Spot the best hotels near Burgh Island

Burgh Island is a tidal island located off the coast of Devon in the United Kingdom, offering a unique slice of maritime history and art deco glamour. You can reach this tidal outcrop by walking across the sandy causeway at low tide or by riding the unique sea tractor when the water rises. It is a fantastic place for a coastal walk, famous for its links to classic detective novels and its rugged cliffs that look out over the English Channel.

This small tidal island sits just off the coast of south Devon and offers a unique escape from the mainland. You will find that your access to the island depends entirely on the rhythm of the tides, making every visit a bit of an adventure.

Visiting the island and its history

The island is famous for its Art Deco architecture and its links to famous crime novelists. You can reach the land by walking across a sandbar at low tide, which is about 250 yards from the mainland at Bigbury-on-Sea. When the tide is high, a unique high-set sea tractor transports passengers across the water. This vehicle is one of the few of its kind and provides an elevated view of the surf during the short journey.

Historically, the island served as a site for a 14th-century chapel before becoming a fashionable retreat in the 1920s and 1930s. Many visitors come to see the exterior of the grand hotel, which was a favourite haunt for writers like Agatha Christie. While the hotel interior is often reserved for residents, the surrounding cliffs and paths are open for you to explore. Please check the official site for current opening times and sea tractor schedules.

Natural features and coastal walks

The island is a haven for those who enjoy fresh sea air and rugged coastal scenery. It covers approximately 26 acres and is criss-crossed by public footpaths that lead you to the highest point. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the South Hams coastline and the English Channel. The cliffs are home to various seabirds, making it a popular spot for a quiet afternoon of birdwatching.

If you enjoy being in the water, the area surrounding the island is popular for surfing and paddleboarding. The shallow waters of the sandy causeway are ideal for a paddle when the tide is out. You can walk the entire perimeter of the island in about 30 minutes, making it an easy addition to a day at the beach. An entry fee is not required to walk the public paths, though charges apply for the sea tractor. Please check the official site for up-to-date information on seasonal access.

Visitors to Burgh Island will find that the journey is part of the charm, with a relaxed local pace that makes exploration a joy. Discover the finest places to stay along the coast and the unique transport methods required to reach this tidal destination.

Where to stay near the coast

If you want to be as close as possible to the island, staying directly in Bigbury-on-Sea is your best bet. This area is perfect for families who want easy access to the beach and self-catering apartments with sea views. For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, the nearby village of Challaborough offers holiday parks and coastal cottages within a 1-mile walk. If you prefer a more traditional Devon village feel, look for boutique bed and breakfasts in Ringmore, located about 2 miles away, which provides a peaceful retreat after a day by the water.

Reaching the island from transport hubs

The nearest major rail link is Totnes Station, located roughly 18 miles from the coast, where you can catch a bus or hire a taxi for the 45-minute drive. Once you arrive at the Bigbury-on-Sea car park, the island is only 250 yards away across a sandy causeway. At high tide, you can hop on the Sea Tractor, a unique high-level vehicle that transports passengers across the water in about 5 minutes.

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