Tresco has one of the most famous gardens in the world, the Tresco Abbey Gardens. The climate on the Isles of Scilly enables plants that would not survive anywhere else in the UK to thrive. The Duchy of Cornwall leased the island of Tresco to Augustus Smith in 1834. He built Tresco Abbey and started creating the garden and building up a magnificent collection of plants from all over the world.

With two fresh water pools (the Abbey pool and Great Pool) Tresco is a birdwatchers delight. Spring and Autumn are the most interesting seasons when a host of migrating birds including the Great Northern Diver, Purple Heron, Common and Sandwich Terns, Whimbrel, Golden Plover, Osprey… the list goes on! Not to forget the butterflies such as the Speckled Wood, Peacock or a Clouded Yellow!

Tresco is a walkers paradise, visit Cromwell’s and King Charles’ Castle. There are two beautiful beaches to see – Pentle Bay and Appletree Bay. Refreshments are available at the superb shop, from the Abbey Gardens café (the birds are also tame here) or from the New Inn The Ruin Beach Cafe at Old Grimsby.

Also worth a look is Valhalla – a wonderful collection of ships figureheads.