Free Entry
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours
Address:
Tresco, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, TR24 0QW
Built in the 16th century to protect Old Grimsby Harbour, the Old Blockhouse saw action in the late stages of the Civil War, when Parliamentarians attacked the Royalist garrison. Today its substantial remains overlook a white sandy beach.
Read more about the history of the Old Blockhouse.
Before You Go
Access: The blockhouse is only accessible on foot, via a 20 minute walk from Old Grimsby along pleasant lanes. Location what3words ///lecturers.spearing.packets
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Drone flying: Please see our Drone guidance
There are steep and uneven steps up to the Blockhouse entrance, with sheer drops from inside the ruins.
Plan a Great Day Out
Refreshments are available from a well-stocked shop just south of New Grimsby harbour - why not put a picnic together and enjoy it on the vast white sandy beach.
Take time to discover the island's two castles on the western side of the island. Cromwell's Castle and King Charles' Castle are situated just north of New Grimsby Harbour. Along with the Old Blockhouse, these two sites can be included on the six mile circular coastal walk around Tresco.
Call in at the Isles of Scilly Museum in Hugh Town, St Mary's, for more information about the history of the Isles.
Your Places Appeal
Did you know over 300 of our historic sites are free to explore and enjoy, but keeping them open and cared for costs more than £4.2 million every year?
With your help, we can protect these historic places and make sure they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Whether your donation today helps pay for the work of an expert stonemason, a key keeper’s time to unlock the gates or the restoration of a rare artefact, you’ll help care for precious heritage.
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