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Free entry to the harbour and village during opening hours between 01 November and 30 April.Find out more

FAQs

Access

Do I have to pay to access the island?

Between 01 October and 30 April access to the harbour and village is free for everyone during opening hours. During the main season (May to September) access is by ticket for most people, and those who are not National Trust members will have to pay. We now offer a Locals’ Pass for permanent residents of west Penwith which provides free access to the harbour and village. We have also created a Mount Memories Pass which provides free access to the harbour, village, castle and garden subject to eligibility. 

Who is eligible for a Locals’ Pass?

People whose primary residence is within one of sixteen local parishes in west Penwith. For further information and application details, please click here

Why is the Free Access Period for all only between 01 October and 30 April?

We know that the number of people wanting to visit west Cornwall and St Michael’s Mount has risen and will continue to rise. That increases pressure on facilities on the Mount, the town and our wider local community. Continuing to manage numbers and control access to the Mount is key to balancing the needs of local residents and visitors and therefore we have to be able to control numbers during the main season.

While the Locals’ Pass is restricted to residents of west Penwith, we hope that the Mount Memories Pass will provide access for those with strong connections to St Michael’s Mount who don’t live locally.

Why is the Locals’ Pass limited to residents of west Penwith?

We know that the number of people wanting to visit west Cornwall and St Michael’s Mount has risen and will continue to rise. That increases pressure on facilities on the Mount, the town and our wider local community. Continuing to manage numbers and control access to the Mount is key to balancing the needs of local residents and visitors and therefore we have to be able to control numbers during the main season.

While the Locals’ Pass is restricted to residents of west Penwith (click here for list of parishes), we hope that the Mount Memories Pass will provide access for those with strong connections to St Michael’s Mount who don’t live in one of the 16 local parishes.

Is anyone eligible for the Mount Memories Pass?

Yes, anyone who has special memories or links to St Michael’s Mount can apply for a Mount Memories pass. Click here for further information. 

Are Mount Memories Passes issued on a ‘first come first served’ basis?

No. This is not a first come first served initiative - an applicant will need to demonstrate that they have a strong tie to the Mount or are looking to celebrate a truly special occasion.

Is there a limit to the number of Mount Memories Passes available in a day?

No. Mount Memories Passes are limited to 1,000 passes per year.

How far in advance can people apply for the Mount Memories Pass?

Please try to apply at least 2 weeks prior to your visit to allow us to process your request properly.

Can a Mount Memories Pass be gifted to others without the applicant visiting?

No, the applicant must be the person hoping to visit and proof of ID will be required on the day of a visit for successful applicants.

Do I have to pay for a boat ticket and car parking with any of the free access arrangements?

Yes, you do have to pay for parking and boating throughout the year. Boat tickets and car parking fees are not free with Locals’ Passes or Mount Memories passes.

Do I get a ticket to the castle or garden as part of the free access arrangements?

No. The Free Access Period for all and Locals’ Pass only provides access to the harbour and village. Tickets to the castle and/or garden still have to be purchased or booked with a valid National Trust membership and are subject to availability.

A Mount Memories Pass provides free access to the castle and garden as well as the village and harbour.

Accessibility

How accessible is the island?

St Michael’s Mount is a rocky, rugged island surround by sea and accessed via an ancient, cobbled causeway. The cobbled paths around the island are often uphill, slippery and uneven, and in some places there are no handrails, making it a very difficult route to navigate, even for the most able bodied. For this reason, wheelchairs and pushchairs cannot reach the summit and we strongly advise sensible footwear or sturdy walking boots for the climb.

I have limited mobility – can I hire equipment to help?

To enquire about access for those with very limited mobility email enquiries@stmichaelsmount.co.uk and visit our accessibility page 

Facilities

Can I leave my pushchair somewhere?

The steep island slopes aren’t navigable by pushchair, but we do have a pushchair park so that you can leave them until ready to collect again. However, the cobbled causeway can also be tricky to cross with a pushchair, so it’s best to leave anything with wheels in the car and opt for a hipster or baby carrier for the day instead.

Is there a baby change?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities on the island. Take a look at our families page to find out more about what’s here.

Are there toilets on site?

Yes, you’ll find toilets next to the Island Shop and in the courtyard by the Mount Shop. We have an access toilet situated on the east side of the island and on the harbour front. Please ask a guide for directions to the nearest toilet when you are here.

Food & Drink

Can I get food and drink on the island?

There are two food outlets on St Michael’s Mount: the Island Café, The Harbour Loft, and during the summer season we have a number of pop-ups serving takeaway food and drinks.  Find out more about food and drink.

Do you provide vegan options?

Our food is freshly prepared and we cater for different diets where possible – just let us know how we can help when ordering.

Are your suppliers local?

We’re passionate supporters of local producers, so we work with Cornish suppliers whenever we can. Our food and drink outlets use local vegetables, herbs, meat, fish, dairy and flour (to name just a few) and our shops stock local food, gifts and homeware. And of course, our plant sales shop offers island-grown plants to take home.

Getting Here

How will I know if I need to travel by boat or on foot?

During the summer season, when our boats are running, you will be notified at the time of booking if your ticket requires a boat to go to and from the island, or whether you can walk across the causeway.

Causeway times may sound complicated, but there’s nothing you need to do –  you’ll automatically be notified about whether your time slot requires you to walk - you can also check the Causeway times here.

During the winter season we do not operate boats.  You will only be able to access the island by foot, when the causeway is open during normal business hours. Check opening times here.

How long should I allow for a boat trip?

When you book a ticket to the castle or garden terraces, you’ll be allocated a particular arrival time for your visit. We ask that you aim to arrive at the first island checkpoint (at the island end of the causeway) at this time. To do this, you’ll need to be at the boat departure point in Marazion approx 30 minutes before your island arrival time. Boats crossings take approx 10 minutes, depending on which landing you are heading to. Please note: Boats do not run during the winter months.

How long should I allow to walk across the causeway?

When you book a ticket to the castle or garden terraces, you’ll be allocated a particular arrival time for your visit. We ask that you aim to arrive at the first island checkpoint (at the island end of the causeway) at this time. If you’re walking, please allow 15 minutes to cross the causeway. To view our Causeway Calculator (causeway opening and closing times on the day of your visit) click here

What happens if I miss my boat?

If you are running late and our boats are still operating, we will try our best to get you onto another boat.

What happens if I’m late and miss my arrival time?

We will try our best to get you onto the island, but this is not guaranteed.

Where can I park?

Please park in our St Michael’s Mount and Long Stay Marazion car park. The postcode satnav reference for this carpark is TR17 0EG and may be marked as Folly Field on your map. Parking tariffs apply to all visitors. Please visit our car parking page to find out more. 

What happens if I have forgotten to purchase a boat ticket?

When our boats are running, boat tickets can be purchased from our website.

Can I just buy an individual boat ticket without a castle and/or garden ticket?

During the summer season, when our boats are running, you must purchase a castle and/or garden ticket or you will not be allowed to board the boat, even if you have bought a boat ticket. You will also not be eligible for a refund.

Between October and April, boat tickets can be purchased to visit the harbour and village (regardless of whether or not you are also visiting the castle.)

How will I know whether the causeway is open or closed on the day of my visit?

To find out causeway opening and closing times on the day you visit please use our very simple Causeway Calculator.  Just click on the date of your visit and you will see the opening and closing times of the causeway. 

How do I find the mainland boat landings?

During the summer season, when our boats are running, our boats will depart from the mainland from one of three landing points depending on the height of the tide – Chapel Rock, Gwelva and Top Tieb.  Return boats will run from the island harbour to one of these landings, depending on the height of the tide. You can buy return boat tickets on the island. You will be directed to your boat landing by our guides on the day.

Approximate walking times to the landings from the main visitor/overflow car parks:

  • Chapel Rock - the little rock on the beach, opposite the Mount - allow at least 5-10 minutes
  • Gwelva - head into the town and past The Godolphin, turn right just after Out of the Blue, follow the Orange signs -  allow at least 10-15 minutes
  • Top Tieb - go through the town, turn right just before the Copper Spoon and head down Leys Lane, following the Green signs - allow at least 15-20 minutes

Please take these times into account when paying for parking.

What should I wear when I visit?

We reccomend you bring layers as you may leave the mainland in full sun and return to the mainland in pouring rain (and vice versa!)

You must wear full clothing and footwear in the castle and church. As the terrain is steep and uneven, walking shoes/boots or trainers are recommended to navigate the cobbled causeway, paths and the rocky climb up to the castle.

Shopping

When are the island shops open?

Our shops are open when the island is open.

Do you accept contactless payments?

Yes, we encourage contactless payments where possible.

Tickets

What do I get for my castle ticket?

A ticket to the castle will also provide you with access to the island itself, as well as the gun batteries, shops, cafes, harbour village and lawns. Your ticket will show a time to arrive at the island, and you should aim to arrive at this time (not before). Once you’re here, you can visit the castle whenever it suits you. A castle ticket does not give you access to the garden (including the walled garden and terraces); if you’d like to visit these areas, you will need to book a combi ticket. There is enough time to visit both the castle and garden in one day.

What do I get for my garden ticket?

A ticket to the garden will also provide you with access to the island itself, as well as the shops, cafes, harbour village and lawns. Your ticket will show a time to arrive at the island, and you should aim to arrive at this time (not before). Once you’re here, you can visit the garden whenever it suits you. A garden ticket does not give you access to the castle or gun batteries; if you’d like to visit these areas, you will need to book a combi ticket. There is enough time to visit both the garden and castle in one day.

How can I book a ticket?

You can book a ticket easily and quickly through our online booking system. If your preferred date and time is not available, you’ll need to try an alternative date. 

I am a National Trust member – do I need a ticket?

If you’re a National Trust member, you won’t need to pay for a ticket, but you’ll still need to book one. You will be asked to present both your ticket and National Trust card at the first checkpoint. Car parking and boats to/from the island are not National Trust services and are therefore charged separately. 

Can I buy an online ticket on the day?

Depending on availability, you may be able to book a ticket on the same day that you’d like to visit. However, numbers are limited so wherever possible, we do suggest that you book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Can I buy a ticket at the entrance?

No – all tickets must be booked online.

Are refunds on tickets available?

We are not offering refunds on tickets.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome to visit the harbour and village only at certain times of the year. Assistance dogs are welcome at all times. Please read more about our dog policy here.

Please make a note on your booking if you will be bringing an assistance dog with you. 

How much time can I spend on the island?

To some extent this depends on which ticket type you have, but to experience everything our island has to offer, including the walk there and back, a visit to the shops and cafes, the castle and the gardens, it will take, on average, around four hours. You can of course leave earlier or later, but be aware that last entry to the castle and the garden is at 4pm and you must make sure you can either walk back on the causeway, or boat back across the sea, before we close at 5pm.

Why can’t I buy a ticket, but NT member tickets are available?

Unlike the majority of other National Trust properties the ownership of St Michael’s Mount is shared between the National Trust and the St Aubyn family. This follows a gift of a large part of the island to the National Trust in 1954.

As part of that gift to the National Trust, the St Aubyn family continues to live in the castle under a 999-year lease, as well as running the visitor business under licence from the National Trust. The St Aubyn family also retain freehold ownership of parts of the island, including the garden which they allow National Trust members to visit for free.

To achieve a safe, enjoyable experience for all our visitors, there is a limit on the number of visitors on the island at any one time. We achieve this through controlling how many tickets are issued and spreading these out through the day. The number of tickets per day is allocated evenly between paying visitors and National Trust members. There will be certain days, particularly during the main season, when one allocation books out before the other and we are sorry for the disappointment that this may cause.

Why can I buy a ticket, but NT member tickets are unavailable?

Unlike the majority of other National Trust properties the ownership of St Michael’s Mount is shared between the National Trust and the St Aubyn family. This follows a gift of a large part of the island to the National Trust in 1954.

As part of that gift to the National Trust, the St Aubyn family continues to live in the castle under a 999-year lease, as well as running the visitor business under licence from the National Trust. The St Aubyn family also retain freehold ownership of parts of the island, including the garden which they allow National Trust members to visit for free.

To achieve a safe, enjoyable experience for all our visitors, there is a limit on the number of visitors on the island at any one time. We achieve this through controlling how many tickets are issued and spreading these out through the day. The number of tickets per day is allocated evenly between paying visitors and National Trust members. There will be certain days, particularly during the main season, when one allocation books out before the other and we are sorry for the disappointment that this may cause.

Why can’t I access the harbour and village without a ticket at certain times of the year?

To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all our visitors, there is a limit on the number of visitors that we can welcome on the island at any one time during the busiest times of the year.

During the winter season anyone can access the harbour, village, cafe and shop free of charge. No ticket is required. 

Why can’t I access St Michael’s Mount outside of open hours?

St Michael’s Mount has a resident population that also works on the island. It is important that resident staff have time off from work without visitors being present on the island so that they can enjoy their homes and have family time.

Can I fly a drone over the Mount?

Filming with drones is not permitted on the beach, causeway, car parks, or anywhere on the island as this area is covered by a Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ). 

In addition to the consent that is required under the FRZ status to fly a drone, consent in writing is also required from St Aubyn Estates.

To seek permission, please contact: press@stmichaelsmount.co.uk

What time is last entry to the Castle and the Garden?

During the summer season, last entry to both Castle and Gardens is at 4:00pm. For combination tickets, you must be at the last checkpoint of your visit before this time. Late arrivals may not be able to enter and refunds will not be given.

During the winter season last entry is one hour and fifteen minutes before the causeway closes. This is weather dependent.

Why can’t I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome to visit the harbour and village only at certain times of the year. Assistance dogs are welcome at all times. Please read more about our dog policy here

Please make a note on your booking if you will be bringing an assistance dog with you.

How long should I allow for a combi/single ticket visit?

Dwell time on St Michael’s Mount will vary depending on ticket type and how long you decide to stay on the island. For a combination ticket, dwell time is generally between two to four hours on the island. For a single ticket, dwell time is generally between one and two hours on the island. Late time slots need to be mindful that last entry to garden and castle is at 4pm and the island closes at 5pm.

Why is the garden not open as frequently as the castle?

Our garden is fragile and as a consequence the number of days that it is open to the public has to be carefully managed to limit wear and tear. We continually review the condition of the garden with our Head Gardener.

Will you stay open during bad weather/storms?

The island will only close due to very strong winds or very rough seas and when we deem it unsafe to open - we call these ‘Black Flag’ days. If this happens, you will be informed in advance by email and you will receive a full refund to your bank account within seven working days. We will also update on any bad weather closures on our website and across all of our social media channels. We will not close just because it is raining.

Why do you limit numbers and why are they timed only tickets?

St Michael’s Mount is one of the UK’s most popular visitor destinations. We sell tickets in limited capacity timed slots to manage visitor numbers on the island and spread footfall throughout the day.

Do I need to buy a boat ticket to return from the island to the mainland in advance of my visit?

No, during the summer season, when our boats are running, you can buy a boat ticket back to the mainland at any time during your visit. They can be purchased from our shops and cafes. As we don’t limit your time on the island, you may choose to walk back if the causeway is open, or boat back if the causeway is closed.

When are tickets released?

Tickets are released 8 weeks in advance and normally become available on Mondays

Why does the ticket platform show ‘no availability’ on certain days?

The Garden is not always open. “Combination” and “Garden” tickets are only available on days when the Garden is open. Please try booking “Castle” tickets if you cannot see any availability on your preferred day (please be aware that we are always closed on Saturdays).

Is St Michael’s Mount closed on Saturdays?

Yes, the Mount is closed every Saturday to allow those who live and work here, to have a day of rest and relaxation with their families

Do I need to book online?

Yes, please book all tickets using the ticket platform online.  Book now

Can I buy a family ticket and is there a discount?

Yes, family tickets are available and an automatic discount is applied at the checkout stage of your booking

What do I do if I’m bringing a group?

Please visit our Groups Information page

The online booking system isn’t working for me, can I call instead?

It should be quicker and easier to book your tickets online however, if this isn’t possible, please call us on 01736 887822 or email tickets@stmichaelsmount.co.uk

I am an overseas visitor with a National Trust Touring Pass, which ticket should I book?

Overseas visitors with National Trust Touring passes should book a National Trust ticket.  Please bring the National Trust Touring pass with you on the day and present it to the guides with your tickets on arrival.

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