Short answer: Bigbury's two first-timer lessons: check the tide, because it decides whether you walk to Burgh Island or take the sea tractor, and bring cash, because the car park app rarely works in the poor signal.
First, check the tide. It decides your whole day. Second, bring cash. The main car park pays by app, the phone signal is poor, and it catches people out constantly. The lower car park has a cash ticket machine.
Sits just offshore, joined to the mainland by a sandbar. At low tide you walk across. When the tide covers it, a sea tractor on tall stilts drives you through the water for about £2, with children under ten free. It is the most memorable few minutes on this coast.
The tide comes in from both sides and the two flows meet, cutting the causeway faster than people expect. Know when the last crossing is.
The art deco hotel is for guests only — you cannot look round it. You can walk right round the island and climb to the ruined chapel at the top, about an hour, with the best views on this coast. The Pilchard Inn is a 14th-century pub and the reason most people cross.
Wide, flat and sandy with RNLI lifeguards, an accessible ramp, toilets and a café, and two sections where dogs are allowed. It faces west, giving the best sunsets in the South Hams.
Venus Cafe in the lower car park has sea views and plenty of seating. The Cove at Hope Cove, fifteen minutes away, has two floors with sea views. The WaterFront at Challaborough is right on the beach next door.
Burgh Island is the setting for two of her novels. It is worth knowing before you go, if only so you recognise it.
See the full Bigbury on Sea guide, filtered by who's with you.
Plan your day near Bigbury on Sea →