A Pocket Guide To Tresco & The Isles Of Scilly

If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are plenty of all-levels walking routes around the island. We suggest setting out for a walk around the wild north end of the island, which is great for wave watching and is anchored by two ruined castles atop the cliffs, while the centre of the island is home to bird hides, which are dotted around freshwater pools. As you might expect from an island, Tresco is excellent for beachcombing – two of our favourite beaches are the white-sand Pentle and Appletree bays.

Another place well worth a cycle ride to is Tresco Abbey Garden, which was established in the 1830s. This horticultural hotbed hosts a seriously impressive collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world, many of which cannot be grown anywhere else in Britain. You could easily spend an entire morning or afternoon here – there are multiple terraces, Mediterranean gardens, green glades and rockeries to explore. Don’t forget to take a look at the Valhalla Figurehead Museum. Housed within the garden, this fascinating collection is a colourful display of figureheads and signage salvaged from the islands’ shipwrecks over the years. The abbey’s garden café is a great spot for a locally made ice-cream, light lunch or cream tea in lovely surroundings – we were really impressed by all the birds we saw while eating – and the shop is a treasure trove of souvenirs and seeds to take home if you’ve been inspired by the green-fingered work being done in the abbey’s grounds.

For a spot of relaxation, make sure to book into the Tresco Island Spa. As well as a swimming pool, sauna and gym, the spa itself has created a range of treatments in collaboration between its therapists and St Martin’s-based organic seaweed skincare brand Phoenix & Providence. The invigorating Sea Salt & Seaweed Scrub used in the spa’s 90-minute massage is made from seaweed harvested on the beaches of St Martin's, as well as SC Salt from the same waters. The treatment is rich in vitamins and minerals that will leave you feeling restored, relaxed and re-energised.

Where To Eat

Those spending a week or so on Tresco have plenty of dining options to flit between. The recently refurbished The New Inn pub at New Grimsby serves serves classic pub fare and seafood dishes – think potted crab on brioche toast, monkfish scampi, and lobster with chilli and garlic herb butter. During the summer months, guests can choose dishes from the Ox Grill on the terrace where chefs cook local produce over hot coals. When it comes to breakfast, The New Inn serves wholesome porridge, fruit, pastries and the ‘Full Scillonian’ – which we highly recommend.

Over at the Ruin Beach Café, on the edge of the water, the wood-fired oven is the star of the show – the team does a great turn in pizzas, seafood pasta, home baked bread and light salads. This beachfront restaurant takes its name from the ruined smuggler’s cottage that forms part of its terrace, overlooking Raven’s Porth. If you’re after a lazy lunch in between swims, make sure to order the seafood platter, which includes a selection of freshly-caught produce, simply prepared. It’s also a great spot for a morning coffee or bottle of wine while overlooking the sunset.

At The Flying Boat Café & Deli, guests can start the day with fresh pastries from Bryher Bakes or a bacon brioche bap, smoothie or Cornish origin coffee. Brunch dishes include baked St Ewe eggs with tomato and rose harissa ragu; and charlotte potato, pea and ham hock hash. In the height of summer, the waterside restaurant is open three evenings a week for a Cornish tapas selection of small plates, aperitifs and organic wines. The daily changing menu could include Newlyn mackerel on rye with sweet and sour beetroot and lime; chargrilled Cornish purple sprouting broccoli with balsamic reduction and shaved Cornish yarg; and Cornish cheese sharing boards.

If you’re staying in one of the island’s self-catering cottages, you’ll get to know Tresco Stores very well. In New Grimsby, the store is like a lovely local farm shop and has everything you need to stock up your cupboards for your stay, from island milk and store-baked bread to Cornish fish, meat, fresh fruit and veg and the big brands central to your weekly shop. There are also plenty of day-to-day essentials and extras such as household goods, fine wines and champagne. If you’re heading out to explore the island, the deli counter is a good place to look for luxe picnic options and, if you’re after an easy win, the team has a decent selection of Cook ready meals. Best of all, once you’ve shopped, the team can deliver to your accommodation – and you can pre-order your first-night dinner and breakfast essentials to arrive before you do.

Whether you’re making Tresco your base or looking to island hop, St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association, St Agnes Boating, Tresco Boat Services, Endeavour Rib Service, Scilly Sea Safaris and Seaquest Glass Bottom Boat all operate their own boat services offering trips and excursions, as well as regular water taxi services to all the other islands.

St Mary's

St Mary’s is the Isles of Scilly’s largest island (population 1,800) and the gateway to the rest of the islands. Covering an area a little more than six square miles, it will more than likely be your first port of call when you visit the islands. The coastline features large stretches of deserted white sandy beaches, dramatic rocky coves, seascapes, archaeological sites, beautiful walks and scenery along miles of coastal and country paths and nature trails. Hugh Town is the central hub with plenty of shops, churches, a Post Office, cafés, galleries, restaurants and pubs. It has three beaches in close proximity – Porthcressa has a children’s play area close by. Old Town is the other main settlement on St Mary’s – closer to the airport and with its own beautiful beach, it also has a nature reserve, shop, pub and cafés.

St Martin's

With clear waters and pretty beaches, St Martin's is the first island you’ll spot as you cross from the mainland. Just two miles long, it has some of the nicest beaches in the UK, with an abundance of flowers, plant life, rare birds and sea views along the heathery cliff path. Exploring the islets of Nornour, Ganilly and Menawethan from St Martin’s also allows you to spot colonies of seals not far off shore. The 120 or so inhabitants are the creators behind a flower farm and vineyard – both open to visitors – plus a dive school offering underwater activities and snorkelling with seals, silver jewellery designer, bakery and a gallery showcasing local artists.