St. Michael's Mount

Date of visit 20/05/2025

When I was a lot younger, well about 50 odd years younger, due to family connections we used to visit Devon and Cornwall a lot. I hadn't really done any sight-seeing in the area since then, so it was good to go back and revisit one of the places we had visited all those years ago!

St. Michael's Mount is a beautiful spot, and described as the jewel in Cornwall's crown. It is definitely worth a visit, if you feel it is suitable for your family make-up.

We like to try new things out, and stretch Little One as much as possible. We think we have a fair idea of the sort of things he will tolerate, but sometimes it's just a case of you don't know until you try! We had hoped to walk over to the island, using the tidal causeway, but this wasn't possible while we were away, as the tide times didn't allow.

Walking over to the island may have been an interesting challenge, with Little One's attraction to water, so the boat may have been the easier option anyway.

The one-way crossing, for the 4 of us, cost £11.20. As National Trust members entry to the castle and gardens was free. The island is jointly run by the St. Aubyn family and the National Trust.

We were told that if we were on the island until around 4pm we would be able to walk back, via the causeway and not have to pay for a return boat trip!

The boats over run regularly, as soon as they are filled they are off and then return. On the day of our visit there was no delay for boats, with just enough people to fill each one (around 12 passengers), and not too many to cause a queue, which was helpful when you have a child who doesn't understand the concept of queuing!

It's only a short crossing, of probably 5 to 6 minutes, but it was a pleasant trip. Of note, there was a small step down into the boat, off the slipway, however exit from the boat onto the island itself though is up a set of concrete steps, which could be an issue for those with mobility issues.

Before we left the mainland, we were issued with a set of coloured tokens for the garden and castle, so headed straight for the gardens. Being an island, with some rather sheer edges to the sea, we felt it best to keep our "runner" on his wrist strap. Another thing of note, which we were warned about before setting out, the mount is very steep in places and some of the steps uneven.

The castles offer you some fantastic views and evidence of the beautifully clear waters around these parts. The temperate climate in Cornwall, apart from the beautiful waters, offers a perfect haven for many exotic plants, which we particularly appreciated. Little One is less appreciative of the plants, but loved being a human mountain goat, clambering up the steep steps!

From the gardens we ventured further uphill to the castle itself. The going up to the top of the Mount is quite hard going, with very uneven cobbles and large steps. My wife though kept looking at the oldies who had made it to the top and said "if they can do it..." Secretly I think there is a stairlift fitted around the back of the island, that we weren't aware of!

The views from the top were well worth the effort though - obviously the walk down was a lot easier, although we still had to be aware of our feet and the uneven ground.

We did rather whizz around the rooms in the castle itself, as Little One had lost interest a little by this time and didn't want to stop and stand still for too long! We have become well aware when he has had enough, so kept the castle visit short.

As per usual, Little One enjoyed the journey back down the steps and cobbles. Having no fear he doesn't understand how easy it would be to fall or trip on the uneven ground, consequently we need to have eyes for two, watching for his unseen dangers!  

Having stopped off for an ice cream near the harbour, we caught the boat back to the mainland. As the tide was now on the way out the drop off point was slightly different, landing on a jetty at the end of the causeway. This involved a few steps, like landing at St. Michael's earlier in the day.

Despite not being totally visible yet, a few hardy (foolish) souls had begun walking to and from the island on the causeway, something that isn't recommended until the tide is out and the causeway clear...

We found the trip to St. Michael's Mount worth the effort. It was a shame we weren't able to walk the causeway, but equally we enjoyed the boat ride over, as did Little One. The island itself, as can be seen in the pictures, is quite a steep and at times rocky place to venture over. Mobility is a key issue here, as clearly the danger or water and uneven ground.

Back on dry land Little One found the best part of the day, for him...