Take a break from your routine lifestyle and head to the scenic town of Marazion for a couple of days either alone or with a bunch of friends or family. This ancient market town is an excellent base to explore all the attractions that West Cornwall has to offer. The town itself has a lot of hidden delights that can surprise many a visitor and is best known as the home to the iconic landmark, St. Michael’s Mount on Mount Bay with its spectacular fairy-tale like Castle that dates back to the 12th Century.
You would miss a great deal if you do not visit St. Michael’s Mount when you are in Marazion. The spell-bound fairy tale like castle of the island looms large over the Cornish town and when it’s floodlit on Tuesday and Sunday evenings, it’s a magical sight to behold as it floats in mid-air. Walk across the sands on low waters, up the steep cobbled pathways or take a ferry up to this paradise like Island when the tides are high.
With Victorian gardens and a working island community with friendly, welcoming smiles; it’s a delight to be here. Discover the Mummified cat, the Armour of the Samurai or the Giant’s stone heart and many more treasures hidden in the Castle that formed part of enthralling Myths and Legends or be fascinated with the real stories of the inhabitants like the Bronze Age Settlers or the Benedictine Monks to the recent St. Auburn Family through the guided tours. The castle has seen one too many things from being a religious place to severe battles for its ownership that it’s every curve and stone echoes a voice from the past.
The beach with its glorious golden sands and turquoise waters right at the heart of Mount Bay, is one of the most beautiful Bays of the world , and packs into it wonderful fulfilled activities as well as various sights of the Bay to behold. Choose a quiet spot on the beach to laze the day with a book or try your hand at the various sea sports it has to offer. Windsurfing, kite surfing, swimming, sailing or paddling, just take your pick and you can even have lessons from the local schools as your kids play safely at the park in Folly Field with plenty of swings and climbing equipments.
Go eastwards and discover the best kept secret of Marazion, a second beach with many rock pools that are kid safe and spend the day spotting various aquatic creatures on the bay. Being less accessed by tourists due to its rocky paths it remains a favourite secret among the locals.
Did you find a dolphin jump near your boat that you could almost touch it? It is not a new sight here. Mount Bay and Marazion Marsh are two natural jewels on the crown of Marazion and is a treat for any nature lover.
Be greeted by seals, dolphins and even basking sharks, the second largest living fish along with numerous other species in Mount Bay as well as welcome the occasional visitor of the Bay, the leather back turtles.
Spend your time bird watching more than 250 types of birds or discovering the 500 types of plants and insects along with as many as 18 mammal species on the Marazion Marsh, an RSPB reserve and the largest fresh water reed in all of Europe where thousands of birds stop over during the migratory period.
Against a backdrop of a magnificent Castle, any point of the town rewards you with a spectacular view of the Bay. But, to get a whole new perspective of the town and the Bay explore areas seldom set foot upon by tourists. Head to Dollan, which is an Art Deco viewing platform complete with seating areas or walk through the Back Lane enjoying the views till you reach Beacon and be rewarded with an even more panoramic view of the Bay. The sights from these points are so splendid, you may wonder if you are still on earth or at some heavenly paradise!
If you savour some peace and quiet and need some time to yourself then, the Memorial Garden is the place to be. Formerly a burial plot it has been transformed into a small park and it could lend some solace to your soul.
Rent a cottage overlooking the Bay, Explore the quaint little shops and galleries where artists sell paintings, pottery and various artefacts on the winding streets, drop by the Town Museum to learn more about the pilgrimage, sea commerce and smuggling which made up the rich history of the town. Waddle in the rock pools, go on a sea sport adventure or just walk/cycle around the delightful pathways of the town. There is always something to keep you occupied in this traditional Cornish town.
So what are you waiting for? Check your dates and pack your bags to this scenic location for a refreshing break.