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.

The launching, landing, or operation of drones or unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by private individuals is strictly prohibited anywhere on Tresco Island without prior written permission from Tresco Island Limited. Permission for private recreational drone use will not normally be granted.

This policy exists to:

• Safeguard operations at Tresco Heliport and within the St Mary’s Airport Aerodrome Traffic Zone

• Protect the safety, privacy and enjoyment of our guests and residents

• Prevent disturbance to wildlife, livestock and sensitive habitats

• Protect property, designated sites and the natural environment

• Avoid risks to emergency, military, Search & Rescue, HEMS, and private aviation

Most of Tresco - and much of the wider Isles of Scilly - lies within the Tresco Heliport and St Mary’s Airport Flight Restriction Zones. Flying a drone in these areas without Air Traffic Control clearance may breach UK Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

Unauthorised drone activity may result in referral to the Civil Aviation Authority or Police. Operators may be held liable for any damage, disruption or safety risk caused.

Commercial Drone Filming

Commercial drone use may be considered strictly by prior written approval. To discuss a proposal, please contact us via the link above.

Tresco Estate sometimes uses drones for surveys, inspections, filming, and photography purposes.

Where possible, we will list upcoming drone use below.

• There is currently no planned drone usage on Tresco