Tresco: Gardens and Island History

When looking for a hotel on Tresco, you can choose your destination based on your own interests: the island brings together botanical collections, historic traces, coastal areas and paths through the landscape. Tresco Abbey Garden, fortifications and opportunities for birdwatching give a clear impression of the different themes that shape a stay on Tresco.

Botanical Collections and Abbey Ruins

Plants from all Mediterranean climate zones grow in Tresco Abbey Garden. A network of paths leads through the subtropical plant collections, opening up a garden where botanical diversity and history sit side by side. The garden was laid out in the 19th century by Augustus Smith around the ruins of a Benedictine abbey.

The abbey’s history goes back further: Benedictine monks settled at the Priory from 1120; the ruins now lie within Tresco Abbey Garden. The Valhalla Collection comprises around 30 ships’ figureheads, as well as nameplates and decorative carvings from the age of sailing ships. In the garden, traces of monastic life and maritime collection pieces therefore stand alongside the plantings.

Fortifications and Other Cultural Sites

The fortification history of the Isles of Scilly is also evident on Tresco. Old Blockhouse was built in the 16th century to protect Old Grimsby Harbour. It can only be reached on foot: a pleasant walk of about 20 minutes leads there from Old Grimsby. King Charles’ Castle was part of a series of fortifications built on the Isles of Scilly between 1548 and 1554 in response to a threat from France.

Prehistoric field systems are also visible in the Tresco landscape. Gallery Tresco offers a different perspective on local art: it is housed in a converted pilot gig shed on the shore of New Grimsby Harbour and displays art by artists from Cornwall. The sites range from archaeological traces and military structures to a gallery by the harbour.

Paths, Birdwatching and Coastline

A network of footpaths and sandy tracks criss-crosses Tresco. Two bird hides and the freshwater pools Abbey Pool and Great Pool offer good opportunities to watch wading birds, ducks and herons. Those interested in birdlife will find specific places for watching here; the bird groups and pools mentioned also give an idea of what to look out for.

The coastline also features a variety of landscapes: Gimble Porth lies on the footpath north of Old Grimsby. Pentle Bay is a long, uninterrupted beach in the southeast of Tresco. This information helps distinguish the named places on the island without combining them into a single circular route.

Practical Information for Your Stay

There is no public transport on Tresco; you should walk to and from Tresco Abbey Garden. Check routes and arrival points before your trip.

At Ravensporth Beach, Hut 62 Tresco rents out motorboats, daysailers, dinghies, kayaks and SUPs. The service has seasonal opening hours; check these and the booking conditions in advance. Day visitors can rent bicycles at the Bike Hire Shed on arrival, subject to availability. As availability and opening hours may change, it is also advisable to check these before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Hugh Town, St. Mary’s.

Return to the main travel overview: Isles of Scilly.