The real wonders of the world

Why Cornwall’s St Michael’s Mount is well worth a post-lockdown visit

50.1172° N, 5.4778° W

Seemingly floating on the sea, Saint Michael’s Mount looks majestic at high tide. But it’s at low tide when the magic really happens. The sea peels back to reveal a stretch of sand, pockmarked with mossy rocks and a cobbled causeway that links the island to the mainland at Marazion, which you can cross for closer look.

DID YOU KNOW? In Cornish, the

Start by exploring that cliff-top castle, which started life in the 12th century as a priory, before becoming a fort and then home to the St Aubyn family. Soak up the history in the grand, ornate rooms and armoury, and don’t miss the cliff-top garden: protected by the rock from the harsh winds, tropical plants flourish here. The garden also offers panoramic views of the mainland.

Next, head to the harbour and village to meet the fewer-than 50 locals that inhabit the Mount. Learn what island life is like today and hear stories of the centuriesold legends that gave the Mount a mystical status long before the arrival of the priory. The tales of giants, mermaids, and miracles are sure to keep the magic of the island alive long after you’ve left.

island is called or ‘the grey rock in a wood’.

Look out for fossilised tree trunks in the sand.

Mystic Mount Long before the castle was built, tales of mermaids and apparitions had given St Michael’s Mount a legendary status