Tresco Abbey Garden is a must-visit during any Scilly stay – home to over 4000 species of plants from around the globe, this botanical beauty is an endless source of inspiration and wonder for those lucky enough to pass through its lush green terraces. Island instagrammer, Sasha takes us on a stroll on a beautiful June day...

The iconic blue bridge leading to the Garden is always a beckoning sight – even before you reach this spot, clusters of succulents and pops of colour have begun to appear. On either side of the bridge, a gentle scittering and scritching might be heard, perhaps a dart of rust-coloured fur in the tree branches above, and suddenly a clan of red squirrels appear, encircling tree trunks in pursuit of each other.

If you can pull yourself away from this sight, continue over the bridge and feel a blanket of calm envelope you – the peace and quiet is punctuated only by birdsong, perhaps a gentle breeze working its way through the plants. You’re drawn straight ahead, under the arch to the Mediterranean Garden.

Surrounded by Aeoniums, Agaves and Aloes, the exotic ambiance is consuming. The Shell House provides a shady spot to escape the sun for a moment – the intricate shell mosaic is quite spellbinding. Follow the stairs behind, and ascend further to the top terrace.

Lined with King Protea and Banksia, stop to enjoy the epic top terrace views taking in the varied treescape and stretching right across the sea to St. Mary’s. Further on, discover a fascinating figurehead in the image of Neptune – sitting atop a run of stairs lined by towering palms, this viewpoint is an unmissable photo opportunity, spanning the entire width of the Garden, up until the Tresco Children sculpture at the end.

Head down to the middle terrace, lined with towering Echiums and home to a small, charming fish pond. A network of shady, hidden paths take you deeper still into the Garden – come across the evocative marble sculpture Gaia, or find the ruins of the Old Abbey, historically home to a group of Benedictine monks.

Further down is the ‘Long Walk’ – a shady path running the length of the Garden, lined with tree ferns and often strewn with fallen petals. Off to the sides you might discover patches of green space, perfect for picnics and ideal pecking-ground for vibrant golden pheasants.

Stop off at Valhalla museum before you leave – this incredible collection of figureheads and relics has been gathered from shipwrecks taking place across the isles, and their treacherous, rocky surroundings. No visit is complete without browsing the gift shop– there are even plants you can take home with you. And to depart without sampling the delicious cake on offer in the café would be truly criminal!

Tresco Abbey Garden is open daily from 10am until 4pm. The Garden itself remains open throughout the year, but the Garden Visitor Centre and Café is closed during the winter (early November until March). Click here for more information.