Shape-shifting islands, only accessible at certain times of the day or night might sound like a tagline for James Camerons latest sci-fi movie. But the world of tidal islands is a real, albeit mysterious, phenomenon.

The UK is home to 43 of these surreal places, which are not considered part of the mainland, nor are they strictly islands. Connected to the shore by natural or man-made causeways, they are only accessible at low tide, meaning visitors have to stick to strict timetables to find them (and avoid being stranded on them).

The isolation of these seaside sanctuaries means many of them remain natural havens of flora and fauna, largely untouched by the heavy hand of industry and tourism. Their remoteness also lends them an air of mystery and enshrines their place in local folklore.

St Michaels Mount in Cornwall definitely has a fairytale appearance in fact it looks a lot like The Hobbit homeland The Shire. St Michaels Mount rises out of the sea, enveloped in green vegetation and with a medieval castle perched atop.

The craggy island stands just 400 yards off the coast of Cornwall, but it is believed the Mount used to be five or six miles from the sea and was once enclosed in a thick hazel wood.

Something of a multipurpose venue, the Mounts 12th-century buildings have served as a priory, a fortress, a place of pilgrimage and finally a private home for the St Aubyn family since the 17th century. The seafront cottages on this tiny island are still home to more than 30 islanders, whose jobs range from boatman to guide.

Should you get bored of exploring the castles nooks and crannies you can admire the gardeners who have to abseil the steep granite cliffs to tend to the islands subtropical plants.Make sure you check out the islands tidal timetable online to find out when it is accessible on foot.

stmichaelsmount.co.uk

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