Daytrip Itinerary - Botanical
If you’re passionate about plants, a day spent on Tresco will be an absolute delight. Scilly’s position in the Gulf Stream encourages a temperate climate across the islands, allowing a range of plant-life to thrive here. Take a look at our botanical highlights...
This itinerary is suitable for all - the route to and from the Abbey Garden is a relatively long walk if you're making you're way from or to New Grimsby quay. However, there are many botanical delights to see along the way - no matter the time of year!
Morning
Naturally, the Abbey Garden should be your first stop: you could even spend the entire day here as there’s so much to see. Home to over 4000 species of plants from across the globe, there’s something in bloom all year round.
The Garden's existence is thanks to Augustus Smith, who took over the lease for Tresco in the 19th century and considered collecting exotic plants a hobby. His legacy has been continued and today you can find plants from the world’s Mediterranean climate zones: from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa.
You’ll find striking King Protea and the handsome Lobster Claw, great blue spires of Echium, brilliant Furcraea, Strelitzia and shocking-pink drifts of Pelargonium. There are several sunny terraces, shady corners and floral beds to explore...
Lunch
Should you find yourself with an appetite after all the botanical sights, you don't have to leave the Garden. Head to its Visitor Centre for lunch. Serving hot pastries, sandwiches, salads, hot drinks and scrumptious cakes, take a seat in the sunny courtyard and keep an eye out for red squirrels and golden pheasants.
Spring
April sees impressive echiums come to life across the islands – find clusters close to the Island Office and by the Ruin Beach Café.
The gorse flower is also impressive – the central wooded stretch of Tresco boasts plenty of this, as does the North End.
What's more, the wildflower meadows are in their prime. See if you can spot them either behind Lucy Tania or up the hill from Smugglers and Blockhouse.
Summer
The Abbey Drive and Gimble Porth are vibrant with rhododendrons – their fuchsia flowers are irresistibly cheerful. You can also head to the banks of Pentle Bay to see Tresco’s iconic agapanthus in bloom.
Autumn
Keep an eye out for vibrant pink Belladonna Lilies at the side of the road and in the field by Rowesfield shed, or if you’re visiting the Abbey Garden, the Red Flowering Gum Trees are quite a sight to behold.
Winter
Gorgeous golden daffodils line the fields and hedgerows – take a stroll through the banks and dunes along Tresco's east coast to see them.
Tresco Daytrips - Travel
Penzance Helicopters provide an efficient, exciting daytrip service direct to Tresco. If you're on-island already - check local boating schedules for Tresco trips.
Daytripping to Tresco
