Cromwell’s Castle is fabulously located on a rocky promontory to the north west of the island, where it once guarded Tresco Sound and protected the heart of the archipelago. Built to deter Dutch invaders it is a rare survivor from Cromwell’s time. A staircase spirals within the walls of its tall round tower, taking the visitor to the roof for great views through any of its six gun ports. Cromwell’s Castle superseded King Charles’s Castle, which is located on the hill above it. The latter was so poorly sited that to hit enemy ships its cannons had to be aimed downwards and the cannonballs were said to roll out before they could be fired. Today it makes a romantic ruin to explore and enjoy the surrounding seascapes. Another fortification, overlooking Old Grimsby Harbour, is the sixteenth century Old Blockhouse built to protect against a French attack. It would have housed a battery of artillery pieces positioned on a gun platform on top of a rocky outcrop, with defensive banks and walls and tiny living quarters. Both castles and the Old Blockhouse can be visited on a six mile circular coastal walk around the island.
Visiting Tresco
Check out our island page for Tresco for more information.
What to do on Tresco
Islands nearby
Whilst you are there why note explore the following islands
St Mary’s
St Helen’s
Annet
Other islands of the British Isles
We have explored nearly 600 islands in the British Isles and are trying to write them up as fast as we can. Check more here or contact us as we are happy to share our info.
Further information
Our two books are stacked with more ideas on what to do in the Channel Islands and more more info here
