Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
St Michael's Mount, Marazion
A castle and former priory on a tidal island off Marazion, reached on foot across a causeway at low tide or by boat when the sea's in - a genuinely rare way to arrive anywhere in Britain. It's managed jointly by the National Trust and the St Aubyn family, who still live there part of the year.
Worth the trip
Timing the crossing right - walking the causeway at low tide, then watching it disappear under the sea a few hours later, is most of the experience.
Before you go
Check tide times on the National Trust website before you go and book tickets ahead - reviewers say the process for buying castle and boat tickets isn't well explained on site, and parking on the mainland isn't covered by National Trust membership.
Reviewers are drawn to St Michael's Mount's tidal causeway and boat crossing, calling the experience memorable, but several flag practical friction points: needing separate tickets for the garden, castle and boat, a ticket office located away from the jetty, and a steep, slippery climb to the castle that's difficult for elderly visitors or small children. One reviewer also found the toilets and baby-changing facilities lacking.
Managed jointly with St Aubyn Estates; tidal island
“One of my favourite National Trust places. Parking is not NT so be prepared to pay extra. Check tide times ahead of your visit so you can walk across at low tide. Booking ahead is essential.”— Troy Jenkinson, visitor review
Further reading
Gibsons - Castle Cutaway (1000pc)
Detailed cutaway illustration of a medieval castle's rooms, dungeon to battlements.
Find it on Amazon
