Day Trips to Tresco
If you're staying elsewhere on Scilly, or perhaps a little further afield in Devon or Cornwall, a day trip to Tresco is the perfect day out. Here's our guide to crafting your perfect island day...
Experience the beauty and history of Tresco, the second-largest island in the Scilly archipelago. Soak up the sun on silvery sands, take a hike through centuries of history, or enjoy a peaceful stroll through a world in a garden.
Explore the world-famous Abbey Garden, indulge at the Island Spa, or enjoy delicious oceanfront dining at The Ruin Beach Café. Take a break at our friendly island local, explore three ancient castles, or browse a unique collection of island-inspired art at our seafront gallery.
Explore on foot or hire bikes and circumnavigate the island in a day, or hire a kayak, sailing dinghy or paddleboard to gain a unique perspective on the island. From soft sandy beaches to rugged rocky coastlines and heather-clad downs, the landscape is ever-changing.
For those staying on the other islands, there’s daily boating from across the archipelago. If you’re staying a little further afield, there’s a direct helicopter service from Penzance to Tresco, or you can fly or sail to the neighbouring island of St Mary’s with a short boat trip across to Tresco. Getting here couldn’t be easier…
Download Our Island Map
Start planning your trip by downloading and printing our island map - or you can always collect a copy from the quay or Island Office when you arrive
Download the Map
Tresco Highlights
Discover the best of the island below - or carry on down for our suggested daytrip itineraries, crafted by islanders to help you get the most out of your visit...
The Abbey Garden
Truly 'the world in a garden' - plants from around the globe thriving in our unique microclimate. Not just for the green-fingered...
The Ruin Beach Café
Mediterranean-inspired, wood-fired, beachfront dining. Famous for its pizzas, platters and cocktails; perfect for a sunny afternoon…
Tresco Island Spa
Find that island state of mind. Be pampered by our nourishing treatments or find true peace among the facilities with a day pass…
The New Inn
Our traditional island inn, adorned with marine relics and offering a warm welcome with dining and drinking inspired by land and sea...
Gallery Tresco
A carefully curated collection of the Southwest's best artistic talent, as well as beautiful giftware inspired by the islands…
Lucy-Tania Boutique
Our beachside boutique showcases clothing and giftware by eco-conscious brands, including the unique Tresco collection…
The Flying Boat
Drop in throughout the day for laidback brunches, local bakes and Origin Coffee plus a selection of deli picnic favourites…
The Sailing Centre
Explore under your own steam in a dinghy, kayak, SUP board or small motorboat, or learn a new skill with watersports tuition…
History of Tresco
Walk through history with three ancient castles to explore and myriad clues to the island’s military past to uncover…
Bike Hire
With miles of quiet roads and empty lanes, what better way to explore Tresco than on two wheels…
Beach Life
With some of the finest beaches in the country, ask an islander for their favourite. Some can be persuaded to give up the secret spots…
Travelling to Tresco
Whether you're elsewhere on the islands, or coming from the mainland, reaching Tresco for the day couldn't be easier...
From Other Islands
Tripper boats ply their trade between the islands of the archipelago each day, and theres a daily boat to Tresco from most of the other islands. Check boat boards or your island boat operator's website or social media pages for times. Be sure to listen out for the return quay - the boats use different ones depending on the tide!
From the mainland: By Helicopter
Penzance Helicopters offer the quickest, easiest and most unique journey to Tresco, with spectacular views on route. It’s also the only direct route to the island, landing just a minute’s walk from the Abbey Garden. Penzance Heliport is easily accessible by road and rail, and special daytrip rates are available.
From the Mainland: By Sea
The Scillonian ferry leaves Penzance around 9am each day, taking a leisurely two and a half hours to journey to the islands along the Cornish coast. On arrival on St Mary’s, you'll need to take a tripper boat to and from Tresco, meaning this option will only give you a couple of hours on the island.
From the Mainland: By Plane
Skybus flies to the neighbouring island of St Mary’s from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter Airports. On arrival on St Mary’s, hop on one of the tripper boats to Tresco that depart around 10am each morning. Be sure to leave time to catch the tripper boat back to St Mary’s in time for your flight.
Daytrip Itineraries
A daytrip to Tresco can take many shapes, and whether you're an avid foodie, botanical enthusiast, or love the outdoorsy, active side of the islands, we'll help you plan the best day out…
Active Itinerary
Sample the best of Tresco’s active pursuits. From salty sea dips to invigorating coastal stomps, get the pulse racing with our suggestions.
Botanical Itinerary
If you’re passionate about plants, a day spent on Tresco will be a delight. Scilly’s position in the Gulf Stream encourages a temperate climate across the islands, allowing a range of plant-life to thrive here.
Cultural and Historical Itinerary
There’s more to Tresco than beaches and seascapes – art and heritage also factor into the island’s identity. Digging a little deeper with our historical highlights can make for an enriching day spent on the island
Family Friendly Itinerary
Tresco’s unspoilt coastline and towering woodlands make great stomping ground for children. Here are some suggestions for family fun across the island.
Foodie Itinerary
Tresco is a haven for foodies with a handful of different eateries all offering distinct menus and differing vibes. Eat your way around the island with our suggestions.
Rainy Day Itinerary
The islands' forecast can be changeable, but there's still plenty to enjoy if the weather is a little wet for your Tresco visit. Here are our suggestions for keeping dry and entertained during your daytrip.
Wellness Itinerary
Home to Scilly’s only spa and bursting with nature, Tresco is the ideal place to ease into island wellness. Follow our suggestions to leave the island feeling rejuvenated and refreshed thanks to our special brand of Tresco tonic.
