Marazion Things to See and Do

St Michael’s Mount

Starting with Marazion’s world-famous landmark, St Michael’s Mount. The iconic tidal island, with its instantly recognisable silhouette, is reached from Marazion beach either by boat or the causeway, depending on the tide. The island is topped by the castle, once a monastery and now home to the St Levan family. Walk up the cobbled pathway from the harbour to the imposing entrance with its magnificent views.

The castle and gardens are open between Easter and October half term, weather and sea permitting! Down in the harbour area, you are welcome to wander around the old village and visit its exhibitions, shops and cafes (the Harbour Loft is an excellent place for a cream tea). The village is a living community, and some of the families here have had island connections for generations.

Marazion Beaches

The main beach is a family-friendly place with plenty of facilities and lifeguard cover in the summer. To the west, the sands merge into Longrock beach, a popular locals’ place that is dog-friendly all year. Both beaches are ideal for watersports, and there are plenty of operators for teaching, tours and kit hire.

Walk along the sands at night when the curving coast is dotted with the lights of harbour towns and villages, and if you are in luck, the castle itself will be floodlit. Mount’s Bay really is a magnificent setting for a beach.

If you drive east (or walk the South West Coast Path) from Marazion, you willl encounter many lovely little coves. One-time smugglers’ haunt Prussia Cove is loved for its crystal-clear snorkelling waters, and with no vehicle access, it is the place to come to escape the crowds.

Marazion Marshes

Across the road from the beach, there is a completely different but equally stunning landscape. Marazion Marshes is the largest reedbed in Cornwall, and over 250 species of bird have been recorded here over the years.

Mount’s Bay is clearly as popular among avian visitors as it is human ones, and the marshes are an important over-wintering place for migratory birds. Come here for a tranquil stroll among the reeds, looking out for the marshes’ many inhabitants.

Walking from Marazion

We mentioned heading east along the South West Coast Path earlier, in search of beautiful and quiet coves. The western path is completely different, because it is paved between Marazion and Penzance, suitable for wheels, younger legs and older dogs. There are plenty of benches and coffee stops along the way. Catch a bus back from Penzance if you prefer not to trace your footsteps.

St Michael’s Way is a coast-to-coast walk between Marazion and Lelant, based on historic traders’ and pilgrims’ routes. The 12.5-mile path takes in several ancient sites and medieval churches along its way (along with a few tempting pubs and cafes…). Catch the bus to Lelant, where the walk starts at St Uny Church, and if you are OK with a bit of a climb, take the suggested diversion up Trencrom Hill for the incredible views across both coasts. Arrive in Marazion with a real feeling of achievement!