A new visitor centre is to open in the centre of the village on Cornish landmark St Michael’s Mount.
From the middle of May, groups will be able to visit the centre, which will be located inside the Barge House.
It will feature a tactile model of the island, enabling visitors to gain an understanding and appreciation of the island, its scale and intricacies.
Using data provided by a recent 3D survey of the island and working with local sculptor, Tom Leaper, the model will be an accurate representation of St Michael’s Mount. Designed to be durable, visitors can explore the model with both their hands and eyes.
The model will also allow less mobile visitors to experience parts of the island that would normally be off limits to them due to steps and slopes.
Additionally, the Sail Loft restaurant based in the island’s old sail loft on the fringe of the village has recently undergone a refurbishment.
The eatery will serve light lunches, home-made breads and cakes, as well as fresh fish specials, using local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.
The popular tourist destination can be found just 400 yards off Mount’s Bay in Marazion. At low tide groups can reach St Michael’s Mount by foot by taking a short walk across the ancient cobble causeway which stretches from the mainland to the island.
Alternatively the island can be reached by boat.
Groups can receive benefits when visiting St Michael’s Mount, including exclusive earlier opening times, priority coach parking, free coach driver admission and preferential admission rates for pre-booked groups of 15 or more to the island’s castle and/or gardens.
For more information e-mail groups@stmichaelsmount.co.uk or visit www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk.
Photo credit: Visit Britain. Daniel Bosworth.
