Godolphin Arms and exploring St Michael's Mount

For those who don't know where Marazion and Mount Bay is, it's near the tip of Cornwall overlooking the island fortress of St Michaels Mount, a stunning National Trust property. When living and studying in Cornwall many years back I never managed to make in onto the Mount and it was something I very much longed to do so when we got the chance over the summer we took it.

En route to the Isles of Scilly we decided to treat ourselves to a night at the stunning Godolphin Arms, a beautifully restored beachside inn with the best views across the bay. and the closest accommodation to the Mount. Our trip down however did not go as planned and we almost didn't make it to the hotel at all due to our car breaking down near Exeter and having to be towed to a garage in the middle of nowhere, many hours later and a hire car to the rescue we finally collapsed on our king sized bed, ordered room service and planned for the adventures we would have the next day.

The next morning we woke bright and early to a beautiful view across the water from our large window which flooded the room with natural light. We headed to the stylishly designed restaurant with it's large glass panels looking over St Michael's Mount, the most perfect view to enjoy a cornish breakfast. While John opted for Eggs Benedict, the boys and I enjoyed some fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and freshly baked pastries. As well as some perfectly brewed flat whites, served in prompt style from the friendly and welcoming staff.

After a truly divine breakfast (wish they could all be like that) we headed down to the beach which is literally 1 minute from the hotel and waited for one of the boats to ferry us across to the island. At low tide you can use a walk way across the sand to St Michaels mount but taking the small boat across was equally exciting and offers you an amazing panoramic view of the bay.

As it was still pretty early there was a bite in the wind with the weather being overcast but that certainly did not dampen our spirits at all as you can't help but get carried away in awe of how stunning this historical site is with some of the buildings dating back from the 12th century and  ancient stories of giants and Jack the Giant killer living on the mount.

To this day St Michaels mount is still home to a small community of around 35 residents who live mainly in the picturesque homes dotted along the harbour. I would designate at least half a day to explore The Mount as there is plenty to see and do from  exploring the village and harbour or walking to the top of the garrison and visiting the fairy tale castle, meandering through the landscaped gardens or having a spot of lunch or ice-cream at the Island Cafe. This place is also great for children who are given a little treasure map of things to spot along the way including The Giants heart.

If you do want to head to the top of the mount and take in the stunning views you need to pay entrance to The National trust who look after and oversea the running of the Castle and Fortress. We have a National Trust family card which we use as much as possible and has saved us loads over the year in entry fees. They also put on events and the day we visited they had Story Telling sessions on the green which was really enjoyed by both of the kids.

The one things I always love about Cornwall is all the beautiful sub-tropical flowers and plants that grow in this region, especially the further south you are. There was an abundance of wild succulents all over the Mount. I think if we could of we would of stayed in there area a couple of days as the simple pleasures of sand and sea never seem to wear on both us and the kids. After a spot of Cornish ice-cream and checking out the community art project in the harbour we caught a ferry back to the mainland. I know that we will be back at some point again as we would of like to have had longer exploring the castle and gardens.

I often think one overlooks the amazing places you can find in the country you live and St Michael's Mount is one of those places and as soon as you step foot on this little Island you feel like your a world away and really step back into a time from long ago, so if your every looking for somewhere a little magical that you don't need a passport for we highly recommend spending some time in Marazion. Did you discover somewhere new or old this summer? Did you finally make it to a place you had been wanting to visit for years?