Skirt Island

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Skirt Island

Plum Island Tresco View Across New Grimsby Harbour to Plum island  with the island of Bryher in the background and King Henry's Castle on the extreme right.
Plum Island Tresco Credit: Nigel Mykura

Skirt Island is a prominent coastal feature located off the southwestern coast of Cornwall, England. Situated near the town of Penzance, it is a headland that juts out into the Celtic Sea, forming a distinctive point along the coastline. Skirt Island is known for its rugged and dramatic landscape, characterized by towering cliffs, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean.

The island itself is relatively small, with a total area of approximately 20 acres. It is composed mainly of granite, a common geological feature in the region. Skirt Island is accessible by boat, and visitors can explore its diverse flora and fauna, including various seabirds and marine life that inhabit the surrounding waters. The island's cliffs provide nesting sites for species such as puffins, guillemots, and razorbills.

Skirt Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Cornwall's coastline. Its prominent position along the headland provides panoramic views of the sea and the nearby mainland. The island's rocky terrain also makes it a popular spot for outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking.

In addition to its natural attractions, Skirt Island also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been inhabited in the past, as evidenced by the presence of ancient ruins and artifacts. These remnants offer a glimpse into the island's past and its connection to the local communities.

Overall, Skirt Island is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural scenery with a rich historical heritage. Its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, and panoramic views make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Skirt Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.945118/-6.3197951 or Grid Reference SV9013. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Plum Island Tresco View Across New Grimsby Harbour to Plum island  with the island of Bryher in the background and King Henry's Castle on the extreme right.
Plum Island Tresco
View Across New Grimsby Harbour to Plum island with the island of Bryher in the background and King Henry's Castle on the extreme right.
Red Squirrel at Tresco Abbey Gardens This squirrel seems delighted to have "liberated" a nut from one of the feeding stations near the entrance to Tresco Abbey Gardens.

The red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is an arboreal, omnivorous rodent. The decline in red squirrel numbers in Britain is often ascribed to the introduction of the eastern grey squirrel from North America in the late nineteenth century, but the loss and fragmentation of its native woodland habitat have also played a role.

A mixture of twenty male and female red squirrels was released into Tresco’s woodland in September 2013. Thanks to Tresco’s relative isolation, there are no grey squirrels on the island; ten years on, without competition from the greys, the population of red squirrels on Tresco is booming.
Red Squirrel at Tresco Abbey Gardens
This squirrel seems delighted to have "liberated" a nut from one of the feeding stations near the entrance to Tresco Abbey Gardens. The red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is an arboreal, omnivorous rodent. The decline in red squirrel numbers in Britain is often ascribed to the introduction of the eastern grey squirrel from North America in the late nineteenth century, but the loss and fragmentation of its native woodland habitat have also played a role. A mixture of twenty male and female red squirrels was released into Tresco’s woodland in September 2013. Thanks to Tresco’s relative isolation, there are no grey squirrels on the island; ten years on, without competition from the greys, the population of red squirrels on Tresco is booming.
Sciurus vulgaris. Tresco Abbey Garden A squirrel pauses whilst scampering up a tree, looking like he has been startled to see the group of visitors pointing their cameras at him. Close to one of the feeding stations near the entrance to Tresco Abbey Gardens.

The Sciurus vulgaris, commonly known as the red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel, is a tree-dwelling rodent with an omnivorous diet. The decrease in the red squirrel population in Britain is frequently attributed to the arrival of the eastern grey squirrel from North America during the late 1800s. However, the destruction and division of its natural forest habitat have also contributed to this decline.

In September 2013, a group of twenty male and female red squirrels were introduced to the woodland area of Tresco. Since the island is relatively isolated, there are no grey squirrels present, which has allowed the red squirrel population to thrive without competition. Ten years later, the red squirrel population on Tresco is flourishing.
Sciurus vulgaris. Tresco Abbey Garden
A squirrel pauses whilst scampering up a tree, looking like he has been startled to see the group of visitors pointing their cameras at him. Close to one of the feeding stations near the entrance to Tresco Abbey Gardens. The Sciurus vulgaris, commonly known as the red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel, is a tree-dwelling rodent with an omnivorous diet. The decrease in the red squirrel population in Britain is frequently attributed to the arrival of the eastern grey squirrel from North America during the late 1800s. However, the destruction and division of its natural forest habitat have also contributed to this decline. In September 2013, a group of twenty male and female red squirrels were introduced to the woodland area of Tresco. Since the island is relatively isolated, there are no grey squirrels present, which has allowed the red squirrel population to thrive without competition. Ten years later, the red squirrel population on Tresco is flourishing.
Carn Near Landing Stage, Tresco Visitors to Tresco disembarking from the ferry "Kingfisher" at the Carn Near landing point.
Carn Near Landing Stage, Tresco
Visitors to Tresco disembarking from the ferry "Kingfisher" at the Carn Near landing point.
Isles of Scilly, The Mare The Mare is the southernmost of the rocky islets just south of Tresco.
Isles of Scilly, The Mare
The Mare is the southernmost of the rocky islets just south of Tresco.
Tresco, Carn Near The southern tip of the island of Tresco.
Tresco, Carn Near
The southern tip of the island of Tresco.
Entrance to Tresco Abbey Garden The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Entrance to Tresco Abbey Garden
The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Blue Footbridge near the Entrance to Tresco Abbey Garden The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Blue Footbridge near the Entrance to Tresco Abbey Garden
The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) A squirrel pauses having "liberated" a nut from one of the feeding stations near the entrance to Tresco Abbey Gardens.

The red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is an arboreal, omnivorous rodent. The decline in red squirrel numbers in Britain is often ascribed to the introduction of the eastern grey squirrel from North America in the late nineteenth century, but the loss and fragmentation of its native woodland habitat have also played a role.

A group of twenty red squirrels, consisting of a mixture of males and females, was released into Tresco's woodland in September 2013. Thanks to Tresco’s isolation, there are no grey squirrels on the island. As a result, the red squirrel population on Tresco is thriving.
Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)
A squirrel pauses having "liberated" a nut from one of the feeding stations near the entrance to Tresco Abbey Gardens. The red squirrel or Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is an arboreal, omnivorous rodent. The decline in red squirrel numbers in Britain is often ascribed to the introduction of the eastern grey squirrel from North America in the late nineteenth century, but the loss and fragmentation of its native woodland habitat have also played a role. A group of twenty red squirrels, consisting of a mixture of males and females, was released into Tresco's woodland in September 2013. Thanks to Tresco’s isolation, there are no grey squirrels on the island. As a result, the red squirrel population on Tresco is thriving.
Tresco Abbey Garden The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Tresco Abbey Garden
The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Path in Tresco Abbey Garden The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Path in Tresco Abbey Garden
The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Tresco Abbey Garden, The Shell House (detail) A closer look at <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7590931">SV8914 : The Shell House, Tresco Abbey Garden</a> showing part of the intricate mosaic created by Lucy Dorrieu-Smith.
Tresco Abbey Garden, The Shell House (detail)
A closer look at SV8914 : The Shell House, Tresco Abbey Garden showing part of the intricate mosaic created by Lucy Dorrieu-Smith.
The Shell House, Tresco Abbey Garden Set within the Mediterranean garden, the shell house is a hexagonal structure with a gabled roof and open front; it was created by Lucy Dorrieu-Smith. It provides an excellent spot to shelter from the sun (or the wind or the rain!) or to simply admire its intricate mosaic.

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7590926">SV8914 : Tresco Abbey Garden, The Shell House (detail)</a> for a more detailed look at the mosaic.
The Shell House, Tresco Abbey Garden
Set within the Mediterranean garden, the shell house is a hexagonal structure with a gabled roof and open front; it was created by Lucy Dorrieu-Smith. It provides an excellent spot to shelter from the sun (or the wind or the rain!) or to simply admire its intricate mosaic. See SV8914 : Tresco Abbey Garden, The Shell House (detail) for a more detailed look at the mosaic.
Tresco Abbey Garden The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Tresco Abbey Garden
The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Terrace Path, Tresco Abbey Garden The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Terrace Path, Tresco Abbey Garden
The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Tresco Abbey Garden The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Tresco Abbey Garden
The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Palm Trees at Tresco Abbey Garden The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Palm Trees at Tresco Abbey Garden
The ruins of an old Benedictine priory were the inspiration for Augustus Smith to create the magnificent gardens on Tresco which now attract thousands of visitors each year. He took over the lease of the Isles of Scilly in 1834 and realised that the mild frost-free climate was ideal for exotic plants that could not be grown anywhere else in Britain. Using Monterey Pine and Cypress trees to provide shelter from gales, the gardens were developed in the late 19th century and are still in the care of the same family. Today the garden is open to the public for an admission charge.
Tresco Abbey Garden, a view from Middle Terrace Looking down over the garden towards the fish pond, from Middle Terrace.
Tresco Abbey Garden, a view from Middle Terrace
Looking down over the garden towards the fish pond, from Middle Terrace.
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Skirt Island is located at Grid Ref: SV9013 (Lat: 49.945118, Lng: -6.3197951)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///massaging.opponent.melt. Near Tresco, Isles of Scilly

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Tresco Priory

Tresco Priory is a former monastic settlement on Tresco, Isles of Scilly founded in 946 AD. It was re-founded as the Priory of St Nicholas by monks from...

Tresco Abbey Gardens

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 49.945118,-6.3197951
Pentle Bay
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 49.9479437/-6.3203279
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9443954/-6.3254951
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9446054/-6.3235114
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9446206/-6.3221587
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9451205/-6.319613
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9449608/-6.3198606
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9445319/-6.3205459
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9447705/-6.3202088
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9453082/-6.3198303
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9450552/-6.3203366
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9452897/-6.3192204
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9458586/-6.322661
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9477608/-6.3226413
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9449296/-6.3212199
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9450938/-6.321816
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9492818/-6.3219538
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9454326/-6.3189913
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9454975/-6.3190532
Green Island
Place: islet
Lat/Long: 49.9441025/-6.3161657
Bench
Lat/Long: 49.9487072/-6.3233417
Seamark Beacon Special Purpose Colour: black
Seamark Beacon Special Purpose Shape: pile
Seamark Type: beacon_special_purpose
Lat/Long: 49.9445922/-6.3234472
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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