The ancient market town of Marazion

Although only the size of a village Marazion is in fact one of the oldest chartered towns in Cornwall. The first charter of incorporation was granted by Henry III in 1257 and was reaffirmed on 13th June 1595 by Queen Elizabeth I.

The old name for Marazion was Marghas Yow, which means ‘Thursday Market’. The town was indeed an important place for trade with evidence back to the Bronze age that Phonecians visited the early settlement of Marazion to buy ingots of locally mined tin.

Marazion is perhaps best known for being the gateway to the impressive island castle of St Michael’s Mount. This beautiful, magical and historical landmark is now in the care of the National Trust, with the St. Aubyn family still resident. The Mount can be reached at low tide from Marazion by a cobbled causeway and at high tide by local ferry boatmen. 

Marazion is only 3 miles from Penzance with it’s direct rail links to London and is surrounded by fertile farmland well known for early potatoes, strawberries and cauliflowers. The town itself boasts some fine Georgian and Victorian houses as well as charming Granite cottages. There is an impressive Town Hall which houses a fascinating museum charting the town’s history with a town trail for those wishing to explore. There traditional Pubs, a range of galleries and other craft shops too.

Marazion has a wealth of lovely individual craft shops and galleries where you can browse or buy locally made gifts and exclusive items of art. There are some great pubs and outstanding award winning restaurants.

We are fortunate to have Phillps Pasty shop for the authentic taste of Cornwall. There’s a local pharmacy and a small Post Office shop at Cobble Corner which has a cash dispenser and basic foodstuffs. Groceries and fuel can be conveniently purchased at Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s or Tesco’s in Penzance just 3 miles away.

Marazion is blessed with a magnificent sandy beach and clean waters which are ideal for all sorts of beach activities and water sports. Marazion also has an important RSPB nature reserve and as well as offering magnificent coastal scenery is also on the South West Coast Path long distance route.

Marazion was by-passed some years ago and it’s quaint streets and narrow roads ensure the town offers a place of quiet relaxation when compared to many bustling resorts, even during the busier main holiday seasons.

With easy access by car and public transport between the Lizard and Lands End and being only 8 miles from St Ives, Marazion is the perfect base from which to explore this gorgeous part of Cornwall.