Best Sunset Spots in Bigbury on Sea

Short answer: Bigbury faces west, with Burgh Island silhouetted in front of the setting sun — the best sunsets in the South Hams. The beach itself is the spot, or the clifftop viewpoint above it. Check the tide if you are on the island.

The best in the South Hams

Bigbury faces west, so the sun goes down over the sea with Burgh Island silhouetted in front of it. It is the best sunset in the South Hams, and it is not close.

On the beach

Wide flat sand gives you space and a clear horizon. The clifftop viewpoint above the bay is the higher option, with grey cliffs to the west and the island in front.

From the island

Watching the sunset from Burgh Island is tempting. Check the tide first — it comes in from both sides and cuts the causeway, and the sea tractor does not run all night. Getting stranded in the dark is not the plan.

A drink with it

The Pilchard Inn on the island has a garden. Venus Cafe in the lower car park has sea views. The WaterFront at Challaborough sits right on the next beach.

Arrive half an hour before sunset and stay twenty minutes after. The afterglow is usually better than the sunset itself, and most people leave the moment the sun touches the horizon.

Practical

• Take a torch — coast paths are unlit on the walk back.
• Stay back from cliff edges; you cannot see where the ground gives way in low light.
• It gets cold fast once the sun goes, even in summer.
• Bring cash — the car park app rarely works in the poor signal.