Experience the beauty of Tresco Abbey Gardens, located just 30 miles off the coast of Cornwall.
Tresco Abbey Garden is the perfect destination for anyone who loves plants, flowers, and nature. It’s home to 20,000 different species of plants from all over the world. You can get lost in its beautiful pathways and walkways while taking in the sights of these gorgeous gardens.
The Abbey Garden is an oasis of beauty and tranquility. It’s the perfect place to spend time with friends or family, relax, or just get away from it all. You can stroll through the garden paths on your own or take part in one of our guided tours. There are also special events throughout the year that celebrate different cultures around the world. And don’t forget about our famous Tresco Tea Rooms where you can enjoy delicious food and drink while taking in views of this beautiful landscape!
What is Tresco Abbey Gardens Garden
Tresco Abbey Gardens is a garden located on the island of Tresco, in the Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom. The garden is open to the public and contains a variety of plants, including many rare and exotic species.
The History of Tresco Abbey Gardens Garden
In 1834, Augustus Smith left Hertfordshire and took up residence on the Isles of Scilly as Lord Proprietor and leaseholder of all the islands, choosing Tresco as his home.
Upon hearing about this, a colony of Benedictine monks from Beuron in Germany were keen to establish a monastery on Tresco and so they sent Abbot Boniface Wimmer and 12 of his colleagues to Tresco in 1838. They arrived with three Irish laborers.
As their numbers grew, they needed more land for agriculture and gardening. They set out to purchase Duntulm Castle at the end of the neighboring island of Boreray but by 1850 it was too expensive and so they instead purchased Tresco Abbey Gardens from the estate of Augustus Smith.
In 1861, a fire broke out in Old Town and destroyed most of the monks’ homes. With the help of Henry Trengrouse, they built temporary accommodation which is now known as Brean Cottage. In 1903 another fire destroyed their Abbey church and the current building dates from the rebuilding which started in 1904.
The Abbey is home to a variety of rare species including wallabies, pygmy parrots, and some beautiful orchids.
Due to dwindling numbers of monks, Tresco Abbey Gardens are now looked after by an Austrian order of Benedictine nuns who also have their own garden on St Mary’s. The nuns are responsible for the production of the island’s famous honey.
The Abbey Gardens are open to the public and make a great place to spend a relaxing day out. There is a gift shop, cafe, and toilets on site. Admission is free but a donation is appreciated. source
The Grounds at Tresco Abbey Gardens
The Grounds at Tresco Abbey Gardens are a sight to behold. With the well-manicured gardens and lush green landscape, it’s easy to spend a few hours wandering around and taking in all the beauty. There’s also a variety of different gardens, each with its own unique charm. You can find everything from a traditional rose garden to a Japanese garden with a beautiful koi pond.
The one thing that’s very noticeable about the Gardens is the number of plants and trees in every size and shape. It feels like you’re walking in a fairy tale, and it’ll be hard not to stop and smell each bush or tree along your path.
In addition to all this natural beauty, there are also many outdoor activities available. You can enjoy the outdoors even more by renting a boat or pedaling around on a bicycle. There’s also an amusement park for kids, in which you’ll find the iconic Tresco Castle. This castle is an exact replica of King Charles’ Castle at Windsor Great Park, and it’s definitely worth taking your camera along to capture this whimsical sight.
How to get to Tresco Abbey Gardens
To visit Tresco Abbey Gardens, you can fly directly by helicopter from Penzance. The Helicopter will land just close to the gardens. You can also take a Skybus flight and the Scillonian ferry to St Mary’s, which is only a short boat ride away.
There are also daily tripper boats to Tresco from Bryher, St Mary’s, and St Martin’s, with regular trips from St Agnes. source
Opening times at Tresco Abbey Gardens
Opening Times (mid-March to early November): Garden, Café & Shop open daily 10 am – 4 pm
Winter Opening Times: Garden open daily 10 am – 4 pm; Café & Shop closed
Entry Prices for Tresco Abbey Gardens Gardens
- adult is £15,
- under 16s is £5,
- under 5s is free,
- over 65s is £14, and
- weekly ticket is £25.
What to See and Do at Tresco Abbey Gardens Garden
1. Tresco boat services
Take a boat trip to Tresco from the mainland and explore the island’s stunning Abbey Gardens. source
2. Explore under your own steam in a dinghy, kayak, SUP board, or small motorboat
Explore the island’s coastline at your leisure with a range of self-powered watercraft available to hire from Tresco Sailing Centre.
3. Water tuition from Tresco Sailing Centre
Tresco Sailing Centre offer a range of RYA approved courses for beginners and experienced sailors alike – learn to sail, windsurf, or powerboat in some of the most beautiful surroundings in Britain
4. Swimming with Seals
One of the highlights of a visit to Tresco is the opportunity to swim with the resident seals. The shallow waters around the island provide the perfect habitat for these playful creatures and there’s no better way to cool off on a hot day than a quick dip with the seals. source
5. Tresco Island Spa
After a day exploring the island, what could be better than a relaxing spa treatment in the tranquil surroundings of Tresco Island Spa? The spa offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, and aromatherapy, as well as a heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi.
6. Gallery Tresco
Gallery Tresco is the island’s art gallery, showcasing a changing program of exhibitions by some of the UK’s leading artists.
7. Bird watching
Tresco is home to a wide variety of bird species, from the Atlantic puffin to the elusive barn owl. The island’s nature reserve provides the perfect habitat for these birds and offers a great opportunity for bird-watching enthusiasts to get up close and personal with some of Britain’s most beautiful wildlife.
8. Sports: Golf, tennis, and bike riding
Tresco is the perfect place to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from golf and tennis to cycling and walking. The island has its own 18-hole golf course and tennis courts, as well as bike hire and cycling trails. source
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Tresco Abbey Gardens Garden
When you visit Tresco Abbey Gardens, be sure to take a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The gardens are a great place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the world.
The gardens are also a great place to learn about horticulture. There are several exhibits that showcase different types of plants and flowers. Be sure to ask the staff about the plants that you are interested in.
The gardens are also home to several animals, including peacocks, parrots, and ducks. Be sure to take time to admire these beautiful creatures.
If you are feeling hungry, be sure to stop by the tea room for a quick cup of tea. The staff is happy to make your cup to order! There are also several restaurants in Tresco where you can enjoy a meal with friends and family.
Other Places Nearby
There are many popular tourist attractions near Tresco Abbey Garden that people who have already visited have enjoyed. Many of these attractions are within an hour’s drive of the garden.
The Flying Boat is a popular tourist destination on the island of Tresco. It’s an amphibious aircraft that was used in WWII and is now open to the public as a museum. The New Inn is a charming pub located in the village of Bryher that offers excellent food and drink, as well as lovely views of the island.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area, Ruin Beach Cafe is a great choice. It’s located on a private beach and offers excellent food and drinks. Bant’s Carn Burial Chamber and Halangy Down Ancient Village are both interesting historical sites that are worth a visit. Garrison Walls is a well-preserved castle that offers great views of the island and Cromwells Castle is an imposing structure that was built by Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century.
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids, there are several parks and play areas nearby, including Tresco Abbey Garden’s very own play park. The island also has a number of excellent beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Conclusion
Visiting Tresco Abbey Garden is a great way to explore the beautiful island of Tresco. The gardens offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the world, but also provide opportunities for learning about horticulture and nature. There are many nearby attractions that visitors who have already visited recommend checking out if you’re looking for something else to do with your time in this area!
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