Days out in Cornwall at Easter

Searching for ideas on days out in Cornwall at Easter? Visit the Mount during the Easter holidays and delve into a world of myths and legends in the historical castle, browse the shops for exclusive products, refuel in the café or indulge in an Afternoon Tea. The terraced gardens will open their gates on and including Sunday 20th April and the Steward's House art gallery comprises artwork by Newlyn School artists depicting life in west Cornwall before the middle of the 20th century. The village and harbour are open to roam and this is a time to soak up the ambience of the island as the daffodils dance in the spring breeze.

Access can be via a walk on the ancient cobbled causeway or via a boat ride across the channel from mainland to the harbour. Please see our access calendar to help you plan your visit.

Explore the castle

The castle invites you to step back in time down its winding corridors, offering a chance to uncover its rich history and enduring legends. Our expert guides can be found stationed in the grand rooms and along the ancient passageways, sharing captivating tales from centuries gone by, ready to answer any questions you may have. Duck through historic doorways and discover how the building has transformed over the years from a medieval priory to a fortified stronghold and, since the mid-1600s, the cherished home of the St Aubyn family, who continue to reside here today.

Advance booking is essential for those eager to explore the castle's storied past.

Delve into the gardens

This stunning, delicate terraced garden was created in 1878 for Sir John St Aubyn (later the 1st Lord St Levan) and would have brought joy to his family of eleven. Aloes and agaves rise defiantly from the bedrock, tulbaghias sway with graceful charm, and cascading trails of rosemary, lavender, and lampranthus spill down the terraces. Step beyond the castle walls and discover a world of vibrant beauty on your day out this Easter in Cornwall.

Wander through the steep, sloping terraces and you'll encounter an array of unexpected plants, thriving in a surprisingly mild microclimate. Despite the blustery winds and salty air you'd expect here, frosts are rare, and the sun-warmed rock acts like a giant radiator — soaking up heat by day and gently releasing it after dusk. Exploring the gardens during a day out in Cornwall at Easter is the perfect way to welcome in the springtime.

Advance booking is essential if you want to soak up the splendour of the gardens.

Food & drink

There's an abundance of options when it comes to food and drink over Easter, from toasted flatbreads, freshly baked cakes, and flaky pastries to indulgent afternoon teas, hot Cornish pasties, and locally made ice creams.

• Afternoon Tea in the Harbour Loft
• Island Café
• Pop-ups

Advance booking is advised for anyone wanting to experience an Afternoon Tea.

How to access the island

The island opens at 10:00 and closes at 17:00 daily, closed Saturdays. Access on and off will be via the causeway or boat, which will vary every day according to the tide times. Please view the access calendar on the link below for exact timings to help you to plan your visit.

National Trust members

If you book a castle or garden ticket your National Trust membership type will be verified on arrival, so please book tickets according to the number of members in your party and bring your current, valid membership cards with you on the day.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome up to and including 11 April in the harbour, village and Island Café. This does not include the castle, summit, castle grounds, castle paths, Steward’s House or shops. Dogs are not permitted to visit the island between 13 April and 12 September inclusive.