Exploring Tresco, Isles of Scilly
Each island in the archipelago has its own personality and you’ll particularly find that with Tresco. Being privately owned, there’s an air of refinement here. Tresco is the second largest island in Scilly and is an absolute paradise!
From the minute you step off the boat you’ll feel like you’ve just entered Jurassic Park, and that’s before you even get to Tresco Abbey Gardens. There is quite a lot to take in on this island; quiet sandy beaches, dramatic coastal lines, burial grounds, and even a castle!
The freshwater lakes in the centre of the island, make it a good spot for a bit of bird watching. Or you can venture up to the north of the island where the rural landscape becomes a tad bit more rockier and rugged. This is a terrific spot to roam and explore at your own leisurely pace before taking a dip in the ocean at Tresco’s isolated beaches.
Of course, for the adventure sports lovers among us, Tresco Sailing Centre rents boats and kayaks etc. Or if you’d rather stay on land, you can also rent bicycles.
Things to do on Tresco
The gardens are an absolute must when visiting Tresco! Augustus Smith created the Tresco Abbey Garden in the 19th century and it is now home to thousands of different specimen plants. The garden takes roughly just over 2 hours to walk around so you really need to make time for this one - it’s worth it!
For a change of pace and some further relaxation, treat yourself to the Tresco Island Spa. You can take full advantage of their indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gym and a variety of treatments.
Walking
There are plenty of footpaths all over the island to take in the views from all different vantage points but the most popular route (and the one I did first) is to follow the coastal path up to King Charles Castle. The island is full of rocky terrain so be prepared for sharp inclines and beaten tracks.
Click above to check out the Tresco Sailing Centre website to browse the variety of water activites on offer.
Where to eat on Tresco
I’ll be honest with you, I only visited Tresco a handful of times on my days off and therefore didn’t explore the eateries as much as I probably should have. My two favourites are noted below but for a full list click here to check out the official Tresco website.
I certainly felt sophisticated having lunch at The Ruin. The menu is full of mouth-watering dishes including tasty pizzas (cooked in their wood-fired oven) quality meat, fish and fresh vegetables. Sidenote - the sharing platters are amazing.
I love the New Inn! During my first few visits to Tresco it was closed for refurbishments but as the summer hit and it reopened, I never saw it empty. It has one of the best outside areas to relax after a full day of exploration, a warm atmosphere and a decent selection of lager. I didn’t eat here but I’m sure the food’s great too!
And that’s a little bit of Tresco for you, next - Bryher!
