The Castle

With shades of the past in each room and new discoveries waiting around every corner, dig deep into the Mount’s history.

Stoop through ancient doorways and glimpse the building’s changing faces – from priory to fortified castle and, since the mid-1600s, home to the St Aubyn family, who still live here today. As you wander centuries-old corridors and unpeel layers of history, look out for some extraordinary finds.

Highlights in the castle

A few of the many highlights include:

• A Samurai Warrior suit of armour.
• A clock that tells you the time of the tide as well as the hour of the day.
• A frieze with hunting scenes, including an ostrich munching on a horseshoe.
• A piece of Napoleon’s coat worn at the Battle of Waterloo.
• A statue of St Michael offering mercy to the Devil at his feet.
• The sofa where Queen Victoria sat as the housekeeper entertained her to a cup of tea.
• An unusual souvenir from a trip to Egypt: a mummified cat.
• An etched windowpane, where a doubtful St Aubyn daughter checked the authenticity of her diamond engagement ring before she accepted a proposal.

Plan your visit

You will need to book a castle ticket online. This gives you access to the island including the harbour, art gallery and village, the gardens themselves and the lawns, shops and café. Alternatively, you can purchase a combi ticket which also gives you access to the gardens.

The castle is open Sunday-Friday and closed Saturdays, to allow the family to privately enjoy their home. Assistance dogs only in the castle.

Pick up a guide book

The St Michael’s Mount guide book is written by James St Aubyn the fifth Lord St Levan. Blending historical detail with family recollections, it tells the story of the Mount’s evolution from a medieval monastery to a private family home. Lord St Levan draws on his unique perspective to share tales of its architecture, gardens, legends and the generations who have cared for it. The result is both an authoritative reference and a heartfelt invitation to explore the Mount’s beauty, heritage and enduring sense of place.

A Personal Tour of St Michael's Mount is available to purchase in the island shops.