Burgh Island Island

Address: Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon, TQ7 4BW, United Kingdom

Website: https://www.burghisland.com

Admission: Ferry/toad-run fare varies seasonally (e.g., seasonal sea tractor fee or private boat charter); island access may be restricted at high tide

Burgh Island is a small tidal island off the south Devon coast near the village of Bigbury-on-Sea in England. It is best known for its prominent Art Deco hotel, which dates from 1929.

The island is reached on foot across a rocky causeway at low tide or by the island’s amphibious sea tractor at high tide, a distinctive local attraction. The hotel, compact shoreline walks and the island’s coastal views are the main draws for day visitors and overnight guests. The island has featured in film and television productions, adding to its appeal.

A long-occupied site, the island’s modern profile was shaped when the Burgh Island Hotel opened in 1929 and became a fashionable destination in the early 20th century. Since then the hotel and island have hosted guests and film crews, maintaining their place in local tourism.

Situated off the South Hams coast of Devon, the island sits immediately off Bigbury-on-Sea and is administered within that area of coastal Devon. The nearest settlements are Bigbury and the surrounding South Devon coastline.

• Tidal access: Linked to the mainland by a rocky causeway at low tide and an amphibious sea tractor at high tide, with access varying by tidal state.
• Cultural note: Used as a filming location for adaptations of Agatha Christie stories and noted for its 20th century celebrity clientele.

What to See#

• Burgh Island Hotel: An Art Deco hotel built in 1929 that occupies much of the island and provides the main visitor facilities, including a bar and rooms; the building is also a frequent filming location.

Burgh Island is reached from Bigbury-on-Sea (South Devon). Park at the car park at Bigbury and consult the tide boards; the sea tractor operates from the car park area when tides permit, otherwise access by boat may be arranged. The nearest major town is Kingsbridge; from there B road routes lead to the car park.

• Check tide schedules-access by the famous sea tractor runs only at certain tides and times of year.
• Stay in the Art Deco hotel if possible; even a tea in the lobby feels like a mise-en-scène from a 1930s detective novel.
• Walk the island circuit at low tide to see rare coastal plants and the tidal rock pools.