Cromwell's Castle
Cornwall, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Penzance, 37.9 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Isles of Scilly TR24 0QE
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Visitor essentials
- Facilities
- Refreshments available from a well-stocked shop just south of New Grimsby harbour.
- Safety
- Deep water, uneven surfaces and steep stairs on site; sturdy footwear is advisable on the heather terrain.
A 17th-century gun tower on Tresco, built low and round to withstand cannon fire rather than to look impressive - though reviewers say it does that too, perched over Caribbean-blue water on the island's west coast. There's no entry fee and no staff; you reach it via a coastal path from the harbour.
Worth the trip
Climbing the tight spiral stair to the gun platform on the roof - reviewers say it's the closest you'll get to knowing what it felt like to be stationed there.
Before you go
It's a 30-minute walk along a narrow coastal path from the harbour, with no facilities at the site - worth pairing with the walk up to King Charles's Castle further along the hill.
Reviewers consistently describe Cromwell's Castle as a picturesque, well-preserved ruin worth the coastal walk from the harbour, with several highlighting the chance to climb to the gun platform on the roof for excellent island views. No caveats or complaints appear in the available reviews, visitors seem uniformly charmed by its dramatic setting and free entry.
17th-century gun tower on Tresco, Isles of Scilly
“Amazing place, very nice view and great Cromwell’s Castle. I do like history and everyone ho does should see this great place.”- andrei graur, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Terrain & accessibility
- “There is no entry fee and the structure is well maintained with some narrow steep steps.” - Justin Floyd
Common questions about Cromwell's Castle
Where is Cromwell's Castle?
Cromwell's Castle is in Cornwall, England, at Isles of Scilly TR24 0QE.
Is Cromwell's Castle free to visit?
Yes - Cromwell's Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by English Heritage. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
Is Cromwell's Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Cromwell's Castle - one reviewer noted: “…iew. Good hiking to the castle as well. Dog friendly.”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Cromwell's Castle?
Climbing the tight spiral stair to the gun platform on the roof - reviewers say it's the closest you'll get to knowing what it felt like to be stationed there.
Is Cromwell's Castle a ruin or still intact?
Cromwell's Castle is a partial ruin - 17th-century gun tower on Tresco, Isles of Scilly.
