Tresco

Island in Cornwall

England

Tresco

Tresco is a small island located in the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago off the southwestern coast of Cornwall, England. With a population of around 200 people, it covers an area of approximately 2.9 square kilometers. Tresco is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich biodiversity, and historical sites.

The island is characterized by its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning subtropical gardens. These gardens, known as the Tresco Abbey Gardens, are home to a diverse array of exotic plant species from around the world, thriving in the mild climate created by the Gulf Stream.

Tresco's history dates back to the Bronze Age, and evidence of early settlements can still be found on the island. One notable landmark is the Cromwell's Castle, a well-preserved artillery fort built during the English Civil War in the mid-17th century. Other historical sites include King Charles's Castle, an artillery fort built in the 16th century, and the Old Blockhouse, a defensive structure dating back to the 16th century.

The island offers various recreational activities, such as birdwatching, sailing, and diving, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. In addition, Tresco is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and idyllic getaway, with its charming cottages, cozy inns, and upscale holiday homes.

Accessible by boat or helicopter, Tresco offers a unique and tranquil escape for visitors, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and relaxation.

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Tresco Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.951345/-6.333267 or Grid Reference SV8914. 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.

Nigel Mykura

Gimble Porth

This is just one of Tresco's many wonderful beaches.

Malcolm Neal

A boat off the north of Tresco

Taken in 2005 but only just being submitted, so I hope I have the view direction correct. Tresco is a wonderful peaceful island at any time of the year, but especially in Spring.

Malcolm Neal

A misty day on Bryher

Not such a good day, weather wise as the mist was down over the island most of the day. This dull view is looking towards Hell Bay Hotel.

Malcolm Neal

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.

David Dixon

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.

David Dixon

Carn Near Landing Stage, Tresco

Visitors to Tresco disembarking from the ferry "Kingfisher" at the Carn Near landing point.

David Dixon

Isles of Scilly, The Mare

The Mare is the southernmost of the rocky islets just south of Tresco.

David Dixon

Tresco, Carn Near

The southern tip of the island of Tresco.

David Dixon

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.

David Dixon

Blue Footbridge near the Entrance to Tresco Abbey Garden

David Dixon

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.

David Dixon

Tresco Abbey Garden

David Dixon

Path in Tresco Abbey Garden

David Dixon

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.

David Dixon

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.

David Dixon