Valhalla Museum

About the museum

The Valhalla collection began around 1840 under Augustus Smith, Lord Proprietor of the Isles of Scilly, who gathered figureheads and other carvings salvaged from ships wrecked around the islands. He displayed them in Tresco Abbey Garden, which he had founded in the 1830s around the ruins of a priory.

The collection brings together some 30 figureheads, with nameboards and decorative carvings, from the age of sail. Most date from the mid to late nineteenth century and come from merchant sailing ships and early steam vessels, rather than grand naval ships. They show a tradition of carved prows that goes back more than 3,000 years.

Since 1979 the Valhalla collection has been part of the National Maritime Museum collection in Greenwich, and its conservators travel to Scilly to look after the objects. The figureheads can be seen as part of a visit to the Abbey Garden.

Highlights

• About 30 ship's figureheads from wrecks around Scilly
• Nameboards and decorative carvings from the age of sail
• Part of the National Maritime Museum collection since 1979
• Shown inside the subtropical Tresco Abbey Garden

Permanent exhibition

• Valhalla figurehead collection – About 30 ship's figureheads with nameboards and carvings from merchant ships wrecked around the Isles of Scilly.

Founded

1840

Operated by

Tresco Estate (collection owned by Royal Museums Greenwich)

Admission & discounts

There is no separate ticket: the Valhalla collection is seen as part of the Abbey Garden admission, which is paid at the garden gate. Advance booking is not available. Guests staying on Tresco have complimentary garden entry for their stay.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A wheelchair-accessible shingle path runs through much of the Abbey Garden and reaches most key areas, although some sections are steeper or more rugged. A small number of mobility scooters can be used in the garden on a first-come, first-served basis. Tresco has no public transport.

Kids & families

Getting there & parking

The walk from New Grimsby Quay takes about 30 minutes. Boat times depend on tides and weather, and the return journey can leave from a different quay.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Tresco Abbey Garden Cafe and Shop serves coffee, pastries, light lunches and cakes and sells island gifts, books and local produce.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit