Tresco

Tresco is the second largest island in the Scilly archipelago and spans 297 hectares of granite outcrops, heathland, and shell beaches along its shoreline. The landscape features rolling terrain with coves and sandy bays set within open moorland.

King Henry I granted the island to Tavistock Abbey, which established a priory that operated until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1500s. Monastic buildings and ruins from this period remain visible on the island today.

The Valhalla Collection in Tresco Abbey Garden displays figureheads carved from ships that sank in waters around the Scilly Islands over centuries. These rescued sculptures tell stories of maritime life and the dangers sailors once faced in these waters.

The island is accessible only by helicopter from Penzance or by boat from St Mary's, with private vehicles not permitted on land. Visitors should plan for tidal schedules and be prepared to walk or use local shuttle services to reach different areas.

The island's gardens contain thousands of plant species from around the world that flourish in its mild maritime climate. Tropical and Mediterranean plants grow alongside native flora in combinations rarely seen in northern regions.

Location: Tresco

Elevation above the sea: 44 m

Operator: Tresco Estate

Part of: Isles of Scilly

Website: https://tresco.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 49.95417,-6.33250

Latest update: December 17, 2025 11:15