My daughter and I just from our vacation in England, so I will be sharing some interesting stuff with you over the next few weeks.

First, a tidal island is a piece of land that you can walk to from the mainland via a causeway during low tide. But during high tide, the causeway is submerged. St. Michael’s Mount is a tidal island in Mount’s Bay in Cornwall. Here are some interesting bits and pieces about St. Michael’s Mount.

  • The distance from the mainland to the island is about 550 yards.
Walking the causeway at low tide. Photo: Cathy Hanson

Walking the causeway at low tide. Photo: Cathy Hanson

  • This year marked the completion of resetting much of the cobble causeway after it was dislodged during the devastating storms of February 2014.
  • Walking on cobbled pathways is hard on your feet and ankles.
Ouchy! Photo: Cathy Hanson

Ouchy! Photo: Cathy Hanson

  • The island has changed hands throughout history, mostly due to politics or religion. It was awarded as a prize until the St. Aubyn family purchased it in the 17th century. The family still lives there, although I assume they can drive straight up to the castle so they don’t have to walk on those cobbled paths, up and down the steps and the hill, every day.
Medieval steps. Photo: Cathy Hanson

Medieval steps. Photo: Cathy Hanson

  • Approximately 12 families, about 30 people, live on the island full-time. Now that is small-town life.
  • To a certain extent, although not as much as in the past, the days are dictated by the tides and the weather.
  • The earliest of the buildings on the island date to the 12th century.
The castle. Photo: Cathy Hanson

The castle. Photo: Cathy Hanson

  • Due to the island’s religious history as a monastery and the belief that it is sacred ground, pilgrims have crossed to the island for centuries. The first man-made causeway was laid in the 15th century to accommodate those pilgrims.
I love round architecture. Photo: Cathy Hanson

I love round architecture. Photo: Cathy Hanson

  • The island (and most of the southern coast of England) was hit by a tsunami caused by the 1755 earthquake that destroyed Lisbon, Portugal.
  • Due to harbor improvements in 1727, it became a flourishing seaport, with the population peaking at 221 people in 1821.
Renowned gardens viewed from the top of the castle. Photo: Cathy Hanson

Renowned gardens viewed from the top of the castle. Photo: Cathy Hanson

Harbor at low tide. Photo: Cathy Hanson

Harbor at low tide. Photo: Cathy Hanson

  • In 1954 the third Lord St. Leven gifted most of the island to the National Trust with an endowment for upkeep. The agreement includes a 999-year lease for the family to live there and show the historical rooms to the visiting public.
  • Approximately 300,000 people visit the island each year.
  • The castle was featured in the 1979 film Dracula.
And here's the causeway disappearing under the incoming tide. Photo: Cathy Hanson

And here’s the causeway disappearing under the incoming tide. Photo: Cathy Hanson

Have any of my readers been to St. Michael’s Mount? Or do you have another favorite tidal island?