The Salt Path: Iconic Filming Locations along the South West Coast Path
Follow in the footsteps of Raynor and Moth Winn and explore the beautiful places that featured in The Salt...
by Maria Makepeace / Beaches
The village of Bigbury‑on‑Sea, set on the picturesque south coast of South Devon, overlooks sweeping Bigbury Bay and stunning Burgh Island; this fascinating tidal island is accessible via a sandy causeway at low tide and can only be reached by the famous sea tractor when the tide returns.
Once a quiet fishing settlement of just a handful of cottages, Bigbury‑on‑Sea is now a much‑loved retreat for families, outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers and foodies alike. Its most recognisable landmark, the iconic Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, adds a touch of vintage glamour to the coastline and draws visitors from far and wide.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know before visiting Burgh Island and Bigbury‑on‑Sea. From how to get there and understanding the tides, to what to see, where to walk, and the best places to stay nearby, we aim to help you make the most of this unforgettable corner.
Looking for specific information about Bigbury-on-Sea? Use our quick links below:
Bigbury-on-Sea is located in the heart of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nestled between Bantham and Challaborough. Bigbury Beach is a large sandy expanse, joined by a causeway to the iconic Burgh Island. This beach is one of the region’s most loved coastal boltholes.
Known as an extremely family-friendly beach, the facilities at Bigbury-On-Sea are second to none, for those looking to enjoy a traditional day at the seaside. Notable features include disabled access to the beach, and well managed toilets and showers. There’s also a first aid room and seasonal lifeguards patrolling daily from July to September.
For all your snack and ice cream needs, The Venus Café provides fantastic food, with views to match! What’s more, Discovery Surf provide a year-round surf school, for those looking to enjoy watersports tuition in breathtaking surroundings.
Image credit: Discovery Surf School
Burgh Island is accessed via Bigbury-On-Sea beach, either on foot or via the sea tractor depending on the tides. It takes just 8 minutes to walk there across the 250m of sand, and visiting is a unique and exciting experience for all.
Bigbury-on-Sea beach has spacious sandy shores and shallow waters, providing the perfect playground for eager explorers. The beach is peppered with rock pools at low tide, teeming with wildlife that budding marine biologists will love to investigate!
For sat nav users, use the postcode TQ7 4AZ. Alternatively, should you wish to travel by bus, there is a service that runs between Plymouth and Bigbury-on-Sea. Click here for the Traveline South West bus times.
There is ample parking at Bigbury-on-Sea. The long-stay car park is situated at the edge of Bigbury Beach, with 315 parking spaces. Parking here costs £4.50 for 2 hours at the time of writing. For more information, check out the Bigbury Beach car park details on the RCP Parking website.
Top tip: Internet can be hard to access here for those wanting to pay for parking using the app, so 15 minutes of free wifi is provided in the carpark – look for the QR code on the signs!
Additionally, throughout the peak season, there is an economy car park a short walk away.
Bigbury-on-Sea operates a seasonal dog ban, and as such, dogs are permitted on the main beach from October to the end of May. However, dogs are allowed on the smaller beach to the west of the causeway all year round.
For the full lowdown on exploring South Devon’s dog-friendly beaches with your canine companion, read our guide to dog-friendly beaches in South Devon.
As mentioned, a visit to Burgh Island needs to be timed with the tides. Many choose to use the sea tractor for one crossing, and walk for the other, depending on how long you plan to stay on the island. Always check accurate tide times, if you are unsure.
When the tide is in the sandy causeway disappears, but the ever-popular sea tractor is an adventure that everyone enjoys, regardless of age! Be sure to bring cash as it costs £2 per person and they don’t accept cards. Read our comprehensive Burgh Island guide for even more information.
Whilst privately owned, the island itself is open year round for visitors. You can explore, walk or even swim around the island. Dogs are also welcome on the island, although there is a seasonal restriction on Bigbury-on-Sea beach during the summer.
The Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel itself is only open to residents, or pre-booked non-resident guests looking to dine. However the Pilchard Inn pub on the island is open to non-residents all year round. Bookings can be made for the pub for the evenings only. Think roaring open fires and delicious food… popular in winter and summer!
The weather fluctuates with the season, although as one of the southernmost tips of England, the area does benefit from a particularly mild climate. When the sun shines, the sunsets visible from the island and beach are unmissable.
Burgh Island and its famed Art Deco Hotel, are both steeped in history. Originally a timber framed ‘party house’, the property was sold in the 1920s, and rose to popularity during the 1930s as the hotel we now know. During World War II, the hotel was used as a recovery centre for wounded servicemen, and sadly suffered bombing, before being repaired. Further restoration took place in the early 2000s, and this Grade II listed building is one of the most sought after, high end hotels and eateries in the region.
Well known guests have included Winston Churchill, The Beatles and Noel Coward. Perhaps most notable was Dame Agatha Christie, who made the hotel her second home, penning two of her books on the Island.
One of the more popular things to do on Burgh Island is to walk the 26 acres, exploring the coastline and admiring the views. Whilst the walk can take only around 20 minutes to navigate, be sure to tread the myriad of footpaths that lead around the island to experience it fully.
The breathtaking scenery is well worth savouring, and there are ample bird spotting opportunities too. The island has an abundance of interesting flora and fauna and is home to wildlife ranging from butterflies and foxes to rabbits and hedgehogs.
Owned by the hotel is a ‘Mermaid Pool’, a private, secured pool filled with natural sea water and encased by rocks. Whilst not accessible for general public, it’s still an interesting sight, if you get the opportunity to take a look.
If you’re up for the challenge, why not circumnavigate Burgh Island? Paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming are all great ways to see the island from the water. Regardless of what you choose to do, you can launch your vessel straight from the beach into crystal-clear waters. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel and mask!
Bigbury Beach is the ultimate natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only is it a mecca for watersports, such as surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, but the area is also a paradise for walkers, history buffs, artists, and Agatha Christie fans.
Here are some top things to do in Bigbury-on-Sea:
For all your tasty treats, be sure to stop by Mount Folly Farm’s new self-service vending shed. Situated on the main road into Bigbury, just a stone’s throw from the beach, it is open 24/7 and is perfect for picking up fresh, local treats after a beach day or coastal walk. The shed offers organic milk, creamy milkshakes and delicious ice cream made on the farm, along with eggs, meat and seasonal vegetables grown there on the farm.
This new dairy venture is led by Coral, who has returned to the family farm to run a modern mobile milking parlour. The cows graze freely across the fields, with the parlour moving with them — a beautifully sustainable way to produce milk, right there overlooking Bigbury Bay.
You’ll also find goodies from nearby artisans, including South Devon Chilli Farm, Heron Valley and Sharpham cheese and more. A perfect local stop to add to your Bigbury adventures!
Popular in both summer and winter, Bigbury Beach is a haven for those after an injection of adrenaline. The wide range of watersports available makes this beach a great spot for an adventure, regardless of age or ability.
Image Credit: Discovery Surf
For surfers, the unique geography of the bay provides ideal wave conditions for beginners, and the neighbouring bays, angled slightly differently, present perfect backup waves for when the swell is a bit bigger. Surfing aside, windsurfing and kitesurfing are also popular pastimes, particularly when the onshore wind is prevailing.
You can also hire equipment such as surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, kayaks, and more at the beach. Visit the Discovery Surf School website to find out more, and book your lesson.
Bigbury-on-Sea is well regarded amongst keen ramblers for its abundant walking opportunities. Situated on the South West Coast Path, the village enjoys walking routes in both directions, navigating coast paths, countryside, estuaries and more.
One of our favourite routes heads west and passes Challaborough Beach, Ayrmer Cove and also the remote and ruggedly beautiful Westcombe Beach. We also love walking in the opposite direction, across the Avon Estuary towards the beaches of Bantham and South Milton.
The Pilchard Inn resides on Burgh Island, and is one of the oldest pubs in England with a history dating back to 1336!
The inn’s patrons were once fishermen who lived on the island, as well as smugglers and wreckers who would lure ships onto the Western rocks. Nowadays, you’ll see hotel guests and the public enjoying the Pilchard Inn!
As you can imagine, the inn is steeped in tales. There is nowhere better to sit in front of a roaring fire and watch the tides ‘meet’ and ‘part’, while nursing a beverage and tucking into a sumptuous fresh crab baguette.
Situated directly on the beachside and taking in panoramic ocean views, the Venus Café Bigbury offers a variety of food and drink options. Look no further for sumptuous ice creams on hot summer days!
If you are desperate to get in on the action ahead of your visit, then take a look at the Venus Cafe Bigbury-on-Sea webcam to view the beach. This is particularly useful for surfers wanting an insight on swell conditions.
From Easter onwards on sunny days, and throughout the main Summer season, the Beach Barista appears on the sand… a great place to grab coffees and ice cream, without having to leave the beach.
South Devon’s coastline is peppered with beautiful beaches, from long sandy stretches to small, secluded coves and shingle bays.
Here is a list of beaches close to Bigbury-on-Sea:
All these beaches are a short drive from Bigbury and in some cases, they can be accessed by walking the Coast Path. To find out more, read our Beach Guides.
Coast & Country Cottages have a fantastic selection of Bigbury-on-Sea holiday cottages, including coastal cottages, country escapes, properties with sea views and dog-friendly holiday homes. There really is something for all requirements!
You can walk at low tide, or take the iconic sea tractor at high tide. This costs £2 each way – remember to take cash with you, as there are no card facilities for this.
Yes, this is a lovely way to get across the causeway. It is around 250m and takes approximately 8 minutes to walk across the sand.
Burgh Island is a Grade II listed hotel, built in 1929, famous for its Art Deco interior, and its historical past. It was used to help recovering servicemen during World War II. After being bombed, it was returned to its glory, before undergoing further restoration in more recent times. The hotel has played host to many famous names over the years, most notably Dame Agatha Christie who frequently visited and wrote two books here. The island has also been used in film adaptations of some of these books including Evil Under The Sun.
Yes, non-residents can book for dinner or afternoon tea, but bookings are essential. Smart dress code applies, with no shorts, jeans or flipflops permitted. The dress code in the Grand ballroom is black tie.
Walking the pathways is one of the most enjoyable things to do on Burgh Island, as it allows you to experience this iconic place from all angles. The views are simply breathtaking. Lunch at the former smugglers haunt, The Pilchard Inn, is another great option. A crab sandwich is always a winner!
Yes, dogs are allowed on Burgh Island all year round, but are required to remain on the lead at all times.
by Maria Makepeace / Beaches
I love the South West and ensuring visitors to the region have the best experience possible. That's why I love sharing local tips ...
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