Winter Cottage Breaks: Our Suggested Itinerary

From November we’re offering special rates on our Flying Boat Cottages for those wanting to experience a Tresco winter. Whether you’re looking for a long weekend with us or a week-long retreat, you can choose a break to suit you. With flexible changeover days and Spa and Abbey Garden access included, it could be the perfect tonic to those shorter, chillier days.

Here’s our suggested itinerary for a five-night stay on Tresco during November:

Arrive to the islands, enthralled at the aerial view of Scilly and the turquoise seas in between. The journey across is all part of the adventure, as you transfer by boat and the different land masses come into view.

Afternoon: celebrate your arrival with a drink at the New Inn – sink into a comfortable booth and toast being here. The New Inn is the hub of the island – our cosy pub and the best place for sheltering from winter winds.

Evening: Find that island state of mind with a meditative dip in our indoor pool. The Tresco Island Spa is just steps away from the Flying Boat Cottages. Once dusk has fallen and it’s dark outside, the pool is lit up and magical, a great spot to reflect on your holiday to come and how you’d best like to spend these precious days of escape.

Morning: Head to Tresco Stores, just a few minutes away, to stock up on goodies for a leisurely breakfast. Nothing says holiday like slow living – feast on freshly baked croissants, preserves and spreads and enjoy the entrancing sea views from the cottage while you ease into the day.

Once you’ve fuelled up, take a walk to the world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden – you can choose to take the coastal path overlooking neighbouring Bryher and Samson, or stroll the tree-lined shelter of the Abbey Drive.

You’ll while away hours exploring the Garden, where plenty of exotic plants will still be in bloom. Discover the Mediterranean garden, the Old Abbey, statues of Gaia and the Tresco Children, and look out for resident red squirrels and golden pheasants.

Afternoon: Once you’ve taken in all that the Abbey Garden has to offer, visit nearby Appletree Bay. Once of Tresco’s best beaches, it’s an ideal spot to search for beach treasures to take home – will you find an elusive cowrie shell? Undertake a two-minute beach clean and help us keep our beautiful coastline pristine.

Morning: For the brave, a sea swim is a bracing way to start the day – some of our island residents swim in Tresco seas all year around (weather permitting!). Or if it’s looking too wild, the indoor pool might be a better option…

Later, explore Tresco’s north end – these rolling, heather-clad hills provide a stark contrast to the rest of the island. Trace the coast and be prepared for rocky scrambles, and come across the ruins of Cromwell’s and King Charles’ castles. On a windy day, find a sheltered spot and watch enormous white-capped waves crashing on the coast.

Afternoon: After all that exertion you’ll be ready for some relaxation – book in for a treatment at our Spa and switch off. Our therapists offer a multitude of treatments, from rejuvenating facials and scrubs to emotionally aligning therapies bound to give you a refresh.

Evening: Make the most of your cottage with the log fire going and a hearty dinner at home. Tresco Stores do a fantastic range of Cooks meals for an easy, tasty supper. As night falls, tiptoe out onto the patio and marvel at the star-filled sky.

Morning: Start your day with an awakening session in the gym – our Spa has a small gym space ideal for cardio sessions or light weight training.

Afternoon: Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the New Inn for a pub lunch. Choose from the likes of fish & chips, Tresco burgers and catch of the day.

After lunch, retire to the cottage for a lazy afternoon. Curl up with a book or simply watch the seascape outside.

Evening: Catch a Tresco sunset – best viewed from the balcony of the master bedroom with a glass of something in hand. Watch as the sky erupts into crimson, pink and tangerine hues.

Morning: Now that you’ve watched a sunset, catch the sunrise to complete the set. Take a walk to Blockhouse Castle for the best views out towards the Eastern Isles and St. Martin’s as the sun peeks above the horizon.

After sunrise, take the opportunity to walk the rolling dunes alongside Tresco’s east coast beaches, some of the best on the island. Enjoy the views through the marram grass to the steely seas beyond.

Afternoon: Hire bikes and take in the rest of the island – traverse quiet woodland paths or stop off at the Great Pool to spot migrating birds.

Evening: Celebrate your last night on island with supper and drinks at the New Inn, while planning your next trip.