
Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island
A tidal island accessible by foot or a unique sea tractor, boasting Art Deco glamour and historic charm.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Access island by foot

Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island
Best Time
Access island by foot

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tidal island accessible by foot or a unique sea tractor, boasting Art Deco glamour and historic charm.

Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Crucial for planning your visit. Access to Burgh Island depends entirely on the tide.
Sea Tractor Ride :tractor:
A must-do experience at high tide! It's unique and offers great views. Costs ยฃ3 each way.

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Sea Tractor
Bigbury-on-Sea to Burgh Island
Ride a one-of-a-kind hydraulic sea tractor across the waves to Burgh Island. A truly unique and fun experience!

Burgh Island Causeway Walk
Bigbury-on-Sea
Walk across the sandy causeway to Burgh Island at low tide, enjoying stunning coastal views and a sense of adventure.

Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel
Burgh Island
Admire the striking 1930s Art Deco architecture of this iconic hotel, a landmark on the island.

Historic Pilchard Inn
Burgh Island
Step back in time at the 14th-century Pilchard Inn, a historic pub with a cozy atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Crucial
Sea Tractor Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Crucial for planning your visit. Access to Burgh Island depends entirely on the tide.
Sea Tractor Ride :tractor:
A must-do experience at high tide! It's unique and offers great views. Costs ยฃ3 each way.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The causeway can be uneven, and walking around the island involves some inclines.
Dog-Friendly Beach ๐
Bigbury-on-Sea is generally dog-friendly, but check local signage for any restrictions, especially during peak season.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :clock1:
Crucial for planning your visit. Access to Burgh Island depends entirely on the tide.
Sea Tractor Ride :tractor:
A must-do experience at high tide! It's unique and offers great views. Costs ยฃ3 each way.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The causeway can be uneven, and walking around the island involves some inclines.
Dog-Friendly Beach ๐
Bigbury-on-Sea is generally dog-friendly, but check local signage for any restrictions, especially during peak season.
Coastal Path Views :camera_with_flash:
The South West Coast Path offers spectacular vistas. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of reaching Burgh Island via the sea tractor or causeway, calling it a 'Devon gem'. The stunning coastal views, historic charm of the Pilchard Inn, and the striking Art Deco hotel are frequently praised. Some find the sea tractor a bit pricey, and weather can impact accessibility.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Bigbury-on-Sea is accessible by car, with parking available near the beach. To reach Burgh Island, you can walk across the sandy causeway at low tide or take the unique hydraulic sea tractor when the tide is high.
Yes, there are car parks available at Bigbury-on-Sea, often located close to the beach access. Be prepared for potential charges, especially during busy periods.
No, you cannot drive directly to Burgh Island. Access is either by walking the causeway at low tide or using the sea tractor at high tide.
The sea tractor is a unique hydraulic vehicle that transports visitors between Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island when the tide is high. It's a memorable experience and a key part of visiting the island.
The sea tractor typically costs around ยฃ3 each way per person. It's advisable to confirm current prices upon arrival.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
There's no entry fee to walk onto Burgh Island via the causeway. However, you will need to pay for the sea tractor if you visit at high tide.
Burgh Island itself is accessible whenever the tide allows. The Pilchard Inn and the Burgh Island Hotel have their own operating hours, which are best checked directly.
Bigbury-on-Sea beach is a public beach and generally does not have an admission fee. Parking fees may apply.
While not always necessary, booking the sea tractor in advance, especially during peak season or for larger groups, is recommended to guarantee your spot.
The primary restriction is the tide. Always check tide times before your visit. During extreme weather, access might also be limited for safety reasons.
๐ซ ๐งญ Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic Pilchard Inn, admire the Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, walk to the summit for panoramic views, and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Some visitors also enjoy swimming around the island.
Yes, walking is a primary activity. The causeway walk is flat, but exploring the island itself involves some inclines and uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Yes, the Burgh Island swim is a popular 1.5km route around the island for experienced swimmers. It's a challenging but rewarding experience.
Dogs are generally welcome on Burgh Island, but it's always a good idea to keep them under control and be mindful of other visitors and the environment.
The views from Burgh Island are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline, Bigbury Bay, and the surrounding Devon countryside.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Dining
The historic Pilchard Inn offers traditional pub fare. The Burgh Island Hotel also has dining options, though these may be more formal and require reservations.
Yes, Bigbury-on-Sea has a few cafes and eateries, particularly near the beach, offering refreshments and light meals.
Yes, you can often enjoy a drink at the bar of the Burgh Island Hotel, soaking in its unique Art Deco ambiance.
Dining and drinking at the Burgh Island Hotel can be on the pricier side, reflecting its unique location and status. The Pilchard Inn offers more traditional pub prices.
Picnicking is generally allowed on the beach at Bigbury-on-Sea and on the island, provided you take all your litter with you. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery on a budget.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
The sea tractor, the causeway at low tide, the Art Deco hotel, the Pilchard Inn, and the panoramic coastal views from the island's summit are all prime photo spots.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting and beautiful colors. Midday can be harsh, but the unique architecture of the hotel is always photogenic.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local bylaws and aviation authority rules before flying a drone, especially near private properties like the hotel.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and the sea tractor. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the hotel or distant views.
The summit of Burgh Island offers the most expansive panoramic views. The beach itself provides excellent framing for the island and the sea tractor.










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