UK's 'magical' hidden gem town with fairytale castle and sandy beaches

This historic market town is brimming with character, from its stunning coastline to its enchanting medieval fortress, creating the perfect staycation destination.

Marazion offers a brilliant escape suitable for enjoyment throughout the year, nestled along Mount's Bay's shoreline in Cornwall.

Positioned two miles (3.2 km) east of Penzance, the tidal island of St Michael's Mount sits half a mile from the coast.

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The location falls within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring its landscape receives the same protection as a national park, keeping it pristine, secure and absolutely breathtaking.

The settlement's golden shores meet crystal-clear azure waters, watched over by the island's most magnificent attraction - its enchanting castle, reports the Express.

The community's crowning glory is the renowned St Michael's Mount, a small island positioned just half a mile from the mainland, housing a historic fortress, and with no permanent link, visitors can only reach it on foot or by vessel.

Approaching this captivating destination involves traversing an old stone causeway, which only emerges when the tide recedes.

However, when waters rise, explorers can board one of numerous boats ferrying visitors to and from this remarkable patch of land.

One TripAdvisor review describes the visit as "magical".

They wrote: "You can't go to Marazion and not explore the mount. The views are beautiful, and there's something magical about crossing a pathway that disappears during high tide. Yes, it is expensive, but it is also unique.

"The mount is a National Trust site, and so you can get in for free with your membership. The castle is fairly small but still nice to explore, with great views across the bay."

Beyond this attraction, Marazion boasts a picture-perfect beach that spans the coastline within Mount's Bay.

The sandy stretch gazes out towards the causeway, offering breathtaking vistas of the mythical island.

It provides an ideal location for basking in the sun or, for thrill-seekers, numerous aquatic pursuits.

From windsurfing to kitesurfing, jet skiing and sailing, the locale presents a broad spectrum of pastimes to satisfy adventure enthusiasts.

Additionally, near the shoreline around Chapel Rock and Marazion Harbour lie countless rock pools ready for discovery.

However, it's important to note that throughout the summer period from July to August during busy times, 10am-6pm, a seasonal dog ban operates.

Beyond this restriction, the coastline benefits from lifeguard supervision from early July through to early September, ensuring families can enjoy safe swimming.

One delighted holidaymaker posted on TripAdvisor: "Absolutely stunning beach to relax at. St Michael's Mount is beautiful to look at. Ample parking. Overflow car parks as well. Toilets by the children's park are free. Little coffee bar in the lane with lovely coffee and owner. We will definitely be returning in the future."

Beyond its stunning natural beauty, the town boasts an incredible heritage as one of Britain's most ancient chartered settlements.

It's thought to have been granted its charter as far back as 1257, with the name itself stemming from "small market" and "Thursday market".

It transpires that Marazion was a cornerstone of the trading market right through to the mediaeval era and continues to take pride in handcrafted items and wares.

As Penzance rose to prominence, this charming town slipped into obscurity and endures today as a concealed treasure in West Cornwall, far from the crowds and chaos.