The island of ultimate luxury, sophistication and the famous Abbey Garden

Tresco is the second largest of the islands and a subtropical gem. It is the only one of the islands to be privately-owned; it is currently cared for by Lucy and Robert Dorrien-Smith.

This island has a little bit of everything – from dramatic rocky outcrops, bronze age burial sites and romantic castle ruins, to secluded sandy beaches and, of course, the world famous Tresco Abbey Garden which was established in the 1830s by Augustus Smith.  This horticultural paradise hosts a spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world – many of which cannot be grown anywhere else in Britain. The Valhalla collection within the Garden is equally impressive with its colourful display of figureheads salvaged from the islands’ shipwrecks.

The rugged north of the island is a great place to walk and explore, while in the centre of the island, there are bird hides to seek out around Tresco’s freshwater pools. You can hire bikes to travel around, or if you are feeling active, borrow a boat, windsurf or kayak from Tresco Sailing Club. The island is also excellent for beachcombing or simply relaxing on a beach - there’s no finer spot to chill than the sugar-fine white sand of Pentle and Appletree Bays.

Whatever you choose to do on Tresco, you’ll notice that it oozes sophistication at every level - from its top-notch accommodation, art gallery and fabulous deli to the amazing eateries serving fine local produce and the award-winning leisure spa, the Flying Boat Club.