If you’ve not visited St Michael’s Mount gardens before, you need to put them on your visit list. I genuinely find it hard to sum up in words how stunning the place is. It is unlike anywhere else I’ve been in the UK, and frankly, it didn’t even feel like I was in the UK when I was there – more like Spain!
There’s many gems in Cornwall but this is a standout attraction. That’s why I’ve shared 9 reasons to visit St Michael’s Mount gardens so you can be assured they are absolutely worth the travel time to get there.
1. The plants
This seems like a really obvious one, given that I’m talking about gardens! However the sub-tropical micro-climate at St Michael’s Mount means there’s an abundance of plants and flowers that you really wouldn’t expect to see growing in England. The warm air of the Gulf Stream, combined with the granite walls that retain the heat, enable a variety of exotic plants to grow there including agave, cacti, and aloe.
The gardens themselves are so steep that to maintain them, the four gardeners have to abseil from one level to another! I saw this on a documentary and it really is quite something to watch. I suspect the gardens are closed when this work is going on for safety reasons, but it demonstrates the level of skill and the dedication it takes to keep St Michael’s Mount gardens looking as amazing as they do.
2. The micro-climate
This was kind of touched upon in the first point, however it is quite bizarre how it feels like this little island has its own weather system. Being so exposed to the sea, you’d expect there to be a lot of gales and salty winds.
Although it definitely was quite windy during my visit (which was in April, and I’d highly suggest a wind-breaking coat), the rock retaining the heat meant that is still felt pretty warm and frost doesn’t really occur here at any time of year.
3. The causeway
The journey over from the mainland to St Michael’s Mount is an integral part of the experience. If you’re able to walk across the causeway I’d highly recommend you do. Walking across the cobbles at low tide feels and looks somewhat like a fairytale. I purposely timed my visit so I could do the walk there and back.
However it was rather incredible afterwards standing in Marazion and seeing from a distance the tide coming in and the causeway disappearing under the sea! If you’re not able to do the walk, or you happen to visit at high tide, you can take a boat there and/or back instead which is still an exciting experience you don’t do everyday.
4. The village
After reading about the causeway, it may surprise you to know that there are people that live on the island full time! They have to time their walks to the mainland every day based on the tide which is rather incredible.
There are around 30 residents on the island, and before you reach the gardens you can see their houses for yourself. They look out over the harbour and towards the mainland. The residents play an integral part in the upkeep of the island including running the boats, conservation of the castle, and tending to the gardens. How amazing that when visiting hours end for the day they have the island to themselves and can swim in the harbour or kayak around the island!
Historically the island had a thriving community of over 300 residents complete with its own pubs, police station, school, and a bowling green.
5. The World War II pillboxes
It was feared during World War II that St Michael’s Mount was a prime spot for German invasion. This is why a series of pillboxes, a concrete lookout that soldiers used, were built along the banks of the island. The pillboxes had a series of loopholes in the walls, which are protected small openings. The soldiers used these to keep watch and shoot weapons out of.
Many of the pillboxes can still be seen on the island today, and you can even go into one of them to get a sense of the size and feel of being in one. The view across the sea is beautiful, it’s quite hard to believe that a group of men would be crammed in there unsure whether to expect an attack at any minute.
6. The East Terrace well in St Michael’s Mount gardens
The East Terrace well stands proudly in the gardens looking out over the sea. It underwent extensive restoration in 2016, after originally being installed as a 50th wedding anniversary gift to Francis Cecil St Aubyn, 3rd Baron St Levan, and his wife Gwendolyn in 1966. They lived on the island, just like the 5th Baron St Levan and his family live there now.
The chough (bird) on the well head is significant to Cornish history, recorded as far back as the 13th century. It appears on the St Leven family’s coat of arms, in the entrance hall of the castle, and even on the island’s ferry boats.
The new chough has been designed by local sculptor Tom Leaper to last hundreds of years, even in a salty sea environment.
7. The laundry lawns
It seems crazy to picture cattle on this island but this is where they would have spent most of their time, grazing on the grass and looking out at the lovely sea view. This is now the perfect spot for having a picnic or playing with the family.
There are sweeping views out towards the Lizard peninsula. You can also take home a plant to remember your trip as there are plant stands at the entrance to the lawns – should you choose to purchase, you’re asked to just use the honesty box which is a rather lovely idea!
8. The energy of St Michael’s Mount gardens
This may sound a little weird but with all of the tales and history that surround the island, it’s almost like it has its own energy that sets it apart from the mainland.
Supposedly seafarers used to be lured onto the rocks by mermaids, but the Archangel Michael would often appear and guide them to safety. Four miracles are believed to have happened here too during 1262-1263, although details of these are hard to find.
St Michael’s Mount is said to be part of its own ley line. Ley lines are hypothetical lines that crisscross around the globe, linking monuments and natural landforms, and carrying supernatural energy. The St Michael’s Line mysteriously connects monasteries in the UK, Europe, and Middle East, and is perfectly aligned with the sunset on the day of the Northern Hemisphere’s Summer Solstice. I’m usually a skeptic about these types of things, but it does seem a little too coincidental!
Regardless of whether you’re religious, spiritual, or just love a National Trust visit, there’s definitely an uplifting atmosphere in St Michael’s Mount gardens for everyone to enjoy.
9. The walled gardens
St Michael’s Mount Gardens date back to the medieval period when monks grew herbs for both medicinal and culinary purposes. However it wasn’t until around 1780 that the walled gardens were built, requested by the four daughters of Sir John St Aubyn, 5th Baronet. The walled gardens are set across three tiers, sandwiched between the East and West Terraces. Each has its own different layout and plants. As you can see, like everywhere else on the Mount, they are beautifully maintained with no weeds in sight.
Bonus reason to visit… the gift shop!
Hear me out! I know some gift shops at tourist attractions are full of rubbish, but the St Michael’s Mount gift shop is amazing! There were some really beautiful items, whether you want to buy something as a memoir or a present for someone else. I have a tradition where I buy a Christmas bauble in places I’ve visited, and they had some for sale in April (cue excited squealing from me!). I also bought a lovely mug. There’s lots of homeware pieces, local artist’s work, smellies, and of course, gardening tools.
After St Michael’s Mount gardens… visit Marazion
Once you’ve visited St Michael’s Mount gardens, it’s worth visiting the town of Marazion which is on the mainland opposite. It is from this spot pictured that I watched the tide come in! There’s shops, art galleries, and places to eat there – we had fish and chips at The Cutty Sark Restaurant which was really fresh and the staff were very friendly.
I hope this post has inspired you to add the gorgeous St Michael’s Mount gardens to your visit list. If you plan to go, I’d advise taking a wind breaking coat and wearing sensible footwear as there’s a lot of cobbles and steep steps.
You have to book in advance to visit, with slots open up to 8 weeks beforehand. The opening days and times are quite random, so do have a look and try to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
St Michael’s Mount FAQs (2026)
Yes, advance booking is essential for the castle and gardens, especially during the peak season (May to September). While you can sometimes walk onto the island for free during the “quiet season” to visit the harbour and village, entry to the castle always requires a ticket. In 2026, booking at least 24 hours in advance often triggers a small discount.
The granite causeway is only walkable for about 3 hours on either side of low tide. You must check the official tide times before you set off. If the tide is high, you will need to take one of the small ferry boats from the mainland landing stages (Gwelva or Chapel Rock).
Dogs are generally not permitted on the island during the peak season (typically May to mid-September). Outside of these dates, well-behaved dogs on leads are allowed in the harbour and village area only. They are never allowed inside the castle, the gardens, or the summit. Assistance dogs are welcome year-round.
Due to the steep, uneven cobbles and the ancient nature of the castle, the summit is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams. However, the village and harbour area are relatively flat. The National Trust provides a “tramper” (all-terrain mobility scooter) for use in the village, but it must be booked well in advance.
The best options are the St Michael’s Mount Long Stay and Overflow car parks (not National Trust owned so even if you are a National Trust member, you will have to pay).
St Michael’s Mount is very exposed. If winds reach high speeds or the seas are too rough for the ferry boats, the island may close for safety. The National Trust usually gives 24 hours’ notice of closures via their website and social media. If your booking is cancelled due to weather, you will typically receive a full refund within seven days.
Generally, the island closes to visitors once the castle shuts (usually around 5:00pm). However, on the odd occasion there are exclusive evening events. If you are in Marazion in the evening, the view of the Mount illuminated at night is spectacular and completely free to enjoy from the mainland beach.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
