On the southern Cornish coast, just a few miles away from the busier beaches of St Ives and Hayle, sits the ancient town of Marazion. It received a Royal Charter from Henry 111 in 1257, and remains the gateway to St Michael’s Mount, one of the most famous historical sites in Europe. At low tide the prehistoric causeway still connects the shore and the former Benedictine Monastery perched on the Mount’s rocky summit. It’s now a National Trust attraction and every year 300,000 people make the trek up to the castle door, past the Giant’s Heart stone. There are numerous opportunities for holiday cottage holidays in the area and Marazion is still an authentic thriving Cornish community; commercialisation has been kept at bay.
Watch the sun set from the terraces at both the Godolphin Arms and the Fire Engine pub, while the Marazion Hotel has a cosy bar and excellent restaurant. There’s also a pasty shop, a fudge shop, several cafes, tearooms, plus gift and antique shops. The well known Cornish artist Glyn Macey has his gallery in the town. At high tide, the local ferrymen take tourists across to the Mount by boat, and it’s not unusual to see a pod of dolphins or basking sharks swim effortlessly past the town, while grey seals are regular visitors.
Rosemount, Marazion
Facing Mounts Bay, the water is shallow at Marazion, ideal for safe family bathing while the sandy beach which runs at low tide for two miles west to Penzance is a dog walkers paradise. Pet friendly accommodation is locally available. It’s a top destination too for kite surfers and paddle boarders. For those who enjoy exploring the famous South West Coast Path, there is a fascinating walk east from the town to Prussia Cove, once a true smuggling community.
The route includes the beautiful hidden village of Perranuthnoe and wild Cudden Point. In the 18th Century, John Carter was known as the ‘King of Prussia’ cove and for years he and his family brought contraband into the sheltered landing. On the rocks you can still see the marks of the railway they built to drag wine, whisky and furs up the cliffs using an iron trailer. Above the beach sits a thatched cottage, once called The Wink pub and used by the smugglers. It’s just 50 yards from a Victorian country house sitting on the cliffs that was the location for the film Ladies in Lavender starring Judy Dench and Maggie Smith.
There’s simple road access from Marazion to the southern coast highway, the A394, which enables a short journey to Falmouth and The Lizard. Take time on your trip to visit Helston, home of the annual Furry Dance, to Porthleven and its magical harbour, the ancient church at Gunwalloe, half swallowed by the sand, and the gardens at Trebah. There are endless options for holiday cottage rentals in all of these locations.
If you prefer heading west, then the medieval lanes of Penzance are a must. In Chapel St look out for the unique Egyptian House, The Union Hotel where the first news of Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar was announced, The Turk’s Head Inn, and the Admiral Benbow pub which features in the novel Treasure Island. You can also swim at the beautifully restored art deco Jubilee Pool on the promenade which features a thermal bath.
Sunset over St Michael’s Mount
There are many gems in Cornwall for the visitor to experience, but if you are looking for a central location without the crowds and its local history still intact then Marazion is the ideal place to find traditional high-quality self-catering accommodation. There is so much to see, do and experience on Marazion’s unique doorstep.
