Looking for Family Day Out activities around St. Ives and Penzance?

If you're looking for a family day out that feels like a real-life adventure, St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall ticks all the boxes. It’s not just a castle on a hill—it’s a tidal island, meaning that even getting there is part of the fun!

Depending on the tide, you either walk across the ancient causeway or take a boat ride over the water. This adds a whole new level of excitement to the day, especially for kids. Just make sure to check the official website ahead of your visit for up-to-date tide times, boat schedules, and any weather-related closures.

We were lucky enough to do both! With the tide timings on our visit, we took the boat over and walked back across the causeway, which worked brilliantly. The boats are small but feel very safe, and the staff are super helpful getting little ones on and off. We used the boarding point in the middle of the causeway, and it all ran really smoothly. The boat is an extra cost, but worth it for the experience.

You arrive at a charming cobbled harbour with postcard-perfect views of the castle rising above. There's a large restaurant (we didn’t use it) and a small cabin café where we grabbed coffees, ice creams, and the kids had enough space for some impressive cartwheels!

Now, a heads-up: the walk up to the castle involves a steep cobbled path and uneven stone steps. It’s totally doable with kids, but be prepared for a bit of a climb. At the top, you’re rewarded with a beautifully preserved castle and breathtaking views across the Cornish coastline—including a chance to walk along the rooftop!

Looking For Kid-Friendly Activity Ideas?

The highlight for our kids was the children’s trail map, themed around the legend of the giant who once lived on the mount. It’s interactive, fun, and includes little things to spot along the way. I won’t spoil the story—but it’s a hit.

One important note: the toilets are located at the entrance/exit, so plan your visit accordingly… we had to speed through the castle tour thanks to an urgent toilet dash from the youngest!

The castle itself is the perfect size for families—not too big, with plenty to see but without dragging on too long. There’s room to roam, places to explore, and just enough history to make it feel magical.

We brought our own picnic lunch, as National Trust cafés can be a bit pricey, but we did treat ourselves to ice cream at the end. With loads of delicious flavours to choose from, it was the perfect way to end the adventure.

Important Information To Know Before You Go To St. Ives:

• Check tide times and weather on the official website before visiting
• Boats run non-stop (extra charge) and sometimes offer trips around the island
• You can walk or boat across, depending on the tide (try to do both!)
• Toilets are located at the beachside, near the restaurant/café, and at the castle
• Pick up the kids' trail map – fun, interactive, and legend-themed
• Don’t miss the ice cream – loads of flavours, all kid-approved
• Bring a packed lunch to keep costs down – lots of picnic benches available
• Wear sensible shoes – steep cobbled paths and uneven castle steps
• Not suitable for scooters or wheelchairs (check their website for full accessibility info)
• Be ready for amazing photo spots – harbour, rooftop, and coastal views
• No play areas, but plenty of space to run, and explore

Kids' Review of St Michael’s Mount:

I asked my kids what they thought, and here’s the verdict:

“The trail was really fun – we had to find clues and the GIANT’S HEART! That was the best bit. I liked going on the boat too, it was bumpy but really fun. And we got ice cream after!”

It’s those little adventures that stick with them – a magical boat ride, a bit of castle exploring, and the joy of discovering something unexpected. Add sea air, stories of giants, and a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got a pretty unforgettable family day out.