Trains to St Michael's Mount
In Mounts Bay, Cornwall, a medieval castle sits atop a rocky island. For centuries, the castle has looked on as pilgrims seeking miracles, fishermen lured by mermaids, and knights riding to victory have crossed the causeway. Today, St Michael’s Mount, or Karrek Loos yn Koos in Cornish, is accessible by foot during low tide and offers much of the same beauty and history as it has for hundreds of years.
How to Get to St Michael’s Mount by train:
The quickest way to reach St Michael’s Mount by train is from Penzance station which can be accessed with CrossCountry from several locations including, Plymouth station, Exeter St Davids and Bristol Temple Meads.
From Penzance, visitors can hop on a number of bus services which drive to Marazion, the coastal town connected to St Michael’s Mount by the famous stone causeway.
Things to do at St Michael’s Mount
The island can be reached on foot during low tide and by ferryboat during mid and high tide. Boat trips to St Michael’s Mount are available from late March through to October and are a brief but thrilling way to start this adventure. Upon arrival on the island, take some time to explore the harbour, believed to have been a hub for ancient Phoenicians to trade tin with the rest of Europe.
The harbour village is made up of a handful of Victorian houses and gift shops. Notably, the Stewards House, built in 1815. It is home to the Sheila Hichens collection, an art display celebrating several artists from the Newlyn School of Art in West Cornwall.
With the pleasant Cornish breeze, the gently lapping sea, and the warming sun rays, it may be tempting to remain and relax at the harbour. However, there is lots to discover uphill. First, head to the subtropical gardens where a flurry of succulents, wildflowers and other colourful plants adorn the towering terraces. They pose as a stunning foreground to the crystal-clear sea below and provide a charming route to the castle itself.
St Michael’s Mount castle has endured since the twelfth century and now offers a treasure trove of historical oddities, including a piece of Napoleon’s coat from the Battle of Waterloo and a mummified cat from Ancient Egypt. Wander through ancient corridors and past oil paintings depicting generations of the St Aubyn family, who still live there today.
After a morning of exploration, it’s likely time for some lunch. How about afternoon tea at the Harbour Loft? This delightful café focuses on fresh Cornish produce, with many ingredients grown and harvested on the island. There’s also tea available from the UK’s first tea plantation in Cornwall and prosecco made with grapes from a local vineyard. Alternatively, if the day calls for a grab-and-go lunch, try out the Island Café, where an array of sandwiches, snacks and sweet treats are waiting.
If one day isn’t enough to enjoy the island and the surrounding areas, there are plenty of places to stay near St Michael’s Mount. In Marazion, a room at The Godolphin will provide a restful night’s sleep and a spectacular view of Mounts Bay. The perfect destination for a Cornish staycation.
Spending the night at a hotel overlooking Mounts Bay will be especially enjoyable during the nights that St Michael’s Mount ‘lights up’. On certain evenings throughout the year, the island will become illuminated in a pleasant glow to raise awareness for various charities, events, and special causes. In the past, St Michael’s Mount has lit up green for the NSPCC, red and white for the Women’s World Cup Final in 2023, and pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
About St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount is home to a very small community of locals dedicated to ensuring the island can be enjoyed sustainably by residents and visitors for years to come. This sustainable action has included switching to air-source heat pumps and LED lighting; removing all plastic bags from the island’s shops, cafes, and restaurants; and sourcing produce from local suppliers where possible.
Additionally, St Michael’s Mount has a thriving biodiversity within its gardens and woodlands. The plants that decorate the island are insect and butterfly friendly and they’re planted with peat-free compost and organic fertiliser.
Much of this stewardship is facilitated by the St Aubyn family, who have resided on St Michael’s Mount since 1659. In the 1950s, recognising the need for conservation, they sold most of the island to the National Trust. Today, this partnership ensures the preservation of the historical buildings and surrounding wildlife, safeguarding the legacy of this beautiful tidal island for generations to come.
Tickets to St Michael’s Mount can be prebooked online at National Trust. It's important to note that the island may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues or those with young children in pushchairs, particularly with access to the castle. Additionally, inclement weather may prompt the closure of the island on short notice.
*Please be advised that all accommodation inquiries should be directed to the relevant hotel, and can not be managed or facilitated by CrossCountry.
If you’re planning a day trip to St Michael’s Mount, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
