Ray Island

Island in Cornwall

England

Ray 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

Ray Island, Cornwall is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated in the English Channel, it is part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago, specifically within the St Mary's group of islands. With an area of only 0.3 hectares, Ray Island is one of the smallest islands in the Isles of Scilly.

The island is predominantly rocky and rugged, with a few patches of grass and shrubbery. It is uninhabited, offering a tranquil and secluded environment for visitors. Accessible only by boat, Ray Island is a popular destination for day trips and nature enthusiasts.

The island is known for its diverse birdlife, including various species of seabirds and migratory birds. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), providing protection to its unique flora and fauna. Visitors can observe nesting seabirds and spot rare species that are native to the area.

Ray Island is also home to a lighthouse, which stands prominently on its western side. Built in the 19th century, the lighthouse served as a navigational aid for ships passing through the treacherous waters around the Isles of Scilly. Although no longer in operation, the lighthouse adds to the island's charm and historical significance.

Due to its small size and untouched natural beauty, Ray Island offers a peaceful escape from the bustling mainland. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature, explore coastal landscapes, and appreciate the rich biodiversity of the region.

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Ray Island Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.960062/-6.3321399 or Grid Reference SV8915. 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.
Gimble Porth This is just one of Tresco's many wonderful beaches.
Gimble Porth
This is just one of Tresco's many wonderful beaches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tresco Abbey Garden, the Neptune Steps 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 Neptune Steps
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.
Show me another place!

Ray Island is located at Grid Ref: SV8915 (Lat: 49.960062, Lng: -6.3321399)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///tiling.manliness.juggled. Near Tresco, Isles of Scilly

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 49.960062,-6.3321399
Old Grimsby
Name Kw: Enysgrymm Goth
Place: village
Lat/Long: 49.9600293/-6.3333757
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 49.9609497/-6.3339679
Old Blockhouse
Historic: ruins
Ruins: fort
Tower Type: defensive
Lat/Long: 49.9585452/-6.327496
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9603129/-6.333405
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9592023/-6.3328803
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.961546/-6.3331174
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9616609/-6.3325332
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9610031/-6.333722
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9582549/-6.3265844
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9584531/-6.3308636
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9587235/-6.3321645
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9598769/-6.3328103
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9587631/-6.3269631
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9592246/-6.3279115
Source: NPE
Lat/Long: 49.9578496/-6.3379989
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9585098/-6.3286088
Block House Point
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 49.9595994/-6.327657
Gimble Forth
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 49.9606348/-6.3302319
Dolphin Town
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 49.9573212/-6.3359738
Porth Mellin Carn
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 49.9620154/-6.3324493
Merchant's Point
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 49.9638581/-6.3347667
Tide Rock
Place: islet
Lat/Long: 49.9616358/-6.3260604
Norrard
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 49.9611235/-6.3344329
Cafe
Ruin Beach
Lat/Long: 49.9613061/-6.3337341
Ferry Terminal
Very Low Tide Quay
Ferry: yes
Public Transport: station
Lat/Long: 49.9613485/-6.33088
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 49.9585852/-6.333366
Towns Hill Tresco
Power: pole
Transformer: distribution
Voltage: 11000;400
Lat/Long: 49.9577613/-6.3357183
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 49.9580917/-6.3356218
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 49.9578881/-6.3366289
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 49.9576612/-6.3377568
Seamark Beacon Special Purpose Colour: yellow
Seamark Beacon Special Purpose Shape: pile
Seamark Topmark Colour: yellow
Seamark Topmark Shape: rhombus
Seamark Type: beacon_special_purpose
Lat/Long: 49.9586198/-6.3323736
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 49.9621016/-6.3341314
Man Made: water_tap
Lat/Long: 49.9578238/-6.3353186
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 49.957836/-6.3283627
Backrest: no
Covered: no
Leisure: picnic_table
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 49.9586624/-6.3275683
Lucy-Tania
Shop: gift
Lat/Long: 49.9578109/-6.3354951
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 49.957416/-6.3373437
Bench
Backrest: no
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 49.9577858/-6.335417
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 49.9584041/-6.328243
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 49.9582058/-6.3282802
Man Made: water_tap
Lat/Long: 49.9617667/-6.3340076
Board Type: history
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 49.9585367/-6.3276841
Lucy-Tania
Contact Website: https://www.tresco.co.uk/enjoying/lucy-tania
Shop: clothes
Lat/Long: 49.9590117/-6.3337126
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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