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Couples
Itinerary
Walk the coast - Tresco
Top things to do on Tresco
Like anywhere on the Isles of Scilly, Tresco also has its share of beaches, panoramas and secluded spots. Pentle Bay is especially peaceful, the rugged north-east coast boasts historic forts named for both sides of the English Civil War. It’s possible to walk the length of Tresco in a few hours, read on for our guide to explore the cosmopolitan island.Extra services
Duration
Full day
Activity
Walk the coast
Food and drink
cafe lunch
Day trip
Scillonian or Skybus
Full itineraries
Transport
Travel to Scilly by any of our transport methods
It’s possible to take advantage of all transport methods when visiting Tresco as there are connecting boats to meet Scillonian’s arrival at 12:15 and back in time for her departure. Or to make the most of your day catch the first Skybus flight from Land’s End and you can connect to Tresco on the 10:00 tripper boat from St Mary’s.
Activity
Explore the island on foot
If you land at Carn Near, head up over Carn Near road and you’ll pass through heathlands of heather. From here you’ll pass the famous Tresco Abbey Gardens and Abbey pool, take a right and aim for the coast, you’ll come to Pentle Bay, one of the most outstanding stretches of sand on the islands. Walk across the beach and join the coast path back onto Parting Carn, this is now the middle of the island and a path of trees and ferns. Keep following the track and you’ll see the town Old Grimsby where you can find a bite to eat before heading past the local church and to New Grimsby to meet your returning boat.
Lunch
Lunch with a view
The Ruin Beach café is the place to be, it’s set in a ruin but much more cosmopolitan, with views over the beach. The setting is idyllic, and the food is spectacular, try the wood-fired pizzas for a real treat. If you prefer, the islands shop has a wonderful deli full of fresh snacks and treats.
Highlights
Pack a towel and go for a dip
Pentle Bay is a long crescent of very pale sand and turquoise waters, the sea is extremely safe here for swimming so it’s well worth bringing a towel. If there’s time on your route, a stop at the Old Block House for the views out to the other islands is one you won’t forget.
Sample itineraries
Itinerary
Discover Tresco's castles
Explore Cromwell's Castle on Tresco
Tresco is the second largest inhabited island on the Isles of Scilly and whilst it's home to the sub-tropical gardens, un-spoilt beaches and fine food it's also full of walking routes, ancient monuments and historic castles. Cromwell's Castle stands tall guarding the channel between Bryher and Tresco, it was built in 1651 and is one of the few surviving Cromwellian fortifications in Britain. Read on to find out more. Find out more
Itinerary
Walk the coast - St Agnes
What to do on St Agnes island?
One of our favourite walks is to the back of the island and furthest westerly point, there’s only one quay on the island so once disembarked from the boat keep walking straight on and not to the left into town. We've pulled together a handy guide to help you catch a snippet of St Agnes in just a few short hours, read on to find out more. Find out more
Itinerary
Lunch with a view -Bryher
What to do on Bryher Island?
In the summer, Bryher may look more like heaven – with Atlantic waves lapping the edges of the cove, and sandy beaches fringing the grass and wild flowers. But come here in a storm, when the breakers sweep in from the ocean and meet the first land for two thousand miles, and you’ll see Hell Bay is aptly named. And it’s one of the contrasts that makes Bryher so unique. Find out more
Itinerary
Hire a golf buggy on St. Mary's
Fun Alternative to Car Hire
If walking and cycling seem a bit energetic, a golf buggy is a fun and easy way to explore the island in comfort. It’s something out of the ordinary for the whole family – and up to eight can ride – but be aware there are age limits on who can drive. What better way to see the best of St. Mary's then touring the sights in a golf buggy. Find out more
Itinerary
Hire bikes and explore St. Mary's
Cycling Adventure on St Mary's
On St. Mary’s Island, you’ll be as close as the Isles of Scilly get to being busy. With beaches, shopping, countryside paths and coastal trails and with largely traffic-free roads and gentle slopes, the Isles of Scilly are perfect for exploring under pedal power. Find out more
Itinerary
Walking route - St. Mary's
How long to walk around St Mary's Isles of Scilly?
St. Mary’s is criss-crossed by 30 miles of nature trails, paths and other walking routes. To see a snapshot of St. Mary’s, this walk will take you through tracks, lanes, woodland and across beaches. Read on for the full itinerary. Find out more
Itinerary
Tresco Abbey Gardens
Tresco Abbey Gardens
A visit to the Isles of Scilly is not complete without appreciating the amazing flora and fauna, although this can be seen across the islands the best place to view thousands of tropical species is at the Tresco Abbey Gardens on Tresco island. The 19th century garden is home to some 20,000 sub-tropical plants. Find out more
Itinerary
Walk the coast - Tresco
Top things to do on Tresco
Like anywhere on the Isles of Scilly, Tresco also has its share of beaches, panoramas and secluded spots. Pentle Bay is especially peaceful, the rugged north-east coast boasts historic forts named for both sides of the English Civil War. It’s possible to walk the length of Tresco in a few hours, read on for our guide to explore the cosmopolitan island. Find out more
Itinerary
Snorkel with seals
Snorkelling with Seals on the Isles of Scilly
For nature lovers and water enthusiasts it doesn’t get any better than snorkelling with seals in their natural environment. Head to the island of St. Martin’s, and you'll find the Scilly Seal Snorkelling Co who offer excursions to the Eastern Isles to swim with the seals and make memories to cherish for a lifetime. This trip is suitable for families from age 8 upward and couples. Find out more