Winter on St Michael’s Mount

What will I discover during winter?

Our ‘Winter’ period runs from 01 November to 31 March and entry is free to all visitors.

Many people find this a beautiful time to visit. We’re less busy, which means you’ll experience a quieter and calmer side to island life. Why not amble about the cobbled village and historic harbour? Then, warm your hands around a hot drink in the Island Café or pop to the Harbour Loft for a hot drink and a slice of freshly-made cake. The shops will be open for you to enjoy some festive shopping, along with the Steward’s House where you can peruse the Sheila Hichens art collection. The ambience can be wonderful in the winter and the views are spectacular.

What’s open during winter?

During opening hours in winter, you can visit the:

• Harbour and village
• Island Shop
• The Mount Shop
• Christmas Afternoon Tea
• Steward’s House Gallery
• Island Café
• Harbour Loft (select dates only)
• Winter Island Tours

What’s not open?

• Castle - opens February Half Term, 30 March
• The Garden Terraces - opens 20 April
• Afternoon Tea - opens 30 March

How do I visit during winter?

St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island which can be reached via a cobbled causeway when the tide is low. Ferry boats do not run during the winter season.

On some days in winter, because of how the tides fall during daylight hours, you can visit the island only for a short period. Occasionally, you can’t visit at all. This means it’s very important to check tide times before your visit:

Is the island ever completely closed during winter?

Yes, the island is closed on Saturdays during winter and throughout the year. It may also close in the event of high winds or storms, or because tide times do not correspond with winter daylight hours. We will show a Mount Closure alert on the website and on social media if there are any imminent closures due to bad weather.

Can I bring my dog during winter?

Please do. Between 1 November and 12 April, we welcome all dog owners and well-behaved canines to visit us around the harbour and village. Please keep your dog on a short lead at all times.

Why is the castle closed during winter?

The castle and church is closed this winter for extensive maintenance works and reopens for February Half Term, then closes again until 30 March 2025.

Why is the garden closed during winter?

The garden terraces are visited by over 140,000 visitors each year.  The wear and tear on the Victorian terraces and fragile landscaping necessitates a period of restoration as well as skilled horticultural care. Battered by winter gales and rain, the gardening team will have the gardens ready to reopen 20 April 2025.