Discover St Michael's Mount with our guides

Join Language Tree this summer and join our special excursion to St Michael’s Mount.

St Michael’s Mount is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Cornwall and it is always a key part of our summer school programme.

The monks from Mont-Saint-Michel settled here around the 11th century, however, this site’s significance dates back even further.

On our summer school, you will get to learn about the history of the castle in our classes in the morning. Then, in the afternoons, your teachers become your guides taking you to explore inside the castle and to enjoy the special crossing from the land to the island.

Find out more about our Summer School

Students walking along the beach to St Michael's Mount.

The history and legends of the Mount

A monastery has been at St Michael’s Mount since the 8th century, hundreds of years before the Benedictine monks of Mont-Saint-Michel arrived. In fact, there is evidence of settlers on this site dating back to the Neolithic era.

Alongside this, the Mount has been a source of stories. The most famous being of Cormoran the Giant and his defeat by Jack the Giant Killer! Today, students can see the giant’s heart on the pathway up to the castle and learn of the legend.

Around the 12th century, the Mount became a fortification and saw many important battles over the years.

Since the 1600s, it became home to the St Aubyn family, who transformed the fort into a grand castle.

The St Aubyn family still live here to this day. The St Aubyns manage the Mount alongside the National Trust. Thanks to this partnership, the Mount welcomes over 300,000 visitors every year!

Find out more about the history of St Michael's Mount

A historical illustration of St Michael's Mount.

Things to see at the Mount

With hundreds of years of history, there’s so much to see here.

Crossing the causeway

St Michael’s Mount, much like Mont-Saint-Michel, is a tidal island. Depending on the time of day, you will either walk or take a boat to the island. We love days where we can time the walk back with the tide coming in. On these days, we take our shoes and socks off and enjoy a paddle in the water as we return to the beach!

Taking a boat ride

On days where the tide is in, we might need to take a boat over to the island or on our way back to the shore. It feels like a real adventure clambouring on to one of the boats.

Views of Penzance and Mousehole

Once at the castle, there are fantastic views across Mount’s Bay towards Penzance, Newlyn and Mousehole. These towns all have their own unique histories that we love to share with students as we look across the water.

Stunning nature

The Mount itself has some stunning plantlife. It’s particularly lovely to look down at the gardens beneath the castle, as we tour the ramparts.

Find out about the Mount's gardens

Touring the castle

There are a lot of rooms open to the public within the castle. Our tours take students through the library, dining hall, drawing room, arsenal and chapel. Each room has many stories. We’re always sure to point out the 200-year-old graffiti, the samauri armour and the mummified cat along the way!