What is St Michael's Mount?
St Michael's Mount is a small tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, topped by a medieval castle and church. At low tide, visitors can walk to the island across a stone causeway, while at high tide they travel by boat.
According to legend, the Archangel Michael appeared to fishermen on the island in the year 495. A Benedictine priory was later established on the island, linked to Mont Saint-Michel in France.
The St Aubyn family has lived in the castle since the 1600s. The island is now cared for by the National Trust, while the family continues to live there.
Visiting the Mount
Visitors can explore the castle, church and subtropical gardens, which grow on the steep rocky slopes. The island has a small harbor and a village where staff and residents live.
The causeway is usually passable for a few hours either side of low tide. Visitors must check tide times to avoid being cut off.
Legend says the giant Cormoran once lived on the island and was defeated by Jack the Giant Killer. The Mount is near the town of Marazion and is one of Cornwall's most famous landmarks.