How to Visit Bigbury-on-Sea & Burgh Island, Devon’s Tidal Island

Last Updated on 17th September 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Crashing waves, a tidal island, and a golden sandy beach that stretches far into the distance: the views from the quaint Devonian village of Bigbury-on-Sea are hard to beat. Just across from here, you’ll find Burgh Island, a small islet that you can either wander out to by foot or travel by sea tractor through the water. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island.

Is Bigbury-On-Sea worth visiting?

Much like the rest of South Devon, Bigbury-On-Sea and its neighbouring tidal island are absolutely worth visiting. Whether you decide to stop by for the views or spend a whole day here soaking up the uniqueness of this picture-perfect bay. Indeed, Bigbury and the South Hams in general have often been referred to as one of the most relaxing places in all of the UK.

A breif history of Burgh Island

Aside from its unusual geography, one of the main reasons to visit this pocket of Devon is to see Burgh Island. Burgh Island actually has a surprisingly interesting history for such a small place. Originally known as St Michael’s Island, the islet was once home to a chapel dedicated to St Michael, which is first documented in 1411.

The Pilchard Inn dates back to 1336 and is now one of the island’s most recognisable (and only) buildings. It’s believed to have originally served as guest lodgings for a monastery, and while you can no longer stay at the inn today (or see the monastery, for that matter), it still serves up delicious local cask ales!

As you can probably imagine, the island’s remote, tidal location also made it a useful place for smugglers. Indeed, the Pilchard Inn itself has a long association with the island’s smuggling past, while one of the most notorious figures linked to Burgh Island was Tom Crocker, an Elizabethan smuggler who was allegedly shot outside the inn by a revenue officer.

By the 1920s, Burgh Island entered a whole new era when filmmaker Archibald Nettlefold bought the island in its entirety in 1927. However, this big purchase was solely personal rather than professional, and no filming under Nettlefold took place here. Instead, the London-born producer built the Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, which became quite a popular retreat, attracting a number of famous guests, including the likes of Winston Churchill and The Beatles.

Later on, however, the island did become a filming location for adaptations of Agatha Christie’s much-loved mysteries. This is because the beloved author became a regular visitor to Burgh Island, using its secluded location as inspiration. In fact, it’s actually where she wrote the novels And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun, both of which are set on the island.

Things to do on Burgh Island and in Bigbury on Sea

Walk across the Burgh Island Causeway

The giant causeway at Bigbury-on-Sea is the jewel in the crown of Bigbury Bay. At low tide, the sandy causeway is revealed, connecting the mainland to Burgh Island and offering beautiful views of the surrounding coastline. When the tide is out, you can walk across to the island on foot, while at high tide, the famous sea tractor takes over.

Take the sea tractor

While you may be wondering what exactly a sea tractor is, the answer is quite literally just that. This iconic and robust mobile is officially named “Trundle”, and it was designed in 1969 by engineer and nuclear pioneer Robert Jackson CBE… apparently in exchange for £9,000 and a case of champagne!

The sea tractor has been ferrying visitors to and fro between Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island for over 50 years, which is rather handy, as you never truly feel stuck on the island, even if you’ve forgotten to check the tide times. And what’s even better is that it’s a pretty low-cost ride. Guests staying at the Art Deco hotel can use the tractor for free, while regular visitors of the island need to pay around £2 to £3 per ride (please note, you’ll need cash for this).

Explore Burgh Island

Once at the island, you’re free to explore! The entirety of the island is crisscrossed by tiny pathways that offer spectacular views out onto the open sea. It’s rumoured that there was once thought to have been a monastery, though any traces of this have since disappeared. Some archaeologists believe that if there was a Burgh Island Monastery, then it would have stood where the Burgh Island Hotel can now be found.

Have a drink at the Pilchard Inn

Considering that a ‘pilchard’ is another name for a sardine, it’s not hard to see how this pub acquired its name. While there are no longer sardines swimming in the shores along this coastline, historically speaking, during the 18th and 19th centuries, the waters around Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island were an important centre for the local pilchard fishing industry.

Another story of interest to the former inn is that it was supposedly frequented by the notorious smuggler Tom Crocker, who used the island (then known as Burr Island) as his base. Although very little is known about this Elizabethan smuggler, he was allegedly shot dead on the very steps of the inn. The pub is reputedly still haunted by his ghost.

Today, the Pilchard Inn is the perfect place to stop for a refreshment after exploring the rest of the island. I will note that online, the reviews are pretty poor, but as far as I’m aware, the management has undergone a lot of changes recently. While it’s been a few years since I’ve been myself, I found it a charming and atmospheric place to stop for a drink!

Burgh Island Hotel

As mentioned, the Art Deco-style Burgh Island Hotel was built by Archibald Nettleford, this happened in 1929, two years after he purchased the island, and it’s welcomed more than a few famous faces over the years. However, it is perhaps best known for its connection to Agatha Christie’s Evil Under the Sun, which was inspired by the island and later adapted for both film and television.

During the Second World War, the hotel was requisitioned and used as a military hospital for wounded RAF servicemen. It was later damaged by fire and bombing, with much of the upper part of the building destroyed.

The hotel eventually fell into disrepair before being purchased and restored by new owners in the 1990s, bringing it back to something closer to its former Art Deco glory.

Former Chapel

With breathtaking views over the sea, the remains of a former chapel dedicated to St Michael are hard to miss. Perched at the highest point of the island, the chapel was once associated with the island’s fishermen, while the nearby Huer’s Hut was used as a lookout for signs of pilchard shoals.

Bigbury on Sea Beach

The golden stretch of sand that makes up Bigbury Beach is one of the most alluring parts of visiting this area of South Devon. That, and it’s also considered one of the most family-friendly beaches thanks to its shallow and gently sloping waters. And the best part is that you have the sea on either side of you!

Go bodyboarding

Don’t forget your swimsuit (or more likely wetsuit) when you visit Bigbury. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, bodyboarding and surfing are all popular here. In fact, when I was younger, we would often come here with body boards in hand, ready to catch the crashing waves and whoosh back to shore (something you can never get too old for either!) One thing I will note is that you should watch out for jellyfish; the bay seems to draw in quite a few. While they’re not dangerous, their sting can be quite painful.

Where to stay

Due to its location along the South Devon coastline and surrounded by golden sands, the beautiful village of Bigbury and the adjacent island make for the perfect location from which to explore the wider South Hams area. Here are the best places to stay in Bigbury on Sea (based on web recommendations and location):

Burgh Island Hotel: If you want to experience a true taste of luxury during your time in the South Hams, be sure to book yourself a room at the Burgh Island Hotel. Built in 1929 and recently restored, the art deco design is simply stunning. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading about Burgh Island and Bigbury-on-Sea? Pin it now; read it again later: