Burgh Island
Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-Sea
Burgh Island, Bigbury’s most famous landmark is Burgh Island, which overlooks the beach. The island is accessible at low tide when the waters reveal a causeway that links it to the beach. Similar to St Michael’s Mount. However, when the tide is in, you can still reach the island by taking a ride on the popular and unique ‘sea tractor’. The fare is around £2.00. Burgh Island boasts an award-winning hotel, an iconic Art Deco landmark and a retreat. The hotel was once described as a shining white ocean liner surrounded by golden beaches and silver seas.
Burgh Island inspired the setting for Agatha Christie’s novel, the Hercule Poirot mystery, Evil Under the Sun. The 2002 TV adaptation of Christie’s Evil Under the Sun used the island as a filming location. Hotel visited by playwright Noel Coward in 1930sSeveral scenes from the BBC’s 1987 dramatisation of Christie’s story Nemesis were also filmed in the hotel. Brit Award-winning singer Ben Howard released an EP named after the island in 2012.
Car Parking Burgh Island
Car Parking for the Island is at Brigbury on Sea Beach car parks. If these are full, use the parking at the farm on the way in. The Farm charges about £3.00 to £4.00 a day. It is only a few minutes’ walk down the hill to the beach.
The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island
The Pilchard Inn serves food and drink for all the thirsty beachgoers. You need to time the tides or rely on the Sea Tractor to take you back and forth. Built-in 1336, The Pilchard Inn has been quenching the inhabitants of Devon’s thirst for over 700 years. First serving fishermen who lived on the island and surrounding mainland shores, then smugglers and wreckers who lured ships onto the western rocks, and now hotel guests and the public.
A Walk around Burgh Island
Probably the longest walk of the week. We had no intention of doing this walk today. The forecast was Rain for most of the day, nearly all day. So we set off later this morning and did a walk around Burgh Island, then onto the beach at a low tide. We then came back and picked up sandwiches for lunch, then headed off towards a walk we did the other day. This time, we walked past the Golf Course and headed for another bit of the South Coast Path. It was a good choice, an amazing dirt track full of wild garlic, bluebells and other wildflowers. We followed the signposts and ended up back in Bigbury on Sea. Not a drop of rain all day, yet it says it’s raining here on the news forecast and on the phone. Never mind, a good day out was had.
The First walk (a short one)
The 2nd walk around Burgh Island
Accommodation Burgh Island Hotel
Probably one of the best hotels in the world. It looks amazing from the photographs.
Top 10 Places to Visit Near Burgh Island & Bigbury‑on‑Sea
1. Burgh Island – Iconic Tidal Escape
Burgh Island is a must-visit for anyone exploring South Devon. At low tide, you can walk across the sandy causeway, while at high tide, the quirky sea tractor ferries visitors safely to shore. The island’s distinctive Art Deco hotel and rugged coastline offer plenty of charm and character. Take a stroll around its edges, breathe in the salty Atlantic air, and enjoy the panoramic sea views. Writers and artists have long drawn inspiration from this little island, making it a place that feels steeped in history, creativity, and that rare sense of escape.
2. Bigbury-on-Sea Beach – Classic Devon Sands
Bigbury-on-Sea Beach is a wide, sandy expanse perfect for families, walkers, and beachcombers alike. Its gentle slope into the water makes paddling safe for children, while surfers enjoy the rolling Atlantic waves. At low tide, sandbanks emerge, providing an ever-changing landscape to explore. The view of Burgh Island rising from the water adds a dramatic backdrop. Take a picnic, stroll along the shoreline, or simply watch the tide come in — this is quintessential Devon, offering fresh sea air, space to roam, and a calm, natural beauty that invites you to linger all day.
3. Bantham Beach – Surf and Sand
Bantham Beach is a short drive from Bigbury and offers a more rugged coastal experience. Known for its excellent surf conditions, it attracts boarders and kayakers, yet there’s plenty of space for families to relax on the sand. The dunes behind the beach are perfect for a scenic walk or a picnic spot. Low tide reveals rock pools brimming with marine life, giving children and adults alike the chance to explore. The broad vistas, fresh sea breeze, and quiet corners make Bantham a versatile spot — whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful day by the ocean.
4. Challaborough Beach – Hidden Horseshoe Bay
Challaborough is a quieter beach tucked just east of Bigbury. Its horseshoe shape shelters the bay, making it ideal for paddling, walking, and rockpooling at low tide. The dunes and grassy slopes surrounding the sand create perfect picnic spots and scenic viewpoints. Surfers still enjoy the waves here, but the overall atmosphere is more relaxed. From the village, you can admire views of Burgh Island and the wider bay, making it a hidden gem in South Devon. It’s a wonderful place to escape the crowds and soak in coastal tranquillity with family or friends.
5. South West Coast Path – Walking with Coastal Views
The South West Coast Path passes right through the Bigbury and Burgh Island area, offering some of Devon’s best walking. Paths wind along cliffs, across dunes, and past hidden coves, revealing changing vistas at every turn. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the chance to spot seabirds, foxes, and butterflies along the route. Even a short walk offers dramatic views over the Atlantic, while longer hikes can take you towards Thurlestone or Hope Cove. Whether you’re looking for gentle seaside strolls or invigorating cliff-top adventures, this section of the Coast Path offers something unforgettable for every walker.
6. Bigbury Golf Club – Scenic Fairways
Bigbury Golf Club is nestled just inland from the coast and offers a championship course framed by dunes, farmland, and sea views. Even non-golfers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with club terraces and cafés providing the perfect spot to watch golfers tackle the challenging layout. The rolling fairways and natural beauty make this a serene escape from busier attractions. If you do choose to play, the combination of landscape and challenging holes ensures a rewarding experience. It’s an ideal stop for anyone wanting a quiet, picturesque setting with the option of sporty activity.
7. Aymer Cove – Rockpools and Quiet Corners
Aymer Cove is a small, sheltered beach close to Bigbury, perfect for families and nature lovers. At low tide, the rocky outcrops reveal pools filled with crabs, small fish, and shells. The surrounding cliffs offer fantastic vantage points for photos or just admiring the sea. With fewer visitors than the larger beaches, Aymer Cove feels peaceful and private. It’s ideal for an afternoon of exploration or a quiet picnic by the shore. The combination of sand, rocks, and tide pools makes it a versatile spot for children and adults alike, offering hands-on interaction with the local marine environment.
8. Thurlestone – Dramatic Village and Coastline
Thurlestone is a charming coastal village with stunning cliffs and sandy beaches. Natural rock arches and striking formations at low tide make the area particularly photogenic. Walk along the cliff-top paths for breathtaking views over Start Bay, or explore the village’s cafés and pubs for a taste of local cuisine. The blend of scenic walks, rugged coastline, and welcoming community gives Thurlestone a timeless charm. Whether you’re exploring the sands, photographing rock formations, or enjoying a cosy meal, it’s a versatile destination that feels both authentic and spectacularly scenic.
9. Mothecombe Beach – Tranquil Seaside Escape
Mothecombe Beach is a hidden treasure along the South Devon coast, offering quiet sands and peaceful estuary views. Unlike the busier Bigbury and Bantham beaches, it’s ideal for families seeking solitude or couples looking for a romantic walk. Low tide exposes shallow pools for rockpooling and exploring, while the surrounding greenery provides scenic spots for picnics. The calm atmosphere allows visitors to relax and enjoy the sound of the waves. Mothecombe’s natural charm and relative seclusion make it an unforgettable coastal escape, perfect for those seeking tranquillity without straying too far from Burgh Island.
10. Salcombe – Stylish Harbour Town
A short drive from Bigbury brings you to Salcombe, one of South Devon’s most picturesque harbour towns. Its waterfront is lined with boutique shops, cafés, and seafood restaurants, while the estuary buzzes with sailing yachts and paddleboards. Walking along the quayside, you’ll find the town perfect for photography, shopping, or just enjoying the maritime atmosphere. Boat trips offer a chance to explore the surrounding coastline from the water, providing a fresh perspective on the hills and beaches of South Devon. Salcombe combines elegance, charm, and outdoor adventure in one delightful package.
