. The colours of a sunset! Perfect in pots, border fringes and raised beds. Agapanthus Big Blue: Majestic, large, sky-blue flowers, stand over a metre from the ground when in bloom. A beautiful perennial for a sunny spot. --- Guide books written by Lord St Levan and boat tickets can be purchased in both shops. You’ll find everything from arts and crafts, designer rucksacks, outerwear and homeware items, jewellery, and accessories. There’s also a range of locally produced gins, whisky, rums, liquors, fudge, treats and traditional sweets to enjoy at the end of the day. Wherever we can we work with local suppliers, printers, designers and companies with a shared passion for sustainability - putting people and planet first. Visitors may want to explore the Mount Shop, located next to the Harbour Loft. Both shops offer a different selection of items to discover during your island visit. Opening hours: Sunday-Friday, 10:00-17:00 Gifts & keepsakes Discover the perfect memento of your visit. From locally crafted treasures and maritime-themed keepsakes to exclusive Mount-branded jigsaws. Whether you're looking for a special gift, a unique piece of Cornish heritage, or a small token to remember your adventure, our carefully curated collection captures the spirit of the island. Gifts & keepsakes photo gallery Food & drinks Indulge in the flavours of Cornwall. Showcasing a delicious range of locally sourced treats, from artisan preserves and traditional Cornish biscuits to speciality locally grown teas, gins and local spirits. You’ll also find a selection of Mount-inspired delicacies and beautifully packaged gifts, perfect for food lovers. Food & drinks photo gallery Outdoor apparel Be prepared for every island adventure with the outdoor section in the Island Shop at St Michael’s Mount. Our collection features practical, stylish clothing and... --- Guide books written by Lord St Levan and boat tickets can be purchased in both shops. Located next to the Harbour Loft, the Mount Shop is a wonderful place to explore. From Cornish, artisan chocolates and gins, through to handmade jewellery and children's toys. It is also home to the toy shop, where curious young minds can enjoy myths and legends being brought to life. During the spring, summer and autumn, the garden shop will be in full bloom in the courtyard outside the Mount Shop, inspiring visitors to take home a living memento from the island. The Mount Shop also works closely with local designers to design and produce bespoke products that can only be purchased on the island, from tea towels and tote bags, to candles and coasters. Visitors may want to explore the Island Shop, located next to the Steward's House Art Gallery. Both shops offer a different selection of items to discover during your island visit. Opening hours: Sunday-Friday, 10:00-17:00 Designer collaborations The team works closely with a number of local designers to create bespoke products for the island shops. Matt Johnson, Poppy Treffry, Jennifer Armitage, Mabel Woodhouse and Bloom Remedies and Arvor Press, are among some of the designers who have created bespoke products for the shops. Designer collaboration photo gallery The Toy Shop From jigsaws of castles and a boat full of Jellycat soft toys, to pirate-themed puzzles and classic children's books; the Toy Shop is the perfect wonderland of gifts for our young... --- 1. Introduction and important information St Aubyn Estates Ltd are committed to protecting and respecting your personal data and privacy.   This privacy policy relates to how we use and collect personal data from you when you use or purchase our products/services or access our website. It also relates to our use of any personal information you provide to us by telephone (including SMS), in written correspondence (including letter and email) and in person.   Please note that:  our services and our website are not intended for children under the age of 18 and we do not intentionally collect data relating to children; and  our website and services may include links to third-party websites, plug-ins and applications. Clicking on those links or enabling those connections may allow third parties to collect or share data about you. We do not control these third-party websites and are not responsible for their privacy statements. When you leave our website, we encourage you to read the privacy policy of every website you visit. Whenever you provide personal data, we are legally obliged to use your information in line with all applicable laws concerning the protection of such information; including the Data Protection Act 1998 and 2018 (DPA) and The General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR) to the extent to which it is applied by UK GDPR as defined by the Data Protection Act 2018 together with other subsequent laws (“Data Protection Laws”). This privacy policy also forms part of our terms of business and... --- St Aubyn Estates owns and manages seven self-catering cottages in and around evocative Porthgwarra Cove, once home to a small fishing community and famously featured in the BBC’s tv series Poldark. The Porthgwarra Cove Café can also be found at the heart of this community, serving refreshments to locals, visitors and walkers. The properties sleep between two and eight people and are very comfortably furnished. The holiday cottages all offer sea views and provide an ideal base to explore the wild west of Cornwall. The walk from Porthgwarra to Nanjizal Beach, heading towards Land’s End, is one of the most beautiful stretches of the whole South West Coast Path. Phone: 01736 888515 view our cottages --- St Michael’s Mount is an ancient tidal island. This is part of its charm, but occasionally it can also be a part of the challenge. How to get to the Mount You can reach the Mount by a cobbled causeway at low tide and by boat when the causeway is covered and the tide is high. Boats run from 30 March to 31 October. Meeting your accessibility needs If you have young children or mobility issues, it can sometimes be tricky to get around. Please note: you can’t take a wheelchair or pushchair up to the castle. Getting Here Find out how to get to and from the island on the date you would like to visit to help you to plan your day out in Cornwall. View Access Calendar Bad weather Strong winds and/or rough seas can force us to close the island. Where possible, we’ll give 24 hours’ notice. We’ll let booked customers know by email and issue refunds within seven working days. We also announce closures on our website and social media. If we don’t announce a closure, we are open. Plan your visit using the links below. --- From 14 September 2025 to 30 April 2026 (excluding 2 April - 19 April 2026), dogs are welcome in the harbour and village of St Michael’s Mount. This does not include the castle, summit, castle grounds, castle paths, Steward's House, Harbour Loft, shops or garden. When can I bring my dog? Dogs (and other pets) and are not permitted to visit the island during the busier season between 1 May and 11 September 2026 inclusive.  We know that this will disappoint some visitors, however with higher footfall, limitations on space and few shaded areas on hot days, we feel this is the safest thing to do. What about assistance dogs? Assistance Dogs are permitted to visit St Michael's Mount, the harbour, café, Harbour Loft, shops, village, castle and the garden at all times throughout the year when we are open. Can my dog go on Marazion Beach? Marazion beach has a dog ban from 1 July until 31 August between 10:00 and 18:00 and is dog-friendly outside of these hours and between 1 September and 30 June when dogs are permitted on the beach. --- An ancient castle fortress, sloping subtropical gardens, sweeping lawns, and a harbour village. What will you discover first? Our gardens, castle, lawns and village all provide perfect scope for the imagination – shaped and weathered over centuries, this extraordinary place is waiting to be explored. --- L'isola, il castello, il porto, le case. Il mondo del nostro Mount è attraente. Scoprite le storie del passato creando la vostra. Programmate oggi stesso la vostra avventura... al Mount il tempo e le maree creano momenti indimenticabili. Quali saranno i vostri? GUARDARE, FARE, ESPLORARE Scoprite il castello Salite per la strada lastricata fino alla sommità dell’isola per esplorare le sue molteplici facce. Abitanti dell’età del bronzo, monaci, pellegrini e soldati hanno tutti lasciato il segno sul Mount. Cercate i tesori del passato del Mount, dalle origini religiose all’epoca dei conflitti e dell’assedio, ed ascoltate la storia della famiglia St Aubyn che vive qui dal XVII secolo. Esplorate i giardini Tra macchie di aeonium e agapanti, fatevi strada nei giardini terrazzati che esplodono di colori, tra i fiori e le numerose piante esotiche che prosperano in questo luogo dal 1780. Respirate l’aria di mare, profumata dai fiori primaverili o dalle fragranze estive. Sporgetevi dai parapetti merlati per ammirare i giardini terrazzati che digradano verso il mare. Per via della loro delicatezza, i giardini hanno orari di apertura limitati. Image by Roland Stuehmer via Flickr. com License Fatevi prendere dalla vita dell'isola Nel suo fulgore, il villaggio al porto del Mount era la dimora di oltre 300 abitanti e fino al 1811 c’erano 53 case, 4 vie, 3 scuole e 3 edifici pubblici. Oggi sull’isola vivono 30 residenti e tutti, dal barcaiolo al giardiniere, dalla guida al meccanico, collaborano per mantenere l’isola in perfetto stato. Organizzate una memorabile giornata in famiglia... --- Une île, un château, un port, un village. St Michael’s Mount est un lieu unique et mémorable. Découvrez les légendes du passé et façonnez vos propres histoires. Préparez votre périple dès maintenant : quels que soient les saisons et les caprices de la mer, St Michael’s Mount saura toujours vous émerveiller et vous vivrez des moments inoubliables­­. Qu’aurez-vous à raconter? À VOIR, À FAIRE Explorer le château Empruntez les petites rues pavées qui mènent au sommet de l’île pour découvrir ses nombreux visages. Colons de l’Âge de bronze, moines, pèlerins et soldats : tous y ont laissé leur empreinte. St Michael’s Mount était jadis un haut lieu de religion et a été témoin de sièges militaires et de conflits armés : partez à la recherche des trésors de ce lieu chargé d’histoire. Venez également découvrir l’histoire passionnante de la famille St Aubyn, installée sur l’île depuis le XVIIe siècle Découvrir les jardins Admirez les massifs d’aeoniums et d’agapanthes des jardins en terrasse de l’île. Depuis 1780, les plantes exotiques y déploient en grosses grappes leurs fleurs aux couleurs éclatantes. . Ainsi, l’air marin change au gré des saisons : vous pourrez sentir l’odeur des herbes aromatiques en été et celle de bourgeons au printemps. Admirez les jardins s’étendre jusqu’à la mer depuis la chaîne de fortifications. En raison de la fragilité des jardins, leurs horaires d’ouverture sont sujets à modifications. Image by Roland Stuehmer via Flickr. com License Découvrir le village Le village, qui se situe à côté du port, comptait plus de 300... --- Insel, Schloss, Hafen, Zuhause; wir laden sie ein in unsere Welt auf dem Mount. Entdecken Sie Geschichten der Vergangenheit, sowie Ihre ganz eigene Geschichte. Beginnen Sie noch heute damit, Ihr Abenteuer zu planen... . . über Zeiten und Gezeiten hinweg vermittelt der Mount unvergessliche Momente. Welche davon werden wohl die Ihren sein? SEHEN, TUN, ERKUNDEN Entdecken Sie das Schloss Steigen Sie den mit Pflastersteinen bedeckten Weg hinauf zum Gipfel der Insel und erleben Sie, wie sie sich stetig verändert. Siedler des Bronzezeitalters, Mönche, Pilger und Soldaten haben allesamt ihre Spuren auf dem Mount hinterlassen. Begeben Sie sich auf die Suche nach Schätzen aus der Vergangenheit des Mounts, von religiösen Wurzeln angefangen bis hin zu Zeiten von Belagerung und Gefechten und entdecken Sie die Geschichte der St Aubyn Familie, die hier schon seit dem 17. Jahrhundert lebt. Erkunden Sie die Gärten Schlängeln Sie sich zwischen Aeonium- und Agapanthuspflanzen (Schmucklilien) hindurch über die terrassenförmig angelegten farbenprächtigen Gärten, wo seit 1780 reichlich Blüten und exotische Pflanzen gedeihen. Atmen Sie die Meeresluft ein, die angereichert ist mit dem Duft von Frühlingsblüten oder Sommerkräutern. Halten Sie Ausschau von den Zinnen der Terrassen, die sich bis hinunter zum Meer erstrecken. Aufgrund ihrer Zartheit unterliegen die Gärten eingeschränkten Öffnungszeiten. Image by Roland Stuehmer via Flickr. com License Gewinnen Sie Einblick ins Inselleben Zu seinen Hochzeiten war das Hafendorf des Mount das Zuhause für über 300 Inselbewohner, und um 1811 gab es 53 Häuser, 4 Straßen, 3 Schulen und 3 Kneipen. Heute leben 30 Inselbewohner auf der Insel... --- Marazion An historic chartered town, Marazion today is a lively place with safe, sandy beaches lapped by the clear waters of Mount’s Bay. It has an active community and a plethora of cafes, pubs and art galleries, as well as a local store, post office and deli. Marazion Museum in the Town Hall houses a fascinating exhibition of domestic and working life in the town as well as a unique display devoted to HMS Warspite, which was beached off St Michael’s Mount in 1950. Alternatively, take Marazion’s Town Trail and spend an hour exploring the town and discovering its unique history on the mainland. It’s available as a printed booklet from local shops and Marazion Museum, and as a Kindle eBook. The South West Coast Path runs through the town and the RSPB nature reserve is home to Cornwall’s largest reed bed and an abundance of plants and birds. Further afield Head off on a day trip to the Isles of Scilly, a collection of islands set 28 miles off Cornwall’s coast. Travel from Land’s End Airport, Penzance Heliport, or Penzance docks. Visit the local Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, the beautiful and historic Minack Theatre or the fascinating PK Porthcurno, the hub of international cable communications from 1870-1970. The art galleries of Newlyn, Penzance and St Ives are all a short drive away, and the vibrant fishing villages of Mousehole and Porthleven can be reached in 30 minutes. --- Making the most of every Mount experience... Ancient and rugged, some parts of the island, causeway and boat landings can be very tricky to navigate, especially if you have limited mobility. Paths around the island and castle are steep, cobbled and uneven with no handrails in some places. There are unguarded edges and steep drops. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to take a wheelchair or pushchair up to the Mount summit and if you are walking, sensible footwear is highly recommended.   We have a 'Tramper', an all-terrain mobility scooter, that is available to hire for a nominal fee to provide assisted access around the village areas. This can be booked in advance, however, please note that we only accept one booking per day. When you arrive on the island, go to the Change House by the island entrance on the day of your visit with your booking details to collect the vehicle. A limited number of vehicles mean we can only supply on a first come, first served basis. Click here for the Tramper Route Map. To book the Tramper: changehouse@stmichaelsmount. co. uk or +44 (0)1736 710265 Download the Accessibility Guide detailing the visitor journey from start to finish here. Accessibility guide Access Statement At St Michael's Mount, we’re continually working to ensure that all visitors, no matter what their ability, can gain the most from their visit and have the best possible access to our facilities and services. Download the full Access Statement below. ACCESS STATEMENT Admissions Wheelchair users... --- Adventures for all the family on St Michael’s Mount – a treasure island of myths and legends. Hunt for the giant’s heart. Picnic on the lawn. Watch your little ones light up as they learn about our living, breathing island. Can I visit with children? Of course, but there are a few things to bear in mind. The cobbled causeway to St Michael’s Mount can be tricky to navigate with a pushchair. It’s best to leave anything with wheels in the car and opt for a baby carrier for the day instead. If that’s not possible, all-terrain pushchairs can be used to explore the island village, but steep, slippery and uneven cobbled slopes to the castle mean there’s no pushchair access. However, you can leave your pushchair with us in the special pushchair park located opposite the Mount Shop on the island and you can pick it up when you’ve finished exploring. St Michael’s Mount is an ancient, rugged island with rocky outcrops and steep precipices in parts. The working harbour and boat landings have high walls and steep drops. Parents must be responsible for the safety of their children at all times. What about feeding and changing? We have baby changing facilities on the island and highchairs are available at our indoor eating outlets, along with a selection of good value, healthy snacks, drinks and meals for children. What should we wear? We recommend that you bring layers of clothing on the day of your visit as you might... --- Jump to: Access | Accessiblity | Facilities | Food & Drink | Getting Here | Shopping | Tickets Access Do I have to pay to access the island? Between 14 September and 30 April access to the harbour, village, shops and cafe is free for everyone during opening hours (excluding Easter - 2-19 April). During the main season (May 1 - September 12) access is by ticket for most people, and those who are not National Trust members will have to pay. We offer a Locals' Pass for permanent residents of west Penwith which provides free access to the harbour and village. We have also created a Mount Memories Pass which provides free access to the harbour, village, castle and garden subject to eligibility. Who is eligible for a Locals' Pass? People whose primary residence is within one of 16 local postcode sectors in west Penwith. For further information and application details, please click here. Why is the Free Access Period for all only between 01 October and 30 April? We know that the number of people wanting to visit west Cornwall and St Michael’s Mount has risen and will continue to rise. That increases pressure on facilities on the Mount, the town and our wider local community. Continuing to manage numbers and control access to the Mount is key to balancing the needs of local residents and visitors and therefore we have to be able to control numbers during the main season. While the Locals' Pass is restricted to... --- Keep an eye on our social media platforms for updates on employment and apprenticeship opportunities. Visit the St Aubyn Estates careers page for all the latest roles. --- Please get in touch if you're looking for an exciting film location, a dramatic backdrop to a photo shoot or television show. Our team has lots of experience managing crews, large and small, and can offer recces of the island to find the best place for that picture perfect moment. Contact: press@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Drone filming is not permitted on the island or causeway Filming with drones is not permitted on the beach, causeway, car parks, or anywhere on, or near, the island as this area is covered by a Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ).   Drone flights are only permitted with written consent from Penzance Heliport, St Aubyn Estates and the National Trust and this permission needs to be granted at least 2 weeks prior to filming. To seek permission, please contact: press@stmichaelsmount. co. uk --- Open your eyes and ears to the stories that rise on the tide: from the Archangel Michael to Jack the Giant Killer. Pilgrims’ bare feet padding across the causeway. Soldiers’ heavy leather boots racing up to the battlements. The chant of monks’ prayer in the priory. Stride into the Mount’s past and unearth a rich vein of history that flows from prehistoric times. Sacred safe haven From as far back as 495AD, tales tell of seafarers lured by mermaids onto the rocks or guided to safety by an apparition of St Michael. Said to have appeared on the island’s western side, the Archangel Michael, patron saint of fishermen, is believed to have warned them from certain peril. This legend has drawn pilgrims, monks and people of faith to the island ever since to pray, praise and celebrate. Four miracles said to have happened here during 1262 and 1263 would have only added to the religious magnetism that drew pilgrims from far and wide. The island is also an important landmark for those spiritual seekers, who say its unique energy is thanks to age-old ley lines which course under the sea, and cross at the heart of the Mount.   Whether it’s religious beliefs, spiritual energies, or simply the opportunity to take a breath and reflect, people of all sorts are drawn to pause and become immersed in the uplifting atmosphere of the Mount. The castle’s beginnings By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the island had come into... --- It’s thought that during classical times the island formed a trading centre for the tin industry. More than 2,000 years ago Phoenician ships may have sailed into the Mount’s harbour and exported Cornish tin to the rest of Europe. Life on the island – then and now The island’s population ebbed and flowed, but by the early 1800s the Mount was thriving commercially and the village was alive with activity, home to over 300 islanders with 53 houses and four streets. Pubs welcomed sailors and fishermen, a school taught the island’s children, a parish policeman kept the peace, the dairy churned butter and the green saw villagers gather to play bowls. It was said that at times you could walk from one side of the harbour to the other stepping over the boats that were moored there. There were net lofts, stables, a pilchard press and even a Victorian change house, where castle residents could wriggle into their swimsuits for a sea dip. Today, around 30 islanders still live here, travelling to the mainland for schools, shopping and employment. Walk in royal footsteps Royal visits to the island have been captured in time by casting the actual footprints of visiting kings and queens. To walk in the footsteps of royalty, keep an eye out for the bronze casts of Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and King Charles, set amongst the harbour cobbles. The Barge House Located at the heart of the harbour front, the Barge House is a former boat store turned Grade... --- With shades of the past in each room and new discoveries waiting around every corner, dig deep into the Mount’s history. Stoop through ancient doorways and glimpse the building’s changing faces – from priory to fortified castle and, since the mid-1600s, home to the St Aubyn family, who still live here today. As you wander centuries-old corridors and unpeel layers of history, look out for some extraordinary finds. book 2025 tickets Highlights in the castle A few of the many highlights include: A Samurai Warrior suit of armour. A clock that tells you the time of the tide as well as the hour of the day. A frieze with hunting scenes, including an ostrich munching on a horseshoe. A piece of Napoleon’s coat worn at the Battle of Waterloo. A statue of St Michael offering mercy to the Devil at his feet. The sofa where Queen Victoria sat as the housekeeper entertained her to a cup of tea. An unusual souvenir from a trip to Egypt: a mummified cat. Plan your visit You will need to book a castle ticket online. This gives you access to the island including the harbour, art gallery and village, and the lawns, shops and café, as well as the castle itself. Alternatively, you can purchase a combi ticket which also gives you access to the gardens. The castle is open Sunday-Friday and closed Saturdays, to allow the family to privately enjoy their home. Assistance dogs only in the castle. book tickets online Pick up... --- October half term Looking for things to do in Cornwall this October half term? Plan a visit to St Michael’s Mount for a day rich in history and coastal character. Explore the island’s medieval castle and discover the stories woven with myth and legend. Browse the island shops, relax in the café or enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea. find out more Ticket information At this time of the year, tickets are not required to visit the island. You can explore the art gallery, visitor centre, harbour, village, café and shops without purchasing a ticket from 14 September - 30 April (excluding Easter). During this period, tickets are required to explore the castle and these can be booked online or purchased on the day. find out more Plan your visit St Michael’s Mount is an ancient tidal island, which is part of what makes it so special and adds adventure to every visit. Find out everything you need to know about opening times on St Michael's Mount, as well as parking, accessibility information, getting to the island and more. Find out more Hop aboard a boat Hop aboard a ferry boat for a scenic ride to and from the Mount. Cruise into the historic harbour as the iconic castle towers above, offering a unique viewpoint of the entire island. find out more Step back in time Discover how life was lived in west Cornwall before the middle of the twentieth century at the Steward's House art gallery, located in the harbour... --- --- ## News St Aubyn Estates is pleased to support an important environmental initiative currently taking place at Marazion Beach, directly opposite St Michael’s Mount. As part of the ‘Making Space for Sand’ project, new dune management work is now underway to help restore and protect the fragile dune habitat. Fencing has recently been installed to allow areas of the dune system to regenerate, with local volunteers also planting native species to stabilise the sand and encourage biodiversity. These efforts will help support a rich mix of wildlife, particularly insects, reptiles and wildflowers. Crucially, the dunes also play a vital role as a natural flood defence for the town of Marazion. Acting as a buffer against coastal storms and rising sea levels, they help reduce the risk of flooding and erosion along this stretch of coast. Allowing the dunes space to recover strengthens their protective capacity for the long term. The protected areas have been cordoned off to give plants the best chance to establish. Visitors and dog walkers are kindly asked to respect these zones by keeping to the paths and avoiding fenced areas. The Making Space for Sand project is one of 25 projects funded by Defra through the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FRCIP) as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which are being managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate. This work is being delivered in partnership with Mount’s Bay... --- St Aubyn Estates, which includes the iconic St Michael’s Mount, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation, the highest level within the Green Dragon Environmental Standard framework. This accolade highlights the estate’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental excellence across all its operations. The Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation is a significant achievement, recognising not only St Aubyn Estates’ dedication to reducing its environmental impact, but also its leadership in driving best practices in areas such as carbon reduction, biodiversity enhancement, waste minimisation and sustainable land management. Commenting on the achievement, Hugh St Aubyn, Head of Sustainability at St Aubyn Estates, said: “Achieving Green Dragon Level 5 accreditation is a significant milestone for us and reflects our longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. From renewable energy projects to protecting biodiversity, every element of this recognition represents the hard work and dedication of our team. My thanks go to all involved in achieving this. There is always more to do and improvements to be made, but together we have set a benchmark, objectives and strategy, demonstrating how businesses can play a key role in protecting the environment for future generations. ” The journey to accreditation has been a collective effort involving innovation and collaboration across the estate’s teams. St Michael’s Mount, a jewel in Cornwall’s landscape, is an integral part of St Aubyn Estates and plays a key role in its sustainability efforts. Initiatives included adopting renewable energy solutions, improving resource efficiency and engaging with... --- On Friday 19th July 2024, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque took place at the newly renovated Gwelva boat landing, marking the site of a unique 100-year time capsule. The event was a celebration of the past, present and future, symbolising the connection between today's generation and those who will follow a century from now. Kerry Rice, Head of Learning for St Aubyn Estates, worked closely with every pupil at Marazion School to curate the contents of the time capsule. The children, inspired by the Newlyn School artists who vividly depicted Cornish life a century ago, created drawings, writings and projects that captured everyday life in west Cornwall. These contributions reflect the influence of artists such as Stanhope Forbes, Dame Laura Knight, and Harold Harvey, whose works are displayed in the Steward’s House on St Michael’s Mount. The time capsule is buried beneath the Gwelva boat landing, directly opposite St Michael’s Mount. The recent extensive renovations of the boat landing were led by Cornish Heritage Builders, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and engineering. Each new brick and steel reinforcement was placed in coordination with the tides and weather, ensuring that Gwelva will continue to serve as a viable boat landing for generations to come. --- Stephen Mathews, a much-loved island boatman with an encyclopaedic knowledge of St. Michael’s Mount, has brought his family’s centuries-old tradition of withy pot making back to life. With roots stretching back 300-400 years on the Mount, Stephen’s story is rich with history and personal anecdotes. After a 30-year hiatus from making withy pots—willow pots used to catch lobster —Stephen expressed a desire to revisit this craft. Sarah Trevillion, a film maker from Storylines, intrigued by his journey, documented the process with her camera and audio recorder. The result is a film that meticulously captures the slow, skilful process of withy pot making. Stephen, who initially learned the craft from his grandfather and fished with these pots alongside his father, finds deep personal connection in this endangered craft. The project not only showcases each step of Stephen’s meticulous craftsmanship but also includes historical Pathe news footage from 1949 of Stephen’s grandfather making a pot on the Mount, adding a touching continuity to the story. The film will be featured in the Withy Lore project, a collaboration with artist Anna Pope and the Royal Cornwall Museum, aimed at preserving the endangered craft of withy pot making. Stephen’s film was also used to inspire a workshop at Marazion School and will be part of the Withy Lore exhibition at the Royal Cornwall Museum from March 10 to June 22, 2025. This project has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, FEAST Cornwall, Cornwall Community Foundation, Cornwall Council, the St.... --- On Friday, 19th July 2024, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the spot of a unique 100-year time capsule will take place on the newly renovated Gwelva boat landing. This event will be a celebration of the past, present and future, connecting today’s generation with those a century from now. Kerry Rice, Head of Learning for St Aubyn Estates, worked with every pupil at Marazion School to create the contents for the time capsule. Inspired by the iconic Newlyn School artists who vividly depicted Cornish life a century ago, the capsule contains drawings, writings and projects created by the children. The Newlyn School artists, renowned for their realistic and socially conscious works, left a lasting impact on the region’s cultural heritage. A collection of their paintings can be found in the Steward’s House on St Michael’s Mount and works by this well-known group of artists, such as Stanhope Forbes, Dame Laura Knight and Harold Harvey, were used as inspiration for the children whose contributions offer a snapshot of contemporary, everyday life in west Cornwall. James St Levan shared his enthusiasm for the event: “The original Gwelva landing was built just over 100 years ago and it seemed a lovely idea that the children of Marazion School should create their messages for our successors to discover when they come to rebuild the landing in another 100 years or so. ” The time capsule is buried below Gwelva boat landing, opposite St Michael’s Mount. The boat landing has been extensively renovated... --- A new collection of artworks has captivated the hearts and minds of visitors from across the world. The Steward's House gallery, home to the Sheila Hichens Collection of Newlyn School art, has become a hub of cultural significance, drawing in over 45,000 visitors in its inaugural year alone. Founded on the testament of Sheila Hichens, a stalwart protector of Cornwall's heritage, the Sheila Hichens Trust was established with a single purpose – to commemorate everyday Cornish life, as it thrived a century ago. And what better way to manifest this vision than through the masterpieces of the Newlyn School artists? As visitors walk through the gallery, they are transported back in time to an era when life revolved around the bustling fishing village of Newlyn and the surrounding countryside. The talents of revered artists such as Stanhope Forbes and Walter Langley fill the walls, breathing life into their subjects with each brushstroke. Pioneers of British plein-air painting, they captured the soul of West Cornwall, the landscape, and its hardworking people. “For over 45,000 people to visit this exhibition in its first year is extraordinary and confirms both the public interest in this fine collection, as well as the unique location The Mount provides to exhibit it. ” William Rogers, Trustee of the Sheila Hichens Trust The significance of this collection extends beyond the walls of the gallery. It serves as a veritable time capsule, preserving for future generations, a period that shaped Cornwall's cultural and social fabric. Educational initiatives from... --- On Thursday 20 July, the Wave Rangers installation in St Anthony’s Gardens, Penzance was officially opened. Wave Rangers, the nature-based educational programme from The Wave Project, opened the garden designed by pupils from Nancealverne School Sixth Form. The garden is a unique collaboration between pupils from Nancealverne School, The Wave Project, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, St Aubyn Estates, Jubilee Pool, garden designer Michael Harvey, graphic designer Amelia Berkely and the RSPB. During the planning stage, pupils visited St Michael’s Mount and worked with the garden and Learning Hub team to propagate succulent plants which have subsequently been planted in the gardens. They visited the RSPB in Marazion and worked with Cornwall Wildlife Trust to learn about the intertidal zone. They learnt how special and unique their local environment and community is and created the garden to send a message to visitors and the community to love and respect their local area. Showcasing a notice board describing the journey and involvement of the pupils, the garden display will form part of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Trail in Mount’s Bay. Find out more about Wave Rangers on The Wave Project website here. --- During the King’s Coronation weekend in May, hundreds of visitors enjoyed exploring the island’s unique, terraced garden with proceeds donated to a worthy cause. The National Garden Scheme supports a range of beneficiaries from the income generated from private garden openings that take place across the country each year. This extends across healthcare from Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Parkinson’s UK, through to Perennial, the UK’s only charity to support gardeners and their families during difficult times. Dr Sarah Gadd from the National Garden Scheme said: “On behalf of us all, I want to thank the St Aubyn family for their generosity, which reaches back more than 60 years when they first opened their beautiful garden for our charity. Raising over £4,800 during The King’s Coronation weekend was an amazing result and testament to their visitors’ love of this very special place and its beautiful, inspiring garden. The island’s Head Chef kindly created delicious Coronation cupcakes which went down a treat with visitors, the proceeds of which were also kindly donated. ” The beneficiaries of the charity donations raised will be close to the hearts of many of us at some stage in our lives. In Cornwall, the charity will continue to support this vital work for many years to come. George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme added: “To have the support of one family and one very special garden since 1959 is wonderful for the National Garden Scheme. The fact that many gardens open for... --- Bells, boats, bunting and a Big Lunch, to celebrate this momentous occasion... --- There will be a special opening of the beautiful garden at St Michael’s Mount in support of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) during the King’s coronation weekend as part of the island's celebrations. On Sunday 7 May, visitors can explore the inspiring garden that has evolved over the years since the creation of the initial Walled Garden in the 1780s. The island’s garden is not normally open on a Sunday and all proceeds from garden tickets sold for this day will be donated to the NGS. Dr Sara Gadd from the National Garden Scheme said: “St Michael’s Mount is a fascinating and iconic landmark. We are so pleased that Lord and Lady St Levan are opening the stunning garden once again as part of their support for the National Garden Scheme. The St Aubyn family have backed the NGS for more than 60 years, first opening their garden for our charity in 1959. ” The National Garden Scheme supports a range of beneficiaries from the income generated from private garden openings that take place across the country annually. This extends across healthcare from Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, and The Queen’s Nursing Institute. It also supports Perennial, the UK’s only charity that provides help for gardeners and their families during challenging times. Originally established as a charity in 1927 to support District Nurses from The Queens Nursing Institute, today it provides access to more than 3,500 exceptional private gardens with more than £3. 1 million donated to their... --- An oversized amphibious vehicle made for an unusual sight on Cornwall’s roads recently as it made the 22-mile journey on a specialist lorry from Falmouth to Marazion after undergoing a major refit in the Cornish port. The St Michael, a ‘Sealander 32’ amphibious vehicle that is as happy on land as it is on water, is more commonly found making light work of the half-mile journey through the waves from St Michael’s Mount to Marazion beach. It provides a transport lifeline to the 30 residents of St Michael’s Mount during the winter months when the Marazion to St. Michael’s Mount duty boat service is not possible to operate. It ferries the residents and staff, including taking the island children to school and brings provisions from the mainland. Originally built in Falmouth and launched in 2003, the versatile twin-engine amphibious vehicle measures 11. 5 metres in length and has a beam (width) of 4. 7 metres. It can carry 38 passengers or up to 1,000kg of cargo. The St Michael was specifically commissioned by Lord St Levan and is the latest in the line of amphibious vehicles that have served the island and its residents since the 1950s. The acquisition of the first amphibious vehicle, a World War Two DUKW, came after the then Lord St Levan witnessed these vehicles transporting scrap from the grounded HMS Warspite from the sea just off the island. Several other amphibious vehicles were used in the intervening years to connect the island to the mainland... --- Over 250 pupils from St Hilary and Marazion schools in West Cornwall gathered in Friendship Woods this week to plant 500 new trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a nationwide initiative to create a living legacy in Her Majesty’s name. The project, to mark the year of the Platinum Jubilee, will see one million new trees planted across the nation. Friendship Woods is part of the St Aubyn Estate and is a favourite with walkers. There are a variety of tree species in the woodland, including many majestic, mature pines. An initial planting area measuring 70m by 30m that sits in the heart of Friendship Woods, has been planted with of a variety of native trees including a mix of sessile oak, beech and birch for the main area, with mountain ash, field maple, crab apple and cherry planted on the perimeter. The initiative teaches children to plan, plant and protect a new tree. It helps future generations understand the importance of trees in our environment and community, as well as providing a vital habitat for local wildlife. The young trees are planted around the focal point of a central, mature oak tree. “Asking local children to plant new trees felt both symbolic and appropriate,” said Kerry Rice, Education Officer from St Aubyn Estates, “mighty oaks from little acorns grow, and this project certainly has that ambition for success. ” Lord St Levan and Rowan Shaw of TreeWise Tree Services helped the children to plant the trees and... --- A new initiative to engage with schools and community groups across West Cornwall has been created by St Aubyn Estates. The Learning Hub is headed up by Kerry Rice, Education Officer, who joins the Estate following 10 years of teaching at a local primary school and before that, 20 years as Learning Curator at Tate St Ives. Based at St Michael’s Mount, Kerry will lead and shape a new educational programme on the Mount with plans to establish an outdoor learning strategy across the entire Estate. Working with schools and community groups across West Cornwall, the programme will be designed to engage children and young people in creative and collaborative experiences that bring the history of the island and its locality to life. Kerry will be supporting teachers to plan group visits, helping them create links to the National Curriculum and providing them with relevant teaching resources. This includes literacy-focused visits to learn about the myth of Cormoran the giant; geography-focused trips to understand the nature of a tidal island; art-focused visits to view paintings from the Newlyn School art collection, history-focused tours that delve deep into the timeline of the Mount and science-based topics exploring the wildlife and shoreline of Marazion beach and marshes. Several exciting projects are already in the pipeline. This December will see the planting of 500 trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy in Friendship Woods with pupils from St Hilary School and Marazion School planting saplings to be enjoyed by future generations. The Gwelva Time... --- St Michael’s Mount is set to extend its Local’s Pass to ensure free entry onto the Mount all year round for anyone from the west Penwith parishes that ring the historic island. The Local’s Pass was first introduced as the Marazion Pass after the Covid-19 pandemic forced St Michael’s Mount to limit the number of people visiting the island. After a 12-month trial with free access available to anyone living in Marazion, the scheme is to be opened to anyone living in the parishes from Sennen in the west to St Hilary and St Erth in the east. That means that people living locally will be able to visit the harbour and village for free whenever the Mount is open for business. Residents from the 16 parishes of Sennen; St Just; St Levan; St Buryan, Lamorna and Paul; Sancreed; Morvah; Madron; Marazion; Zennor; Penzance; Perranuthnoe; Ludgvan; St Hilary; St Erth; Towednack can now apply for a Local’s Pass on the day they visit the island. Access for all other visitors to the island during the months of May to September will continue to be only with a castle or garden ticket. From October to April access to the harbour and village will be free for all visitors. Ticket-only visiting has significantly reduced pressure on the island’s infrastructure and its team, made visiting the island more enjoyable and lessened traffic congestion in Marazion. St Aubyn Estates chief executive Harvey Thomas said: “During the early part of the pandemic, we had to... --- An exhibition of culturally significant Cornish artwork opens to the public for the first time on St Michael’s Mount in October. The Sheila Hichens Collection of paintings by well-known Newlyn School artists will be on display in the island’s newly renovated Steward’s House. Sheila Hichens was born in 1924 and her childhood was deeply rooted in West Cornwall, where her father was headmaster of Lescudjack School in Penzance and her grandfather lived in Newlyn. After winning a scholarship to Exeter University, she had a successful career as an educationalist and travelled widely, but in retirement came back to live in Mousehole before she was able to buy her grandfather’s old house in Newlyn Sheila died in 2012 and by virtue of her Will, the Sheila Hichens Trust was formed to create a specific art collection to show how life was lived in West Cornwall before the middle of the twentieth century. Her trustees are William Rogers and Lord St Levan. The great majority of the Collection are by artists of the Newlyn School and includes works by Walter Langley, Stanhope Forbes, Laura Knight and Harold Harvey. The Newlyn School began in the 1880s and continued into the first half of the twentieth century. Artists came to West Cornwall attracted by the beauty of the scenery, quality of light, simplicity of life, and the drama of the sea. They would often paint their subject in the open air, in a purer, more natural, setting. Lord St Levan said: “Sheila Hichens’ vision... --- Visitors enjoyed exploring the island’s unique terraced garden was designed in the 1870s for Sir John St Aubyn, who later became the 1st Lord St Levan. Dr Sarah Gadd from the National Garden Scheme said: “St Michael’s Mount is a totally unique place, and we are very fortunate that Lord and Lady St Levan are such fabulous supporters of the National Garden Scheme. On behalf of us all, I want to thank the St Aubyn family for their generosity, which extends back more than 60 years to 1959 when they first opened their beautiful garden for our charity. “Raising over £7,000 on their open day during The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend was an amazing result and testament to visitors’ love of this very special place and its inspiring garden. I was amazed by the kindness of all the St Michael’s Mount staff who came in on a Saturday, which is usually their day off, to support our charities. ” The National Garden Scheme supports a range of beneficiaries from the income generated from private garden openings that take place across the country each year. This extends across healthcare from Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Parkinson’s UK, through to Perennial, the UK’s only charity to support gardeners and their families during difficult times. Originally established as a charity in 1927 to support District Nurses from The Queens Nursing Institute, the NGS donated over £3 million to charities post-pandemic in 2021 alone. Dr Gadd added: “The Benefactors of the charity donations... --- 320 swimmers took part in a sea swim around the iconic island of St Michaels Mount and raised over £20,000 for The Chestnut Appeal for men’s health. --- Two significant and interlinked projects are scheduled to begin on 5th September. These are to repair part of Marazion’s sea defences to protect key infrastructure and redevelop Gwelva boat landing to meet current and future boating needs for island residents and visitors to St Michael’s Mount. --- St Michael's Mount lights up for a variety of charities, events and organisations throughout the year; shining a light to create awareness for special causes, many of which are very close to the hearts of those who live and work in our community. Future events will be listed here and shared via our social media. To Light Up the Mount, please get in touch with details via: enquiries@stmichaelsmount. co. uk Please note: Whilst we try our best to accomodate all requests, there is a limit to the number of events that we can support, with priority given to causes with a strong local connection. DateEvent/Charity/OrganisationColour/Display14/05/21End of G7 SummitRainbow03/06/21NHS 73rd AnniversaryBlue21/09/21Organ Donation WeekPurple25/09/21Childhood Cancer AwarenessGold15/10/21Baby Loss AwarenessBlue & Pink11/11/21Remembrance DayRed06/12/21West Cornwall Women's AidOrange10/12/21Marazion Lights Switch OnGreen, Red & White19/12/21Penlee Lifeboat MemorialWarm White04/02/22World Cancer Awareness DayBlue & Orange05/04/22St Pirans DayWhite23/03/22Marie Curie Day of RemembranceYellow02/05/22Bowel Cancer AwarenessPink02/06/22 - 05/06/22Royal JubileeRed, White & Blue08/06/22Tourettes AwarenessTeal14/06/22Grenfell 5th AnniversaryGreen25/07/22Drowning Prevention Day - RNLIBlue31/07/22UEFA Women's Euros - England teamRed, White & Blue24/09/22Organ Donation WeekPink30/09/22Childhood Cancer AwarenessGold09/10/22Baby Loss Awareness WeekPink & Blue21/10/22Breast Cancer Awareness MonthPink11/11/22Remembrance DayRed13/11/22Remembrance SundayRed25/11/22West Cornwall Women's AidPurple & Green09/12/22Marazion Lights switch onGreen02/02/23British Heart FoundationRed05/05/23-08/05/23The CoronationRed, White & Blue17/05/23Neurofibromatosis AwarenessBlue07/06/23Tourettes Awareness WeekGreen07/07/23Mesothelioma AwarenessBlue11/08/23Cornwall Blood BikesRed20/08/23The Women's World Cup FinalRed and White07/09/23Cornwall Air AmbulanceRed28/10/23Care Leavers WeekBlue11 /11/23Remembrance SundayRed29/11/23WEST CORNWALL WOMENS AIDGREEN & PURPLE30/11/23WEST CORNWAL WOMENS AIDGREEN & PURPLE08/12/23MARAZION XMAS LIGHTSRED & GREEN21/12/23NSPCCGREEN --- St Michael's Mount has commissioned local artist and illustrator Jennifer Armitage to create her trademark, bold, abstract graphic illustrations for a range of products in the island shops and striking artwork that features in the island cafe. --- Catch the fiery colours that light up the sea and sky in October on the Cornish coast Sennen Cove: The most westerly village in Cornwall with a pearly-white sandy beach, Sennen is a natural choice for sunset watching. Find a spot above the beach, throw some picnics blankets down and watch as the sky explodes in a roar of rusty reds and burnt orange hues. Topped off with a steaming flask of hot tea (or glass of fizz if you’re feeling romantic), nothing could be better. St Michael’s Mount: Drink in the fiery sunsets that West Cornwall is so famous for from our very own St Michael’s Mount. Whether you are atop the Mount or standing jaw-agape from the shore as effulgent rays of light stream around the castle’s regal frame, this is truly the most magical setting for bidding farewell to the day. Land’s End: Mainland England’s most westerly point, Land’s End has to be one of the most well-known sunset spots in the whole of England. A particularly good time to catch these blazing beauties is around June, when a shaft of light from the setting sun momentarily casts a glimmering trail right through the middle of the archway of ‘Enys Dodman’ rock. Cape Cornwall: Forming part of the Tin Coast and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, Cape Cornwall not only boasts rich historical and cultural pedigree but is also one of the top places to watch a sunset in Cornwall. Offering awe-inspiring panoramas over land and sea,... --- Expert photographer and local man, Mike Newman, offers an insight into how to nail that perfect shot. One of the country’s most iconic images, St Michael’s Mount commands fairy-tale awe. A truly magnificent subject for any budding or seasoned photographer, it is as beautiful on a balmy summer’s day when sunshine trickles down its stony façade as in a brewing winter storm, waves swelling and heaving in the background. So how best to go about capturing a sense of our mighty St Michael’s Mount? Sharing some of his top tips from over 20 years’ experience, expert photographer and local man, Mike Newman, offers an insight into how to nail that perfect shot. Mike Newman’s Top Five Tips for Photographing St Michael’s Mount: 1.  Lighting. At midday the sun is high in the sky and the light can make everything look flat. If you shoot when the light is coming from one particular side of the Mount, shadows are created which reveal the true shapes of the island and buildings. Shooting in the 'Golden Hour' at the beginning and end of the day will also add eye-catching sunrise/sunset colours to your photograph.   2.  Composition. Think about having something in the foreground to add interest – a boat or a person, perhaps. These will add a sense of scale to your picture. While you're looking, see what's happening in the background as well; is it worth adding that cheeky white cloud floating in a blue sky to your shot? 3.  Use... --- Born from a deeply entrenched relationship with the sea, Cornwall’s coast is peppered with harbours. Both natural and manmade, they grant access to bounty-rich waters, provide space for trade and shelter from ravaging storms.  Tightly interwoven within Cornwall’s maritime history, these safe-havens have played a crucial role in the lives of salt-washed Cornishmen for years, from the days of piratical smugglers to modern-day fishermen still making a living from the sea. These days, harbours remain an integral part of Cornish culture and also provide the perfect vantage points to sit and while away the hours, gazing at the sea. Gather up your gaggle and see for yourself. A great base for watery adventures as well as simply watching the to’ing and fro’ing of boats with ice cream in hand, you can take in the views and immerse yourself in the past, present and future of Cornwall. Here are some of the pretty harbours in Cornwall you can look forward to seeing: St Michael’s Mount The history of St Michael’s Mount’s harbour is thought to date back to classical times. Believed to have been a focal point for trading in the tin industry more than 2,000 years ago, Cornish tin would have been transported from the island to the rest of Europe. There is also an underground tram that carries provisions from the harbour to the castle! Mullion First built in the late 1800s, Mullion Cove’s harbour protects fishing boats from powerful westerly storms rolling in from the Atlantic. Gifted to... --- We all breathe a sigh of relief as those lighter evenings kick in during spring, and the world seems to come back to life again. Cornwall is busy and popular throughout the summer months, but there’s so much to enjoy here during the quieter months of spring, just as everything is coming out of hibernation. St Michael’s Mount opens for the main season at the end of March, and the island comes back to life, bustling with day visitors making their way across the causeway or travelling by boat to visit our iconic visitor attraction. There’s a wealth of other days out you can enjoy during these spring months as well. Here are our top tips for things to enjoy during May in the west of Cornwall. Bluebells at Penrose and Godolphin in May The bluebells springing to life throughout May is a sight not to be missed, and there are two National Trust properties in nearby Helston to enjoy seeing a carpet of bluebells scattered throughout their woods. Godolphin House and Garden are tucked away near Helston, and tell their story of over 700 years of history. Wander around the 16th-century garden before taking a walk through its bluebell wood. Penrose estate is a mixture of woodland and farmland based near Loe Pool. There are many paths to explore around the estate, and the best time to see bluebells here is early May. Spot the seal babies Spring can be a great time for spotting some of our marine mammals.... --- You may have heard of El Camino in Spain, the final section of the legendary Santiago de Compostela Pilgrim Way. But did you know that part of the pilgrimage could be found here in Cornwall? A vast network of trails in Europe leading to St James’ Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, northern Spain, El Camino is world famous. With roots dating back to pre-historic times between 10,000BC and 410AD, it has been followed by missionaries and pilgrims for thousands of years. Of immense spiritual significance, St James’ Cathedral is believed to hold the remains of St James the Great, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, and has drawn millions of worshippers. These days, people of all denominations and faiths follow part or all of the trail to strengthen their faith, find peace, or to simply enjoy the walk. With many branches of the Pilgrim route all over Europe, a lot of people don’t realise that Cornwall is home to part of the pilgrimage. Starting in Lelant near St Ives and finishing at our very own St Michael’s Mount, St Michael’s Way is a 12. 5-mile walk stretching from coast to coast. If you’d like to experience the walk for yourself, the route officially begins at St Uny Church. Nestled on a sandy headland, the church perches high above the medieval harbour town of Lelant, affording walkers with beautiful views over the Hayle Estuary. With origins dating back to the 6th century, St Uny Church has been nearly lost to encroaching sand... --- Forage the coastline with information and tips from wild food expert, Emma Gunn.   I love foraging on the coast. If you dropped me back to the time of hunter-gatherers in Britain, I’d head straight for the coast (using wind-blown trees to guide me to the shore). You can’t beat it as you can forage throughout the year no matter the season – evergreen edibles such as sea beet, saltbush and sea purslane, shellfish as a good source of protein such as winkles, whelks and limpets, and fantastically delicious and versatile seaweeds. I’ve been really getting into seaweeds over the last few years and they really are incredible and diverse – with flavours that are mild to others that pack a punch, some with specific uses such as carragheen as a natural gelling agent, some that can be eaten any way possible such as dulse and some trialled as powerful medicines like knotted wrack for anti- cancer. If you are foraging by the coast, please be aware of the tides. Always be sure you know where the tide is, whether it is coming in or going out and whether it is a spring or neap tide. Neap tides don’t move much between low and high tide but spring tides do, therefore can be useful if you want to explore rock pools or outcrops that would normally be submerged most of the time. These can be good for finding crabs or even lobsters if you’re lucky, but remember that crustaceans must be... --- With the re-opening of our garden this season a refreshed take on our map to express and define the layout of our coastal garden, highlighting key locations and areas of interest, was undertaken by internationally acclaimed graphic artist, Neil Gower. Working in a broad range of styles and using a variety of medias, including gouache, watercolour, acrylics, coloured pencils, and inks, Neil has illustrated artwork for a range of clients, including Faber & Faber, Penguin, Random House, Transworld, The New Yorker and Vanity Fair. Among his many works of cover art for books, including a commemorative edition of William Golding’s, Lord of the Flies cover, Neil has created a wonderful selection of garden plans and illustrated maps. We were thrilled when Neil agreed to take on the project of the 2017 St Michael's Mount garden map. To really get a feel for the lay of the land, and understand the full detail of the contours and intricacy of the garden, Neil felt it imperative to study the garden on site in order to create a map that is functional, as well as beautiful to look at. We invited Neil to spend two days with us and he had the honour of a sleepover in the castle - a rare opportunity!  Staying in the castle meant that Neil was able to walk every footpath, tread the cobble pathways, meet the gardeners, and our garden designer Michael Harvey, as well get a full understanding of what our visitors needed from the map.   Neil captured... --- In 2009 our Assistant Head Gardener, Darren Little came across something quite unusual when clearing away some bracken from the North Westerly slopes of the Island's garden. Darren discovered a small axe head hidden within a cavity in some rocks. Upon further inspection, a total of 48 artefacts were discovered, including blade fragments, a buckle, a chape and various ingot fragments. The finds were sent to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum for x-rays, cleaning, and inspection. It was then verified by the British Museum that the artefacts dated from the late Bronze Age, making them around three thousand years old. Whilst we know the age of these historic items, it is unclear as to how they came to be on The Mount. It is assumed that they belonged to a Blacksmith who used the cavity as storage, to keep the hoard hidden from potential thieves. The discovery of the Bronze Age Hoard provides a link between St Michaels Mount and the manufacture of artefacts from this period. The most significant item in the hoard is a buckle, possibly a scabbard decoration, which is thought to be unique, as no other buckle of its design has been found in Great Britain. Part of the Bronze Age Hoard is currently undergoing essential conservation work, which is being carried out by specialists based at the Royal Cornwall Museum. The remainder of the hoard is being cared for by the National Trust and will be returned to the Mount when its new display case has... --- As part of our Island, Harbour, Home season, the Island’s harbour is home to an exhibition of boats that hold a strong link to the Island.   The Princess Diane 1958 Fishing Boat Now called ‘Our Katie ‘and based in Porthleven, this fishing boat has spent the majority of her life working out of St Michael’s Mount and Prussia Cove. Then named ‘Princess Diane’, she was owned and operated by the Allen Family who continue to operate ferry boats here today – A classic example of a traditional fishing boat that has a strong connection and history with the Island. D-Class In Shore Lifeboat Marazion Lifeboat station was in operation on St Michael’s Mount for 11 years. First formed in 1991, the Island purchased its own D-Class inflatable craft to enable emergency access to the mainland. The Coastguard asked the crew if they would respond to emergency situations in Mounts Bay and soon after this, the RNLI offered to equip the Island with a new boat and provided full training for the crew which included the first D-Class female crew members in the RNLI. The Mount’s Lifeboat made 148 rescues during its time of service and was only decommissioned when successful trials of the new Atlantic 75 Class inshore lifeboat were carried out in Newlyn (Penlee). We continue to have a strong relationship with Penlee and the RNLI is this year’s chosen Charity for St Aubyn Estates. Mounts Bay Gig Pilot gigs were first built in the 18th Century and... --- As part of our Island, Harbour, Home season, our amphi-craft the St Michael will be home to an exhibition showcasing how amphibious vehicles have served as a vital lifeline to the Island since the 1950's The timeline begins with the story of how amphibious vehicles began serving on the Island in the 1950's, as a result of the Lord St Levan at the time witnessing World War Two DUKWs transporting scraps of the grounded HMS Warspite from the sea just off the Mount to the in land scrap yard. It was then decided that these vehicles would be a necessity in transporting people and goods to and from the Island, particularly in the winter months. The arrival of the Mount's own DUKW then swiftly followed, and in the period of time between then and 2000, various other amphibious vehicles were used and trialled until the commission of the Island's bespoke vessel, the St Michael. The exhibition will also highlight the extensive work that the Island's boating department undertakes in order to maintain the vital lifeline, as well as features various tales surrounding these vessels, including receiving the royal seal of approval! Climb around the St Michael for the Timeline of a Mount Lifeline, which will be on display until the 26th August. For more information of our Island, Harbour, Home season, please click here. --- This week, the final stone was laid on the Island’s causeway after what was initially going to be an 11 year project, was speeded up to a 9 year project after the historic walkway was damaged during the monumental storms in 2014. Work started on the causeway in 2007, and initially was projected to finish in 2018. However, the storms on Valentine's Day in 2014, which washed away many parts of the causeway, forced the process to be sped up, and to a higher specification. Ultimately two years were shaved off the original timeline, and we can now open for the 2016 summer season with a completed causeway that will hopefully remain intact for generations to come.  It has taken an estimated 218,000 man hours to complete, not to mention architectural and design time. The iconic stone paved pathway is inevitably vulnerable to the tempestuous seas of Mounts Bay, particularly in the winter months, and so the design and materials used in the project were carefully considered to prevent any further serious damage to the causeway. An incredible 3511 tonnes of concrete was used in the project and four miles of marine grade stainless steel bar was laid to line the sides of the causeway, before 4560 pins were inserted to pin the curb stones. This was to ensure that once the stones were laid, natural movement in strong seas would be minimal. The original stones from the causeway that were lifted by the storms and scattered amongst the beach were gathered,... --- Skellon Studio and Planning Unit were commissioned by the St Aubyn Estates and the National Trust to create a new visitor centre at St Michael’s Mount in the Old Barge House on the harbour front. The brief was to create a space where visitors could be welcomed, orient themselves and plan their visit, learn about the history of the Mount and gain an insight into island life. A key requirement was also to give disabled visitors, who would be unable to reach the more rugged upper limits of the Mount, a meaningful experience of its geography and history. We also needed to be mindful that the Barge House is prone to flooding! Our approach was to create a simple, elegant installation that felt at home within the refurbished building. The main wall display consists of a simple graphic presentation of a variety of information about the island and the life of the island community. In the foreground to this display, three other evocative displays bring the Mount to life: a display of postcards showing the Mount through visitor’s eyes over the years; a table top model of the Mount cast from copper; and a film that captures the life and seasons of the Mount through a day and across a year. Drawing on its past life as a boat store our design solution was to use ash timber frames for the graphic displays of information and postcards. Hand-crafted to an exceptional quality by exhibition contractor Scena the frames hang off... --- In honour of the Queen's 90th birthday we will be lighting the St Michael's Mount beacon at 8. 30pm. In addition to the St Michael's Mount beacon being lit, the Marazion Town beacon will also be lit simultaneously at 8. 30pm. As the beacon fades, we will light the castle in honour of the Queen's birthday. We have received several enquiries about the evening and have responded to the most frequent questions we are being asked. What type of beacon will be used? We will be using a wood fired basket positioned on a five foot pole. Where will the beacon be positioned? The beacon will be positioned on the lower western gun battery. If you are on Marazion Beach looking towards the Mount this is to the right of the castle. Where is the best place to view the beacon? The best place to view the beacon will be on Marazion Beach, or at the Godolphin Arms. We recommend the Royal Mojito at the Godolphin Arms - a cocktail with a royal twist - just to get you in to the spirit! How long will the beacon be lit for? The beacon will be lit for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. How long will the castle be floodlit? The castle will be lit from approximately 9. 15pm - 11. 30pm. Will the castle be open? The castle and island are closed to the public - this is for safety reasons. Will there be photos of the beacon lighting? Yes -... --- In partnership with the National Trust we are currently planning, designing and building a visitor centre. This brand new facility will be situated in the Barge House in the heart of the village at the base of the island and will be the focal point for all of our visitors. In particular, it will provide an experience for visitors that are unable to take the climb to the castle, or around the gardens. St Michael’s Mount is one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable attractions in the south west. We pride ourselves on providing every visitor with a great experience and our feedback and visitor enjoyment scores reflect this. However, our accessibility has been a continual challenge.   The centre piece of the visitor centre is to be a tactile model of the island. This will enable all our visitors to gain an understanding and appreciation of the island, its scale and intricacies and the visitor’s position in relation to the island as a whole. Using the data provided by a recent 3d survey of the island, and working with local sculptor Tom Leaper, the model will be an accurate representation of St Michael’s Mount which visitors can touch, feel, and explore with their hands and eyes. The photo above shows the model mid-creation, we are looking forward to seeing the next stage which will involve Tom 'planting' the trees on the East side of the island.   The sculpture will have public routes marked in braille, points of interest,... --- St Michael's Mount has joined forces with some of the nation’s finest pieces of architecture (Wednesday 21st October) to light up pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s leading fundraising campaign, wear it pink. St Michael's Mount is one of 19 landmarks across the UK to turn pink to help raise awareness of wear it pink, which raises vital funds for the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, Breast Cancer Now. A mixture of the nation’s beautiful historic and more modern landmarks shone pink throughout the evening in a bid to remind the public to support the renowned fundraiser, wear it pink day, which takes place on Friday 23rd October. Other landmarks which also turned pink included London’s HMS Belfast, Trafalgar Square Fountains, 20 Fenchurch Street’s Sky Garden, Tower 42, Granary Square Fountains at King’s Cross, The University of Cambridge’s Corpus Clock, Selfridges Birmingham, Library of Birmingham, The Eastgate Clock – Chester, Derry Offices of the Derry City and Strabane District Council - Northern Ireland, The Falkirk wheel – Scotland, Brighton Wheel, Gateshead Millennium Bridge - Newcastle, Isle of Man’s Tower of Refuge, Port of Liverpool Building, Nottinghamshire’s Newark Castle, Avon Cosmetics HQ - Northampton and Cornwall’s Eden Project. 2015 marks a special year for wear it pink, having raised an incredible £27million since it began in 2002. The event is now launching for the first time for new charity Breast Cancer Now – formed from the merger of Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer – and it’s bigger and pinked than... --- Congratulations to all those who took part in the inaugural RNLI Around the Mount open water swim. 52 open water swimmers entered the water at Marazion Beach and swam around St Michael's Mount in a clockwise direction. They were watched over by the Ivan Ellen and Paul Alexander lifeboats, RNLI Lifeguards, Penzance Sailing Club safety boat, and members of the Penzance Canoe Club. Competitors travelled to Marazion from all over the coutry to take part - Birmingham, Cambridge, London and Rotherham, South Yorkshire.   First past the finish post was local competitor, Simon Green from Ludgvan, who completed the swim in an astounding 38. 23 minutes. After crossing the finish line and being greeted by his family, Simon said: "Just as we entered the water the sun came out and it was a fantastic swim with crystal clear water. A perfect morning for a swim around St Michael's Mount".   Guy Botterill, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager, said: "Thank you to everybody who chose to support the RNLI by taking part in the Around the Mount swim. Together we have raised in excess of £6,000 for our appeal to build a new station at Penlee. We look forward to seeing you all again next year". Further information on the day can be found on the Penlee Lifeboat website - www. rnlipenleelifeboat. org. uk Photo: RNLI/ Tim Stevens --- Our Amphicraft, the St Michael has been under cover on the harbour-side all summer undergoing essential maintenance in preparation for the winter months. With work on it almost complete, the vessel has recently been unveiled from its covering and with just a few more jobs to carry out; she will soon be ready to head back into the water, replacing our ferry boats when the winter weather becomes too difficult for them to operate. The St Michael is an original design called the ‘Seamaster’. With a length of 10. 0m, beam of 3. 6m and capacity for 46 passengers or 6,000kg of cargo, the Seamaster is truly a capable machine. The final specifications included twin engines, two hydraulic lift stairways and a disabled person’s lift that doubles as a cargo loading platform. The St. Michael provides a transport lifeline to residents of the island during the winter months when the Marazion to St. Michael’s Mount duty boat service is not operating, ferrying the island children to school, bringing provisions from the mainland and transporting out of season visitors. Building of it started in 2000 and was completed in 2003 by Sivad Maritime in Falmouth, the amphibious vehicle was specifically commissioned by Lord St Levan to transport the St Aubyn family and the islanders to and from St. Michael’s Mount, replacing amongst other things, the WWII DUKWs that used to service the Mount for similar purposes. The St. Michael has the royal seal of approval, after a visit in 2006 by the... --- The Watchtower was an important feature of the overall defences of the castle during the English Civil War period. At the outbreak of war the castle was under the ownership of Sir Francis Bassett, a staunch royalist. Bassett built all of the civil war defences on the island at great personal sacrifice; employing twelve soldiers and a gunner at his own expense before King Charles increased the garrison to fifty men. The castle was an impregnable fortress and the import of weapons from France in lieu of payment for tin being exported from the island harbour meant that the Mount was invaluable to the King. In recent years the watchtower has become a quiet footnote of this important chapter in the island’s history, rather overgrown and deemed unsafe for visitors to view up close. The decision to highlight this remarkable military vantage point has been welcomed by all and the recent restoration and subsequent viewing platform ensures that the watchtower will now be enjoyed for generations to come. The watchtower is positioned on the right hand side of the path as you reach the summit of the Mount. It affords amazing views across to Marazion and is a good to point to rest and appreciate the views, before the final climb to the castle. --- Originally from Leeds, Mik moved to Cornwall and joined the Visitor Services team on the Mount in 2008. A keen photographer and longstanding Island Guide, he now runs a successful business as a freelance photographer.   This exhibition brings to life the story of the vibrant community living and working on the island. Mik has a special insight into the lives of the people that live and work on the Mount. During the past year he has been able to photograph various aspects of Mount life. Over 100 images have been reduced to just 18 and can now be viewed in the Barge House in a curated exhibition. Each image depicts a different aspect of island life, from the annual fire drill, to the school ferry run, and the island tram that delivers goods up to the castle. 21st Century Island Life provides an insight into the people living and working on the Mount, and shines a spotlight on the everyday back stage activities that keep the island running smoothly. The exhibition is presented in the Barge House, which is located in the harbour.   Curated by Pete Hamilton, Visitor Services Manager, St Michael's Mount, the images have been printed on to canvas and hung from the roof of the Barge House.   Daily (except Saturday) 10am - 5pm Barge House, St Michael's Mount Free Entry --- Come and meet the people who live and work on the island - the close-knit community who keep St Michael's Mount running smoothly. Find out how their lives are affected by living on a tidal island - what do they love about it, and what's a challenge! Haven't you wondered how they do the school run, or how they manage with the weekly shop? What happens in an emergency? We will be giving you the opportunity to ask questions like these through live social media chats (keep an eye out for announcement of dates and times), and we'll be posting interviews with members of the island community regularly on our blog. We will be curating a photographic exhibition by Mik Allerton, in the Barge House exploring 21st Century island life and there will aslo be a focus on the boats - the lifeline for the island. Our daily tours will continue, but the emphasis will shift to stories of the community and the buildings in relation to everyday life on the island. Alongside this, the usual story-telling (through the summer holidays), kids garden trail and castle quiz will still be on offer, so plenty to keep the kids entertained. Come along throughout the summmer and discover more about this unique way of living and working. --- A huge operation in the planning involving fire crews and appliances from Penzance, St Just, Hayle, Camborne, Helston and St Ives, the plan was road tested last summer working in partnership with the RNLI utilising the Penlee lifeboat from Newlyn in transporting crews across to the island when the tide was in. The island location of St Michael’s Mount creates unique problems when it comes to dealing with a serious fire and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service work closely with the National Trust, the St Aubyn family and staff at St Michael’s Mount to develop an effective fire plan which identifies ways of overcoming any future challenges. The exercise took place at low tide, enabling the teams to test the practicalities of transporting fire appliances and a large number of fire fighters across to the island. Lessons learnt from this exercise help to inform and better prepare fire fighters across Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service to deal with incidents in difficult and hard to reach locations. --- ---