Flying Boat Cottages

Activities

Car-free Tresco is just 2 miles long by 1 mile wide but has an extremely diverse landscape with rugged cliffs and wild moorland in the north and lush farmland, manicured gardens and palms in the south.

• Bicycle around the island (there's a hire shop just beside Tresco Stores with bikes of all sizes). No need to fret about locking your bike up - no-one will steal it here
  
  
• Wander along the beaches - there's half a dozen to choose from and usually these are empty with white sand, pretty shells and crystal clear water. Pentle Bay is considered one of the best beaches in the UK. We also love the one just below the Blockhouse.
  
  
• Visit the famous Tresco Abbey Garden - created in 1834 it features a unique collection of sub-tropical plants from around the world. Entrance is free to Flying Boat Club members and it's open every day from 10.00-16.00 hrs
  
  
• Visit the Valhalla exhibition (located within Abbey Garden) - the best collection of ships' figureheads in the world, mostly taken from wrecks found in the Scilly Isles dating back centuries
  
  
• Walking is relatively easy going around Tresco. Follow the coastal path along to Cromwell's 17th century castle on the island's north west promontory (built to guard anchorage between Bryher and Tresco). A short hike up the hill behind leads you to King Charles Castle and fabulous view of the islands
  
  
• Play tennis - there are a couple of astro-turf courts beside the spa (balls and rackets can be provided)
  
  
• All members of the Flying Boat Club are entitled to play golf at The Isles of Scilly Golf Club on St Mary's for free
  
  
• Take some sailing, kayaking or windsurfing lessons at the sailing club on the other side of the island (July and August). The main local spectator sport is gig-racing
  
  
• Unwind at the Flying Boat Club's Spa: enjoy some treatments or use its jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The new indoor swimming pool is one of the best we've seen anywhere.
  
  
• The Scillies are a haven for birdwatchers, particularly in October when migratory birds visit the islands. The hide overlooking the Great Pool on Tresco is an excellent spot
  
  
• Check out who's showing at the Gallery Tresco - they regularly feature some of Cornwall's most acclaimed contemporary artists
  
  
• Explore the other islands: apart from Tresco the other inhabited islands are St Mary's (the main island), Bryher, St Martin's and St Agnes, plus there are over 100 uninhabited islands (though many are just small rocks), some of which are home to seal and seabird sanctuaries. Boat trips run daily or you can hire a private launch
  
  
• Hole up at home with a DVD - you can rent the latest films from the Tresco Stores and watch on large flat screen TVs
  
  
• Watch the sunset from your terrace