On Land
There's plenty to keep you out and about during the day on Tresco. In addition to the extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, there are long deserted beaches as well as historical forts and monuments to discover.
Tresco Island Spa
Lazy lengths in the indoor pool, soothing soaks in the Jacuzzi or indulgent ila therapies, access to the Tresco Island Spa facilities is included within your accommodation on Tresco
Our Beaches
Tresco is home to some of the finest beaches in the world - ask the likes of The Telegraph, The Wall Street Journal and Conde Nast Traveller who have picked Pentle Bay and Appletree Bay as some of their favourites. Then there's Borough, Blockhouse, Gimble, Farm Beach, Flood Hatch, Green Porth and so many more... Ask an islander for their recommendation - some can be persuaded to give up their secrets!
Wonder through the marram and dip your toes into Tresco famously soft, white, mica-specked sand for a purposeful day shrimping, sea swimming or simply sitting back in the sun. The best bit? Even in the height of a Scilly summer, you're still more than likely to have a beach all to yourself...
Tresco Abbey Garden
A glorious exception; a perennial Kew without the glass, home to over 20,000 plants from more than 80 countries, flourishing just 30 miles off the Cornish coast
Bike Hire
Miles of quiet roads and empty lanes to explore; what better way to explore Tresco than on two wheels?
Yoga & Meditation
Bryher islander Gem Hansen and Tresco resident Esmée Halliday guide a range of yoga practice and meditation, with private and group classes in a range of imitable island locations
Gallery Tresco
Gallery Tresco on the waterfront in New Grimsby showcases the work of many leading artists, ceramicists and jewellers and hosts exhibitions throughout the peak spring and summer period.
Tennis Courts
Bring your racquet or borrow one of ours and take to the courts near the Island Office or the Sea Garden Cottages. Don't forget to book your court space in advance
The Flying Boat Studio
With its cool and versatile interior, salty sea views and all the island facilities on the doorstep, our brand new studio space is perfect for everything from yoga practice to a corporate retreat.
Walking
A network of footpaths and sandy tracks crisscross the island.
A particular favourite walk is along the coastal path to Cromwell’s 17th Century castle before heading up the short, sharp incline to King Charles Castle behind. Walking out across the heathland in the late summer, the purples and pinks of the heather are a sight to behold.
Head across the island's spine and follow the craggy coast down for a well-earned refreshment at The Ruin.
Isles of Scilly Golf Course
The 9-hole Isles of Scilly Golf Course occupies the breathtaking northwest coastline of St Mary's, carved largely by hand from clifftop scrub and presenting stunning panoramic island scenery at every corner. The course has a length of 5942yds, a par of 73 and 9 holes with 18 tees, generous fairways and small greens
Tresco guests are most welcome, and we keep clubs for your use. Book a round with Steward John Bird on 01720 422692.
Horse Riding on St Mary's
St Mary's Riding Centre is just minutes from Pelistry beach and has easy access to dozens of coastal bridleways, country lanes and quiet farm tracks. The friendly and helpful staff and quiet, well-mannered horses will ensure you have a truly unique ride to remember, whatever your level of experience.
Bird watching
Tresco’s two bird hides and freshwater pools - Abbey Pool and Great Pool - provide excellent spots to watch a variety of waders, ducks and herons with a chance of rare birds from east and west. Spring and autumn are the most popular times when migratory birds visit. Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Pectoral Sandpiper and Lesser Yellowlegs have all been seen here recently, plus the first Egyptian Vulture in the UK for over 150 years flew over in 2021.
Historic Monuments
There are a number of historical monuments for you to discover, including the remains of two Tudor forts and the seventeenth century Cromwell Castle, which still dominates the channel between Tresco and Bryher.
You won't need to spend more than a couple of hours walking or cycling around Tresco, or exploring the fabulous Abbey Garden, before you can be sure that you're definitely in a holiday paradise Frank Barrett, Mail on Sunday
