Short answer: Yes, at low tide. You walk across the sandbar for nothing and can walk round the island and up to the ruined chapel free. When the tide covers the causeway, the sea tractor costs about £2, with under-tens free.
Yes, when the tide is out. Burgh Island is joined to the mainland by a sandbar, and at low tide you simply walk across. There is no charge to set foot on the island, walk right round it, or climb to the ruined chapel at the summit.
A sea tractor on tall stilts drives through the water carrying passengers across. It costs about £2, with children under ten free. It is the most memorable couple of pounds on this coast and worth doing at least once.
The art deco hotel is for guests only. You cannot look round it, and people are regularly disappointed by that. The Pilchard Inn, a 14th-century pub near the landing, is open to everyone, and priced for its location.
Less than people assume, and that is fine. A walk right round takes about an hour and gives you the best views on this stretch of coast, plus the climb to the chapel. It is a place to look at rather than a place with attractions.
The tide comes in from both sides of the sandbar and the two flows meet, which cuts the causeway faster than people expect. If you have walked across, know when you need to be back — or budget for the tractor.
Parking. The main car park pays by app and the phone signal is poor, which catches people out constantly. Bring cash, or use the lower car park with its cash ticket machine.
Wide flat sand, RNLI lifeguards, an accessible ramp, toilets and a café, with two sections where dogs are allowed. It faces west, so the sunsets are the best in the South Hams.
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