Filming, Photography & Drones on Tresco
With its unique, varied and beautiful landscape, Tresco has provided a location for numerous films, television programmes and editorial and commercial photoshoots over the years...
From the rugged cliffs of the north end to the fine soft sands of the south; the wooded heart of the island to the subtropical splendour of the Abbey Garden, Tresco is a remarkable natural environment. Our built architecture is equally varied, from modern, beachfront holiday cottages to crumbling castles.
Tresco provides a huge variety of stunning locations for films, TV, commercial and editorial photoshoots, and we can provide bespoke assistance and logistical support to help make your production a reality.
Filming Permission
Private photographers taking stills or videos of the island for personal use do not require specific permission, but please avoid disturbing other guests, island residents and wildlife. Please note that UAVs (drones) are not permitted on Tresco - please see below for details.
Those wishing to use the island for commercial photography or filming purposes should contact us to discuss your plans and how we can assist you in finding the perfect filming location on Tresco.
We welcome many filming and photography opportunities each year, but please note that prior permission from Tresco Island Limited is always required for commercial filming on Tresco. This includes where you plan to sell the imagery for commercial gain, or include the imagery in stock image libraries.
To contact us about using Tresco for commercial filming, please click below.
Using Drones on Tresco
Tresco Island Limited does not permit private operators to fly drones from anywhere on the island.
We take this stance to safeguard Tresco Heliport, protect guest and resident privacy and safety, and prevent harm to our properties, designated sites, wildlife and agricultural animals.
In addition, much of Tresco lies within the St Mary's Airport Aerodrome Traffic Zone, and Air Traffic Control permission should be requested across the whole of Scilly due to the condensed flying operations, which could include military, private, Search & Rescue, and HEMS flights outside scheduled flight times.
We may grant permission for commercial filming on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us using the link above to discuss your plans.
Upcoming planned drone usage
Tresco Estate sometimes uses drones for surveys, inspections, filming, and photography purposes.
Where possible, we will list upcoming drone use below.
- There is currently no planned drone usage on Tresco