Magical May - plan your visit...

May on the islands provides a picturesque prelude to the balmy summer months to come – think warm, long days, the occasional heatwave, glassy seas and plenty of potential for crafting your perfect island break.

With plenty of inter-island boat trips, the Abbey Garden in complete colourful splendour, and a whole host of events from theatre and music to wildlife walks, there's so much to savour in every moment of island life.

Or if you just need time to relax, recuperate, and soak up some coastal serenity, that works for us too!

Here are a few reasons to make May the month you visit Tresco…

If you're visiting the Abbey Garden in May, prepare for sensory overload – cascading blooms, structural succulents, geometric silhouettes of interwoven leaves and branches – truly a botanical bounty.

The Mediterranean Garden – centred around Lucy Dorrien-Smith's shell house – is a spectacle. The garden's paths and terraces are a picture brimming with Banksia formosa from Western Australia, the South African Protea and even our own natural hybrid Olearia.

The Red Squirrels are also a delight and never fail to brighten up a wander through the garden...

May sees the year's first Abbey Garden Yoga sessions, as Bryher islander and yogi Gem Hansen leads this popular awakening practice.

Pass through the gates early in the morning, when only the Golden Pheasants and the Red Squirrels are up and about, immersing yourself in a serene blend of flowing yogic practice and blissful botanical beauty.

A real treat for the senses – and the soul.

As spring turns to summer, our chefs take their cue from the seasons and brighten their menus with the freshest seasonal produce.

The Ruin Terrace was made for long and lazy May afternoons, the wood-fired oven filling the warm early summer air with the heady scent of island wood.

Over at The New Inn, from approx. 15th May (weather permitting) we'll be firing up the Ox Grill for fresh island seafood and hearty flame-grilled suppers - with much of the produce sourced from the surrounding fields and sea.

Over on Bryher, from 8th May, Hell Bay Hotel opens the doors to the much-acclaimed Crab Shack. A messy meal of freshly caught shellfish in this converted barn has become a quintessentially Scilly experience - a great excuse for a special evening out on the supper boat.

Explore 800 acres of playground for young and old as the island bursts into life in the early summer. Wide-open spaces. Empty beaches. Miles of coastal footpaths to explore. A new seascape at every turn. The sweet scent of gorse in the clear sea air.

It's a great time of year to circumnavigate the island, and you can easily do it in a day, with plenty of time to take in the views.

For the active, the early summer brings with it the sporting highlight of the year.

3rd - 5th May sees the World Pilot Gig Championships come to the islands - a celebration of the Cornish pilot gigs that plied the waters of Scilly for centuries, saving lives, earning salvage and - on occasion - partaking in the odd spot of 'free trade'!

Today, gigs are raced for pleasure - and the World Championships are a true spectacle; the start line of the first races is over a mile long! Luckily, on Tresco, you wouldn't really know anything is going on – perfect for a peaceful base after a day of spectating on St Mary's!

For those looking for slightly more sedate outdoor pleasures, 2nd & 21st May bring two chances to discover Tresco's wilder side with Scilly's resident Ornithologist and Naturalist, Will Wagstaff. Join these leisurely strolls to get a new understanding and appreciation for Tresco's abundant wildlife.

If walking is your game, there is also the opportunity to walk the channel. Between 7th - 9th May, the tide allows for traversing the sea bed and exploring all that lies under the rocks and seaweed.

Finally, there is always the opportunity to hop aboard a boat and feel the wind in your hair as you head to another island, on an evening excursion or on a wildlife trip. The Firethorn is the perfect vessel for an adventure and an indicative weekly schedule is posted on Mondays, with times confirmed for certain the day before.

On Thursday 16th May the island will be encouraging everyone to take paint to canvas and use the Tresco environment as inspiration for 'Paint the Day'. What's more, there will be theatre at the Flying Boat Studio in the form of 'The Quizzards!' courtesy of Miracle Theatre.

On Sunday 19th & 26th May we celebrate the crafty creativity of our talented islanders with our regular Tresco Makers Markets along the Sea Wall at New Grimsby.

From 10th - 19th May, the annual Creative Scilly Festival returns, celebrating our unique culture, from live music and dramatic performances to open studios and workshops and special guests across all five islands.

The Scilly Folk Festival will also be coming to The New Inn for lunch time sessions on Sunday 26th May and then St Nicholas' Church will be filled with the classical repertoire of soprano Nancy May on Monday 13th May.