About Tresco

The second largest island offers an astonishing variety of scenery, from the rugged granite outcrops and heathland of the wild north coast, with its two ancient castles, to the magnificent shell-strewn beaches in the east and south. In the centre of the island are cottages and farmland, a shop and sub-post office, the New Inn and the Island Hotel, and the world famous sub-tropical Abbey Gardens.

A wealthy merchant banker, Augustus Smith purchased the Isles from the Duchy of Cornwall in the mid-1830’s. The other islands have subsequently been ceded back to the Duchy, but Tresco remains in the ownership of the family, with the present owners being Robert and Lucy Dorrien-Smith, and the business is known as Tresco Estate.

Augustus Smith was a plant collector and botanist, who recognised the climatic advantages of the islands, and began the creation of now world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden, based on sub-tropical and temperate climate plants collected from around the world. Subsequent generations have continued the development of the Garden, which is today a major attraction of the islands.

Panorama of Rushy Bay

Click and drag to pan, SHIFT/CNTL zoom.

For more: Tresco 360° -a panoramic tour of Tresco

For travellers staying on Tresco

Bryher Boat Services normally convey passengers and luggage to Tresco and Bryher.

Please check with your accommodation that your transfer has been arranged.

Bryher Boats also organise daily trips from Tresco to other islands or circular trips to see the birds, seals and uninhabited islands.

CONTACT: Bryher Boat Services - "Cyclone and Firethorn"

David Stedeford: (01720) 422886.