Marazion Live Cam

With the development of the railway in Victorian and Edwardian times, people sought the mild climate and sea bathing as a respite from city life. Fishing was an industry that provided an income for locals and although Marazion did not have a harbour the one on St. Michael's Mount. For centuries, mined ores were exported from both Marazion and St. Michael's Mount by traders and shippers. The town was surrounded with many mines, some having such enigmatic names as Wheal Prosper, Wheal Crab, Wheal Rodney, Tolvadden and South Neptune. These and other mines in the area remained active until the depression in the tin and copper industries in the late 1800s. However, many of the mine names are still preserved in some form or other today.

The Town of Marazion is small in comparison with other towns, having only some 1,500 inhabitants. Nevertheless it retains a wealth of vernacular architecture. The Marazion Museum has produced an informative booklet entitled "A Walk Round Marazion", which centres on the oldest part of the town. This walk is approximately 3/4 mile and takes about 40 minutes.

The walk starts at the impressive Town Hall which was once the Market House, town gaol and fire station, but which now houses the Town Museum. The walk takes you past buildings such as the Shambles, or meat market, the old police house and the War Memorial erected to the memory of the dead of two world wars.

The beautiful church All Saints of Marazion is opposite, built in 1861 on the site of a much earlier Chapel of Ease. Archaeological remains were found there recently in the construction of the paved area adjacent to the road. A Spur shop is open in the Church during the summer months.

The booklet gives much detailed information concerning many notable properties between the Church and the next imposing building, the Methodist Church.

The walk continues around the rear of Marazion affording many vantage points from which to view the bay from Cudden to Mousehole. A short distance downhill will bring you back to the main street and past more viewing and resting points such as the Maypole Gardens and the Gwelva. A few yards farther the walk ends where it began at the Town Hall.

Marazion has one of the safest and cleanest beaches in Cornwall, comprising an extended stretch of golden sand and stunning views of the Mount, and Mount's Bay - considered to be one of the Top 10 most beautiful bays in the world - which stretches from the Lizard Peninsula to Land's End. Marazion Beach is a popular destination for windsurfing, sailing and kite surfing, and hosts international sailing and windsurfing competitions. Ample car parking is available at both ends of the beach.

St. Michael's Mount is truly "the jewel in Cornwall's crown" - an enchanting castle set upon an island. The Mount is accessible via a causeway at low tide, and by boat at high tide. One of the most famous of Cornish landmarks, St. Michael's Mount was established as a sister abbey to Normandy's Mont St. Michel in the 12th century, later used as a fortress during the Spanish invasions, and is now the home of the St Aubyn family, while partly open to the public under the care of the National Trust.

The town museum is located in the Town Hall, which was previously the HQ of Marazion & District Fire Brigade. The museum houses a wide selection of local artefacts and documents and, being the former location of the town's gaol, features a reproduction of an original cell. Marazion Town Trust's historical publication: The Charter Town of Marazion is available from the museum. The Town Hall is located next to The Kings Arms Inn in Market Place and is open daily during the summer season.

A short walk to the west of the town, overlooking Marazion Beach, is Marazion Marsh. The Marsh is a RSPB reserve and a popular birdwatching location, especially during migration periods when thousands of starlings perform a spectacular aerial exhibition. The Marsh itself consists of extensive reedbeds and a diversity of plants including Wavy St John's-wort (Hypericum undulatum), Yellow Centaury (Cicendia filiformis) and Pillwort (Pilularia globulifera), and is home to a large congregation of breeding dragonflies.

Marazion is the ideal base for your holiday in Cornwall, being within easy travelling distance of all the attractions of West Cornwall. The following are just a selection of places to visit in the area.

Cheney Mill Farm Park is set in 12 acres and is a family run business, run with families in mind. It offers a 'hands on' experience - including feeding farm animals and handling small mammals and a range of other small animals and birds. Other facilities include picnic areas, cafe, outdoor play area, adventure golf course, battery bike race track and mini mechanical diggers.

Coastal walks - An exploration of the coastal path will provide stunning scenery, hidden smugglers' coves, rare wildlife and plantlife and much more.

Country Skittles is a fantastic fun-filled family venue. It's warm, friendly and absolutely great fun. In addition to skittles there are numerous other games. Good value food ranging from light snacks to 3 course meals is also available. The well-stocked bar has a range of beers (including Cornish real ale), wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station - This unique experience attracts over 80,000 visitors every year and with over 60 giant satellite dishes it is the largest and oldest satellite station on Earth! It also boasts the World's fastest (free) Internet Cafe.

Minack Theatre - Outdoor amphitheatre with the dramatic backdrop of the ocean - a world-famous venue with a summer season of plays and musical entertainment.

Penzance Town - West Cornwall's commercial centre offers restaurants and bars, night clubs, shopping and Cornwall's longest promenade. Plenty of history to explore.

Tate St. Ives aims, through its innovative exhibition and education programmes, which draw on the Tate Collection, to encourage a greater understanding and enjoyment of international modern and contemporary art in the unique cultural context of St. Ives.