One of the world's most interesting botanical experiments

Augustus Smith created Tresco Abbey Gardens in 1834 around the remains of the 12th Century St Nicholas Priory. They are one of the most remarkable sub-tropical gardens in the world. Here is contained a unique collection of plants, many of which are too tender for outdoor cultivation on the British mainland. Tresco Abbey Gardens flourish in the warm Gulf Stream climate and are regarded by botanists as one of the most interesting and varied botanical experiments in the world.

Parts of the seventeen-acre gardens - which were started in 1834 - carry names which reflect the origin of the plants grown there: 'Higher and Lower Australia', 'Mexico' and 'South Africa Cliff' are typical. There is a strong Mediterranean and South American flavour as well. Among the more spectacular sights is the tallest Norfolk Island pine in Britain in the Long Walk, bananas growing outside in the Old Abbey ruins and a very rare and prized Cordyline Australis nearby in the Pebble Garden. Tall palms from Chile and the Canary Islands jostle for space with the Maori Looking-Glass Tree, Table Mountain Silver Trees, brilliant Mesems and the spectacular New Zealand Christmas Tree.

A walk through Tresco Abbey Gardens will be the highlight of your visit to the island, offering hours of pleasure in one of the marvels of the gardening world.

The Gardens are open 365 days a year, from 10.00 - 16.00 hrs.

The Valhalla Ship's Figurehead Collection is situated within the Abbey Gardens. Tragically, there have been more shipwrecks around Scilly than anywhere else in the world, and some of the magnificent figure heads from the old sailing ships are displayed here - collected by the founder of the Gardens - Augustus Smith. Each has it's own story to tell...

There is an entrance fee for the Gardens but chidren are free. Special rates for groups. Paid guided tours take place in the season or can be arranged to suit requirements. Day trip tickets are available in the season via helicopter from Penzance (check with British International Helicopters +44 (0)1736 363871 ).

Curator: Mike Nelhams
Head Gardener: Andrew Lawson