Tales From Tresco
Dispatch From The Scilly Isles
The Scilly Isles are just 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall and yet seem like their own little world away from the busyness of life. Tresco is the most magical place in summer - long, lingering days embracing its best season, surrounded by vast, sandy beaches and incredible sunsets. I’ve been visiting since my childhood and feel almost instantly relaxed when I arrive. There is something about the light, the sunsets (and sunrises) and the wonderful feeling that you’re on a tropical island yet so close to home.
So if you’ve been thinking about visiting the Scilly Isles, you must! You can fly from Exeter or Penzance or get the more affordable Scillonian - a flat-bottomed ferry.
I’m sharing where we stay, love to do, dine and while away the time with you as I know you’ll love it and it’s not worth keeping a secret…
What to do…
Ideally, not much! If you’re visiting sans enfants, embrace the natural beauty of the island - the light, the wild agapanthus, the endless white sandy beaches - Pentle, Blockhouse and Appletree are my faves, sea and sunsets. Take lots of books; it’s also a very inspiring place to write, paint or journal. Start and end the day with long walks up around the North End, some shell hunting on Pentle Bay and source locally caught lobster from Island Fish on Bryher. And make sure your card game is strong…
There is also lots to do if you want to be a little more active. Go island hopping around the Scilly Isles by boat or kayak - you can hire them from Tresco Boats. We love Samson for Robinson Crusoe vibe picnics - dinner at the Crab Shack on Bryher, open-air theatre in the Abbey Gardens, outdoor yoga with Gem. Visit the Tresco art gallery and an absolute must, book yourself into the spa - I have the Ananda facial every year and am still floating from the last one - they use Ila products which I love. If you like rose beauty prods, check out their cleanser and toner - the stuff of dreams.
With children in tow there is also lots to do - swimming, quay-jumping off Old Grimsby, kayaking, cycling - ask for Graham in the bike shed, tennis, shell hunting, fishing, beach cricket and football are all on offer to keep them very active. (whatever the weather… do bring a cagoule!)
Where to stay…
There are not many options on Tresco which is part of the charm as it means no crowds. There are some Sea Garden Cottages that are available to book by the week or there’s The New Inn pub. Both have easy beach access, wonderful views and comfortable beds. The pub has excellent fish and chips and a very good burger too. Most of the cottages are on a timeshare but some do come up to rent. Email the estate office and ask for Dean!
Where to eat & drink…
The Crab Shack at Hell Bay Hotel
A little shack attached to Hell Bay Hotel on Bryher - a five minute boat ride across the bay, that opens every other evening in the summer months. They serve freshly caught crabs, scallops and mussels and it’s always one of our holiday highlights. And Eton mess that looks like a knickerbocker glory for pudding. Which might be my best bit.
The Ruin
We spend a lot of time here. Mostly in the mornings for a take out coffee and croissant on the beach after tennis; and then again in the evening for pizzas when we don’t want to summon the energy to cook. The crab linguine is a sensation.
The Flying Boat Cafe
I dream about the carrot cake here. There’s a lovely lady called Zoe who lives on Bryher and she makes a different cake every day. Not many so you have to be super-speedy - the donuts, carrot cake and cinnamon buns are worth writing home about. Also best coffee on the island is here.
A botanist’s dream
The flora on Tresco is incredible. It’s known as the ‘Island of Flowers’, the clue really is in the title! Aside from the famous wild agapanthus and nerines that litter the islands in the most pleasing way, there is an abundance of bright lilies (lilium lancifolium), scented pelargoniums and aeoniums at every turn. I think my favourite bit is how delicious the island smells.
Tresco Abbey Garden
A visit to the Abbey Garden is a must. Even if you're not flower mad, it’s quite a spectacle. When the boys were small I could lure them there under the premise of an ice cream from the cafe at the end if they could spot one of the legendary red squirrels. Founded in the 19th century by Augustus Smith who arrived from Hertfordshire it is built around the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey. The garden is now a sanctuary for over 2,000 exotic species from the southern hemisphere and subtropics - from Brazil to New Zealand, Myanmar to South Africa. It feels completely other-worldly wandering among the King Protea and Lobster Claw, the huge blue spires of Echium, brilliant Furcraea, Strelitzia and the hot pink drifts of Pelargonium. Maybe more enticing for small people is the Valhalla Figurehead Museum - also in the garden where you can learn about Scilly's maritime history among figureheads from local shipwrecks.
All in all, a wonderfully wholesome and happy time away with my family and friends. Until next year… unless I find a time to visit off-season. We went last October half term and almost preferred being there for the quieter and cooler time of year. Let me know if you’ve been or plan to visit too!
Beach Bag Edit
In case you missed it from our August Edition… Our Beach Bag Edit…
A roomy and rather indestructible Beach Bag is a must for the summer and the in-between months.
What’s in mine? The essentials!
SPF+ this one, a good book - just finished this one and absolutely loved it, it made me want to go to Ibiza immediately. Beach snacks - these are sensational, a bottle of still water, hairbrush - have you met these magic ones? my Niece introduced me to them in Turkey. Wave Spray for post swim frizz assistance. My hat, if I can fit it in! Always a lip balm. And a dry bikini. I lived in my Boden ones this summer.
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Have a gorgeous weekend…
Love,
Willow x
Spectacular group of islands have visited there by boat & long to return. Your photos are absolutely brilliant.
Willow, your time away sounds absolutely ideal and your enthusiasm for the islands inspires us to visit, even if from afar xx