Selfies from the Soccer Pitch

St. Michael’s Mount is a tidal island near the very southwestern tip of Cornwall. At low tide, it can be reached by foot across a thin sand spit. Otherwise, you can jump on one of the many boats that will ferry you to, or from the island for a small fee. It is named for the Archangel Michael, who is said to have appeared to local fishermen warning them of danger. Due to this legendary apparition, the site became an important pilgrimage spot and a medieval church and monastery were built on the island for worship. In those times, it had strong connections to Mont-Sant-Michel in Normandy, France (both were dedicated to the Archangel Michael).

Interestingly, the legend of Jack the Giant Killer originates from this site. The Cornish giant, Cormoran, supposedly built the Mount and would terrorize the people on the mainland. Jack, a brave boy from the nearest mainland town, is said to have lured the giant to his demise by setting a trap on the island.

The causeway approach at low tide

There’s even a small graveyard next to the village on the Mount

Below the cliffside garden

They managed to squeeze a surprising variety of garden plants into this formidable island cliff

…. Even colorful flowers!

Many rock terraces were constructed for the garden

In some places it is hard to tell where the natural rock ends and the stone construction begins

The front door - or is it the servants’ entrance….?

An impressive organ is situated at the back of the medieval chapel

Benedictine monks used to use this chapel when it was a monastery

The old monastic eating hall was turned into a family dining room for the St. Aubyns

The room still retains some of its religious stained windows, however

Since ancient times there have been many different owners of the Mount. But, the St. Aubyn family bought it just after the English Civil War, in 1659, and they’ve lived there ever since. Buildings on the island have been constructed, rebuilt, remodeled and extended many times over the years, and a small village grew around its’ tiny harbor area. The cliffside garden created just below the castle is particularly unique and beautiful! With the numerous alterations, the castle and chapel display different architectural styles – including medieval, gothic and Victorian. The place has quite a rich and varied history.

Quite a long way down!

Turrets, chimneys and architectural flourishes, the castle’s got it all

A view of the causeway as it recedes below the upcoming tide

A rather accurate model of the Mount made from champagne corks! Carved in the 1930’s by Henry Lee, butler to the family for 49 years!

Due to its location near Penzance, people have often fancied the Mount being attacked by pirates

There were plenty of cannons and fortifications in case of any attack, though

A local regatta beneath the Cornish flag

The small harbor with boats to ferry visitors to the mainland

The Mount at high tide

The same view of the Mount at low tide

We decided to head west and check out some coastal spots in Cornwall. Being fans of the tv series Doc Martin, we had to visit Port Isaac – where the show is filmed. It was great to wander about the narrow roads where Martin often gets his car stuck!

We also took a hike across the Lizard Peninsula, the most southern point in Britain. Why is it called the Lizard? Not because it’s teeming with reptiles! It is thought that the name comes from the Cornish term, ‘Lys Ardh,’ which means high court. Although it may stem from the Cornish word, ‘lezou,’ which translates to headland.

We also visited the seaside town of Looe, the filming location of a British detective show called ‘Beyond Paradise’, and found time to take in a local car show!

Port Isaac harbor with a view of Bert Large’s restaurant and Martin’s cottage

That’s Fern Cottage - the little stone building in the middle - which it used as Martin’s home and medical office in the show

Have you got an appointment?

Narrow winding roads

The local lifeboats are staffed with volunteers - members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. They got a call and launched while we were there!