Cornwall is not short of iconic sights and places to visit, but St Michael’s Mount looming a short way off the coast at Marazion, is in a league of its own. It kicks off our list of things to do in Marazion, which features ideas including spending a lazy day on Marazion Beach and touring some of the town’s excellent art galleries.
We’ve aimed to cater for all holiday tastes: from energetic activities on the water to cultural and historic places of interest. This guide should help you plan your time in this little slice of heaven in Cornwall.
Our holiday cottages in Marazion provide the perfect base for exploring the area; have a browse through the full collection and choose your Cornish home from home.
Cottages in Marazion
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Head over to St Michael’s Mount
The iconic St Michael’s Mount dominates the coastline at Marazion. This rocky island, one of our top National Trust places to visit in Cornwall, boasts a medieval church and castle, a harbour and a gorgeous subtropical garden. It is home to the St Aubyn family and a small community of islanders.
At low tide, you can walk across to the island from Marazion on a striking cobbled causeway, following in the footsteps of so many down the centuries. When the tide is high and the causeway is covered, see things from a different perspective by taking a boat ride across. Whether strolling through the garden or exploring the castle, you’re guaranteed a fascinating day out with spectacular views.
Spend a day on Marazion Beach
Marazion Beach is a wonderful place to spend a family-friendly day beside the seaside. Affording panoramic views of Mount’s Bay, including the omnipresent St Michael’s Mount, this is a sandy treat right here in Cornwall.
It’s an ideal spot to while away a lazy, sunny afternoon with a good book, or build sandcastles with the younger members of the group. Head to the shoreline for a paddle or check out the rock pools and see what marine life calls Marazion home. A children’s play park, cafes and WCs are close at hand. If you’re on holiday with a canine companion, please note that dog restrictions apply in July and August, but family pets are welcome at all other times.
Visit an art gallery
While St Ives is feted as the artistic hub of Cornwall, Marazion has its fair share of galleries to browse. For example, Marazion Gallery showcases artists from the local area and stocks all manner of eye-catching creations from paintings to ceramics, wood sculptures to jewellery. Then there’s Market House Gallery, which opened as Sims Gallery in 1998 and promotes new contemporary creators alongside more established names.
Another stop on your gallery tour should be The Summerhouse Gallery. Taking pride in offering a warm welcome to all visitors, including four-legged friends, the gallery is a serene space offering all kinds of goodies, including hand-crafted jewellery and cards. Visit the website for the latest news on exhibitions and featured artists.
Go bird watching at Marazion Marsh
Marazion Marsh is a fascinating site for anyone interested in our feathered friends. It features Cornwall’s largest reedbed and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Home to grey herons and little egrets, it is also a popular stopover site for the aquatic warbler. Hundreds of bird, plant and insect species, alongside a wide variety of mammals, have been recorded at this site, so no matter what time of year you visit, there will be something to enjoy.
Take to the water
One of the best ways to fully appreciate the beauty of the coastline around Marazion is to take to the water. From surfing to kayaking, you can take your pick, and there are companies to help you enjoy the experience safely. Ocean High offers activities including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and kitesurfing, with lessons, courses and expeditions to suit all skill levels. Groups are welcome, so if you’re away with friends and family, everyone can get involved.
The Hoxton Special also has a delicious menu of water-based activities and a cafe where you can refuel afterwards. Water baby or a complete beginner, you can make the most of your time on the coast!
Discover Godolphin
This captivating National Trust estate has an intriguing history and there is much to explore during a visit. From the Grade II-listed medieval garden to the Grade I-listed house, the origins of which date back to the 1400s, you can immerse yourself in all aspects of this fascinating site.
Explore the 500 acres of countryside, Grade II-listed farm buildings and Mary’s Wood, being sure to stop off at the Piggery tearoom for a tasty treat. The house is open to the public for the first week of every month, excluding January. Four-pawed pals on short leads are welcome in the garden, outbuildings and tearoom, and assistance dogs are allowed inside the house.
Enjoy a dip at Jubilee Pool
Just down the road from Marazion is Penzance, home to the UK’s largest seawater pool. As well as the main pool, Jubilee Pool has a geothermal pool to relax in. While the main pool usually sits a couple of degrees warmer than the surrounding sea, this pool reaches temperatures of up to 35C. Due to Jubilee Pool’s popularity, it is recommended to book a session in advance. The dog-friendly cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Art Deco lido and Mount’s Bay.
Stroll around Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
For keen gardeners and art fans, a trip to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens ticks all the boxes. This garden is a joy to visit at any time of year. It benefits from a sheltered position and a mild microclimate, allowing all manner of exotic plants to thrive.
The gardens are a visually stunning and inspiring backdrop to the contemporary artwork Tremenheere is home to. As well as partaking in a delightful stroll through the gardens, when you’ll be wowed by the views out to St Michael’s Mount, you can visit the gallery, shop, nursery and restaurant.
Car parking in Marazion
There are three main car parks to choose from when deciding on things to do in Marazion. The first is great for leaving the car in when heading over to St Michael’s Mount. This long-stay Marazion car park, also known as Follyfield, has an overflow for busy times, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a spot.
Just down the road, past a playing field, public WCs and the HMS Warspite memorial, there is a short-stay car park, handy if you want a shoreside stroll but obviously with stricter time constraints. The third option is the Station Car Park. Here you’ll find Jordan’s café, so why not grab a bite to eat and drink and enjoy the breathtaking coastal outlook?
Stay in Marazion
We hope our guide to things to do in Marazion has provided some inspiration for your next trip to the South West. While deciding which places to put on your own list, why not check out our selection of Marazion holiday cottages?
Cottages in Marazion