Filming, Photography & Drones on Tresco

From the rugged cliffs of the north end to the fine soft sands of the south; the wooded heart of the island to the subtropical splendour of the Abbey Garden, Tresco is a remarkable natural environment. Our built architecture is equally varied, from modern, beachfront holiday cottages to crumbling castles.

Tresco provides a huge variety of stunning locations for films, TV, commercial and editorial photoshoots, and we can provide bespoke assistance and logistical support to help make your production a reality.

Visitors are welcome to take photographs and videos of the island for personal, non-commercial use without prior permission.

We kindly ask that you respect the privacy and enjoyment of other guests and residents and avoid disturbing wildlife, livestock, and sensitive locations.

Please note that the use of UAVs (drones) is not permitted on Tresco without prior written approval, which will not normally be granted. See our Drone Policy below for full details.

Prior written permission from Tresco Island Limited is required for all commercial photography, filming, and content creation on Tresco.

This includes any situation where images, video, or digital content are created for commercial benefit, promotion, or financial gain, including but not limited to:

• Advertising, marketing, or promotional campaigns

• Client commissions or paid photography/filming work

• Film, television, or documentary production

• Editorial or media publication

• Sale of images or footage (including prints, licensing, or stock libraries)

• Brand, product, or property shoots

• Influencers, bloggers, vloggers, or content creators receiving payment, free goods, discounted stays, sponsorship, affiliate income, or any other commercial benefit

Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure they align with island operations, guest experience, environmental protection, and safety requirements.

If you would like to use Tresco for commercial filming, photography, or content creation, please contact us with an outline of your project, proposed locations, and intended use of the imagery. We will be happy to discuss your plans and advise on next steps.

To enquire about commercial filming or photography on Tresco, please use the contact link below.

Tresco is a privately owned island. The launching, landing or operation of any drone or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) by a private individual is strictly prohibited anywhere on Tresco without the prior written permission of Tresco Island Limited.

Permission for private or recreational drone use will not normally be granted.

This policy is in place to:

• Safeguard aircraft operating within the Tresco Heliport and St Mary’s Airport Flight Restriction and Runway Protection Zones
• Protect the safety, privacy and enjoyment of our guests, residents and island community
• Prevent disturbance to wildlife, livestock and sensitive habitats
• Protect property, designated sites and the natural environment
• Avoid interference with emergency, military, Search and Rescue, air ambulance and private aviation

Flight Restriction Zones

The whole of Tresco, much of Bryher and parts of the wider Isles of Scilly lie within the Tresco Heliport Flight Restriction Zone (EGR1U101) and the St Mary’s Airport Flight Restriction and Runway Protection Zones (EGR1U102).

Operating a drone within these areas without the necessary Air Traffic Control clearance may breach UK Civil Aviation Authority regulations. Unauthorised drone activity may be reported to the Police and the Civil Aviation Authority.

For the avoidance of doubt, these Flight Restriction Zones apply 24 hours a day. The airspace is regularly used by military, emergency, Search and Rescue and air ambulance aircraft operating outside normal hours and beyond usual flight areas.

The restrictions apply to all drones and unmanned aircraft, regardless of weight.

Commercial Drone Filming

Commercial drone operations may be considered, strictly by prior written approval. To discuss a filming proposal, please contact us using the link above. Approval from Tresco Island Limited does not replace any permissions, clearances, licences or insurance required by the Civil Aviation Authority, Air Traffic Control or other relevant authorities.

Tresco Island Limited may occasionally authorise drone operations for purposes such as surveys, inspections, filming and photography. These flights may be carried out by our own teams or by approved third-party operators.

Where possible, details of upcoming authorised drone activity will be published below.

There is currently no planned drone activity.