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A mini guide to
Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's & St Agnes: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Check the tide for Gugh
The Wildlife Trust says the sandbar from St Agnes can be covered at higher tides; check tide times with your boatman or in the pub.
Tresco Abbey Garden tickets
Day visitors pay at the garden gate and advance booking is not available, according to Tresco. Guests staying on Tresco get free entry.
Plan crossings between off-islands
Tresco says there are daily boats from Bryher and St Mary's but usually only a couple of crossings a week from St Martin's and St Agnes.
Shipman Head in the nesting season
The Wildlife Trust closes Shipman Head on Bryher to all access during the breeding bird season. Keep to the paths.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's & St Agnes?
Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's & St Agnes is in Isles of Scilly, England. The four smaller inhabited islands, reached by boat from St Mary's. Nearby stops and stations include Tresco Heliport, Tresco quays (New Grimsby and Carn Near), Bryher, St Martin's and St Agnes quays.
How long do I need in Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's & St Agnes?
A day per island, or stay on one. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Tresco Abbey Garden, Valhalla figurehead collection, Cromwell's Castle. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Tresco Heliport (Penzance Helicopters); Tresco quays (New Grimsby and Carn Near) (Tripper boats and Tresco Boat Services); Bryher, St Martin's and St Agnes quays (St Mary's Boatmen's Association and island boat services). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 7 places to eat and drink in and around Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's & St Agnes, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 5 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's & St Agnes accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Tresco, Bryher, St Martin's & St Agnes
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Old Blockhouse
16th-century fort guarding Old Grimsby harbour, attacked in the Civil War; about 20 minutes' walk from Old Grimsby, with steep steps.
Pentle Bay
Long sandy beach on Tresco's east side, part of a protected area that includes seabird islands such as Round Island.
Shipman Head and Hell Bay
Bryher's wild northern tip above Hell Bay, with waved heath and a seabird colony; closed during the breeding season.
Photo credits
- King Charles's Castle: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Old Blockhouse: Andrewrabbott at English Wikipedia (released into the public domain), Public domain, source
- Pentle Bay: Tom Corser, CC BY-SA 2.0 uk, source
- Shipman Head and Hell Bay: Des Blenkinsopp, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- St Mary's & Hugh Town: Chris Gorringe, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Isles of Scilly