Best Things To Do in Tresco: The Isles of Scilly

Last Updated on 26th June 2025 by Sophie Nadeau

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Tresco, and all the Isles of Scilly for that matter, offers a peaceful retreat into the beauty and tranquillity of nature. Where the air is clear, and the temperatures are warm thanks to the Gulf Stream they reside in, exotic plants thrive, and the wildlife coexists in harmony.

Tresco is easily one of the most popular isles to visit, a subtropical gem with its world famous Abbey Gardens and two historic castles, there’s plenty to be explored on this family owned island. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Tresco!

A brief introduction to the Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are a small archipelago that lie just 28 miles from the coast of Cornwall in England. This area of outstanding beauty is the UK’s largest group of islands; it’s believed there are at least 140 or so islets, but only five of them are inhabited: St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, St Agnes and Bryher.

The Isles of Scilly are characterised by their turquoise waters, pale fine, sanded beaches and tropical foliage, all of which provide a haven for wildlife.The air is so clean and clear here that you can see green and colourful crusty lichen growing and thriving on almost every rock surface.

Who owns Tresco Island?

The Scilly Islands belong to the Duchy of Cornwall and are ultimately owned by King Charles. However, back in the 1830s, a wealthy merchant banker named Augustus Smith purchased the isles from the Duchy and, although they have since been ceded back, Tresco remains in the ownership of the family.

The present owners of Tresco are Robert and Lucy Dorrien-Smith, who privately own and care for this subtropical gem. They live in Tresco Abbey.

What is Tresco famous for?

Tresco, like most of the isles in Scilly, is known for its subtropical climate in the summer months, thriving nature and breathtaking beauty. However, what sets Tresco apart from the rest is its world-famous Abbey Gardens which boasts over 20,000 species from all corners of the world.

Best things to do on Tresco Island

Tresco Abbey Gardens

One of the most popular attractions of Tresco Island has to be that of the renowned gardens that belong to the historic Abbey. It’s worth noting that while you can visit the gardens, the Abbey is currently lived in by the family who own the island.

The beautiful Tresco Abbey was first established in the 12th century by Benedictine monks, though it’s thought that there was probably a prior ecclesiastical building here before this time. The abbey was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seafaring.

Unfortunately for the monks, Tresco’s stretch of coastline was particularly popular amongst marauding pirates and Vikings. Not to be deterred, these monks took the phrase “take no prisoners” to another level when in 1209, in a single afternoon, they beheaded 120 pirates.

However, after killing and defending grew tiresome over time, by the 14th century, they more or less abandoned the abbey completely.

In 1834 Augustus Smith, as mentioned, took over the lease of the islands from the Duchy of Cornwall. It was at this time he decided to create the now world-famous (and simply stunning) gardens of Tresco Abbey.

Home to a diverse range of exotic plants, the way Augustus Smith came to acquire such a collection was pretty remarkable. Ships coming from the southern hemisphere would often sail via the Scilly Islands to reach the coast of England, and it was from these shipmen that Augustus was able to purchase exotic plants from all corners of the world.

And, thanks to the fact that Tresco is one of the most sheltered islands in the archipelago, the plants thrive in this warm climate.

Another interesting feature is that Augustus took pieces from all of the islands of Scilly, whether that be the Bronze Age menhirs or various remnants from churches or castles, all of which are scattered throughout the garden.

Tresco Abbey & Gardens are open daily from 10 am – 4 pm (last entry 3:30 pm)

Unfortunately, it is rather pricey to visit, but it will take a few hours to wander around the gardens and it’s truly worth it to see one of the world’s leading and most beautiful gardens.

This small paradise is home to some 2,500 different Mediterranean species, including plant species that have come from as far away as New Zealand. You can also spy out Augustus’ eclectic collection of boat heads from shipwrecks, known as the Valhalla Collection.

Explore New Grimsby

New Grimsby is located on the west side of Tresco and is where the quay and landing point for the ferries are located, so it’s also the very spot you’re likely to enter the island from. This small coastal settlement is home to a beach area, as well as The New Inn (the main pub of the island) and a small art gallery.

Old Grimsby

Old Grimsby is another settlement that can be found on the eastern side of the island and is home to lots of gorgeous sandy beaches where you can lie out in the sun, as well as admire the quaint architecture that surrounds.

Cromwell’s Castle

Perched on the edge of a rocky promontory that juts out into the sea is a rounded stone tower, which is one of the few fortifications to survive on Tresco.

On an island so peaceful and removed from the world, it’s a wonder as to why it was once a fortified site. The history of this can be traced back to 1648 when the Isles of Scilly took part in a rebellion against parliament, aside from Cornwall, they were the last part of Britain to remain in Royalist hands.

During The English Civil War, the Netherlands (who supported the Parliamentarians) were caught in the crossfire, and the Royalist Scillies retaliated by raiding Dutch ships.

Obviously, this greatly upset Dutch forces, and so they came into conflict with the people of the Isles; by 1651, the Dutch had simply had enough and declared war on the Isles of Scilly, including blockading them so that no supplies could come in or out.

Although the islands were a Royalist stronghold, the parliament feared losing them to foreign control and also needed to get back in favour with the Dutch. Therefore, a castle was built, taking its name from Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England. 

Cromwell’s Castle was built swiftly after war was declared, guarding one of the main routes of entry to the island.

Its strategic position meant that no enemy could hope to take troops onto the island without first capturing and conquering the castle, and from water that seemed unlikely. Especially when considering the large gun platform which was designed for six cannons, as well as a platform below with a further two cannons.

This prominent landmark can be seen from the quay, but to reach it you’ll need to take the coastal path which takes around 30 minutes. The castle can only be visited by foot and is completely free to visit.

Once you reach it you can wander around, climb up the narrow stone staircase and enjoy views of St Mary’s and the Gulf Stream, as well as soak up the tense period of history that once stood here.

King Charles’s Castle

Found on a steep hilltop nearby to Cromwell’s Castle are the ruins of King Charles’s Castle. When we visited, the landscape in this part of the island was covered in a sea of purple heather and buzzing with wildlife!

Overlooking New Grimsby’s harbour, the ruined artillery fort was built sometime between 1548 and 1551 to protect the islands from French and Spanish attack. As you’ve probably gathered, generally speaking the Isles of Scilly were a weak spot in England’s defences.

However, King Charles’s Castle proved little help in defending as its construction was deemed unsatisfactory due to the fact guns could not be angled down to fire into the harbour area. Therefore, the castle was instead used for housing soldiers.

This historical site is also free to visit, though little remains apart from the stone layout and some crumbling walls, you can still enjoy the vantage point overlooking the neighbouring islands and Cromwell’s Castle.

Piper’s Hole

There are a couple of theories as to why this narrow and deep sea cave got its name. The first is that it’s thought to be named after the clay pipes that smokers would have used due to clay seams on the cave walls.

However, others have suggested that it was once a fairy cave, and the fairies would play pipes that would echo in the cavern (perhaps this story is the more child-friendly explanation).

This tidal cave stretches back 50 meters into the rock face and has been formed over millions of years by the sea. Inside you’ll be able to spy a pool of water that collects there. You can only visit at low tide , and as the sea can move fast and unpredictably, I suggest always going with another person or telling someone where you are for safety reasons.

St Nicholas Church

The largest church on Tresco is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and can be found in the heart of the island, in an area known as Dolphin Town. Nestled between luscious green foliage, the first foundations of St Nicholas Church were laid down in 1877.

Today, it is open daily for the public to wander around and everyone is welcome to join the Sunday services that take place during the holiday season.

Enjoy a drink at Ruin Beach Cafe

There are only a few establishments on the island to visit, including a pub, a restaurant and a few cafés. But, the one with the most gorgeous views has to be Ruin Beach Cafe. The vistas overlooking the beach create a beautiful ambience as you enjoy the delicious menu of light bites, along with a crisp refreshing beer.

Visit an ‘Honesty Shop’

Throughout the little villages of the Isles of Scilly, by the side of the road, you’ll find these little ‘honesty shops’, which are small unmanned stalls typically selling homemade crafts and locally grown produce or baked goods.

If you want to purchase any of the items for sale, all you have to do is simply leave an honest amount of money in the box left out!

Go for a hike

As with all the islands, simply walking along the vein-like network of footpaths that wind across the landscape is one of the best ways to enjoy the sweeping vistas onto the neighbouring islands of Bryher and St Mary’s, as well as soaking up the outstanding biodiversity that surrounds.

Tresco is the most sheltered of all the Scilly islands, this leads it to have a unique microclimate that can support both tropical and subtropical plants; as well as granite studded heather and ferns in the lowland areas, with temperatures rarely ever going below zero. The only point of the island which isn’t sheltered is its northern tip.

While exploring the many routes through the island, one of the best things to do is spy out evidence of human inhabitation that spans the island.

In the 6th and 7th centuries, so many Celtic men and women came from Ireland and Wales that the Cornish referred to this point of history as ‘the coming of the saints’. At this time, all of these people would come to the smaller islands of Scilly and establish hermitages and chapels alone on the hillside.

Today, traces of these hermitages, as well as tin quarry expeditions and entrance tombs that date back almost 3,000 years, can be seen.

Head to the beach

The Isles of Scilly are renowned for their soft sanded bone-white beaches and crystal clear waters. One beach in particular that is so beautiful the romance is palpable is Pentle Bay, which can be found on the eastern coast of Tresco. It’s often been referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

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