St Michael's Mount

Marazion is famous for the legendary St Michael's Mount, “the jewel in Cornwall’s crown” with its fairy-tale castle surrounded by the tide. The name comes from the vision of St Michael seen by local fishermen around 495 AD. An old carved stone cross offers evidence that the Mount had been used by the religious community since before the Norman invasion. In fact, St Michael's Mount is thought to have been the site of a tin port in the late Iron Age, just before the Roman Invasion. Since the Benedictine Monastery was built in 1135AD, the Mount has been a priory, fortress, place of pilgrimage and finally became a private home coming into the ownership of the St Aubyn family in 1659.In 1587 the beacon signal on the Mount was lit to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada. Although not successful on this occasion, in 1595 four Spanish galleons landed two hundred men at nearby Mousehole and burned it virtually to the ground. Newlyn and Penzance were also set on fire, but the Spaniards were repulsed by a local fighting force under Sir Francis Goldolphin. The Mount then held a garrison for many years, obtaining guns and ammunition by petitions to the Crown.On display throughout the castle are many paintings and engravings of the Mount. Such a picturesque scene has inspired artists through many centuries and helped the Mount become one of the most visited National Trust properties in Britain and together with Land's End, is probably one of the two most famous and visited parts of the county of Cornwall.

THEY ARE OPEN ALL YEAR

1st April to the end of October: Monday to Friday Castle open 10.30am to 5pm.
weekends: Most weekends during the season which includes the private gardens.
Last admission is 3/4 before the castles closing time.

ADMISSION
Adults 6.60 Children £3.30 Family ticket £16.50
Please note National trust members must pay normal admission charges for weekend visits as these are special charity open days.

GARDENS
The private gardens are also open by arrangement to the public daily during April and May. These exotic sub-tropical ‘hanging’ gardens defy the elements and have much to fascinate the visitor.
Admission: £3 adults £1 Children including National Trust Members

GROUPS
By arrangement with Mrs. sandry, Manor Office, Marazion. Tel: 01736 710507 Fax: 01736 711544

BOATS
Access is by Causeway on foot at low tide: when the tide is in, do experience a memorable trip by ferry boats. Our visitors do enjoy this exciting journey to the historic harbour following in the path taken by the Queen Victoria. The cost of the boats is £1.00 per person each way and 50p each way for children (under 15 years of age). Depending on the state of the tide, boats leave from any of the three embarkation points on the mainland. if the weather is inclement, information on boating conditions/arrangements can be obtained from ringing 01736 710507 or 710265.