Is Old Blockhouse dog friendly?

There are no published rules restricting dogs at the Old Blockhouse itself, so you and your dog are free to explore this 16th century gun tower and the headland around it. The wider Tresco setting is a real treat for dogs too — coastal paths, empty white beaches, clear shallow water, and almost no traffic on the island.

Are dogs allowed at Old Blockhouse year round?

The Old Blockhouse is free and permanently open, so there are no seasonal restrictions to worry about. That said, getting there requires a boat from St Mary's, so it's worth checking the ferry or boat operator's dog policy before you make the trip.

What should I know before visiting Old Blockhouse with my dog?

The blockhouse is a twenty minute walk from Old Grimsby along quiet lanes, with no facilities on site, so come prepared. Getting to Tresco means taking a boat from St Mary's — check the operator's policy on dogs before you travel. It's also worth noting that Tresco Abbey Garden has its own rules, so if you're planning a wider visit to the island, look into those separately.

AttractionEnglish Heritage

Old Blockhouse

Isles of Scilly, Cornwall

A 16th century gun tower above a white sand beach on Tresco, a twenty minute walk in, with some of the best coastal walking in the country for your dog.

Getting here is a commitment and that is the appeal. The Old Blockhouse is a small 16th century gun tower built to protect Old Grimsby Harbour on Tresco, and it saw real action in the late stages of the Civil War when Parliamentarian forces attacked the Royalist garrison holding the Scillies. Its substantial remains sit on a low headland looking straight down onto white sand and turquoise water.

Whilst you take in a fortification with a view that belongs somewhere else entirely, your dog gets Scilly walking, which is some of the best in the country: coastal paths, empty white beaches, clear shallow water and almost no traffic anywhere on the island.

Free and permanently open. Access is on foot only, a twenty minute walk from Old Grimsby along quiet lanes, what3words lecturers.spearing.packets. Dogs are not covered by any published rules here. Getting to Tresco means a boat from St Mary's, so check the operator's dog policy before you plan anything, and note Tresco Abbey Garden has its own rules. No facilities at the blockhouse.

At a Glance

Site Type: House & Palace
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Old Blockhouse dog friendly?
There are no published rules restricting dogs at the Old Blockhouse itself, so you and your dog are free to explore this 16th century gun tower and the headland around it. The wider Tresco setting is a real treat for dogs too — coastal paths, empty white beaches, clear shallow water, and almost no traffic on the island.
Are dogs allowed at Old Blockhouse year round?
The Old Blockhouse is free and permanently open, so there are no seasonal restrictions to worry about. That said, getting there requires a boat from St Mary's, so it's worth checking the ferry or boat operator's dog policy before you make the trip.
What should I know before visiting Old Blockhouse with my dog?
The blockhouse is a twenty minute walk from Old Grimsby along quiet lanes, with no facilities on site, so come prepared. Getting to Tresco means taking a boat from St Mary's — check the operator's policy on dogs before you travel. It's also worth noting that Tresco Abbey Garden has its own rules, so if you're planning a wider visit to the island, look into those separately.