Living locally, I have visited Bigbury-on-Sea quite a few times over the years, although it had probably been around 12 months since my last trip. Going back reminded me what a good South Devon day out it is.
Burgh Island sits just offshore, the unusual sea tractor crosses when the tide covers the causeway, and there are several options for food and drinks. The beach shop was also impressively well stocked with practical beach essentials as well as gifts and holiday bits.
If you are staying in or around Salcombe, Hope Cove, Thurlestone or South Milton, Bigbury-on-Sea makes a memorable day trip. Here is what to know before you go.
A beach with a view
Bigbury-on-Sea is known for its broad sandy beach and the striking view across to Burgh Island. At low tide, the island is connected to the mainland by a sandy causeway. As the tide rises, that route disappears beneath the water and the island feels completely separate again.
The changing tide is part of what makes the beach so special, but it also means it is important to check tide times and follow local signs rather than assuming you can walk back the same way you arrived.
There are toilets, parking and refreshments close to the beach, making this a relatively straightforward choice for a full family beach day. We arrived at around 10.30am during an August heatwave and there was still plenty of parking, which was a real bonus. That was our experience on the day rather than a guarantee, spaces can fill quickly in peak summer, but it certainly made the start of our visit easier. The approach includes narrow South Hams roads, so allow a little extra time in busy periods.
The Burgh Island sea tractor
When the causeway is covered, visitors may see the famous sea tractor travelling between Bigbury beach and Burgh Island.
Raised high above its enormous wheels, it looks unlike almost anything else on the water. Even if you do not travel on it, seeing it make the crossing is one of those distinctly South Devon experiences that children and adults both remember.
Crossing arrangements can depend on tides and operating conditions, so check the current information locally if using the tractor is an important part of your visit.
Burgh Island and Agatha Christie
Burgh Island is closely associated with Agatha Christie. The island’s official history says that its Beach House became her writing retreat during the 1930s and that she wrote two novels set on the island: Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None.
The Art Deco hotel and the island’s position connected to the mainland at low tide and cut off as the sea returns make it easy to understand why the location inspired mystery stories.
You can enjoy views of the island from the beach and explore the public routes where access is permitted. Remember that parts of the island and hotel are private, and always pay attention to the tide.
Food, drinks and the beach shop
One thing that pleasantly surprised us was the amount available around the beach. We found several places to pick up food or a drink, so the day did not require military level picnic preparation.
The local beach shop was useful too. It stocked the sorts of things people inevitably forget for a beach day, alongside gifts and holiday treats. That makes Bigbury a good option when you want a spontaneous outing without packing the contents of the house.
Opening hours and individual businesses can change seasonally, so it is still sensible to check before making a special journey for a particular venue.
Mount Folly Farm: local ice cream, pizzas and an incredible view
On another visit to Bigbury, we popped into Mount Folly Farm, just up from the beach. It has a campsite, but you do not need to be staying there to call into the produce shed near the entrance.
The shed has vending machines selling all sorts of local produce, including milk, milkshakes, eggs, meat and ice cream. I had promised the children an ice cream, so we tried the tubs made with milk from the farm’s own cows.
Bigbury Bay Pizzas also has its pizza trailer at Mount Folly during the summer. The dough is slowly fermented over several days, then hand-stretched, topped and baked to order. There are picnic-style benches where you can sit with your pizza and look across the whole of Bigbury Bay towards Burgh Island. The view is absolutely stunning, and everybody we met was so lovely and friendly that I am determined to go back for pizza before the summer finishes.
At the time of writing, Bigbury Bay Pizzas lists Friday and Saturday opening from 4.30pm to 8pm at Bigbury-on-Sea, with some additional seasonal evenings. They recommend pre-ordering by text with your preferred date, time and order. Check their current website or social pages before travelling, as schedules can change.
A few practical tips
– Check the tide times before walking towards or onto Burgh Island.
– Follow local safety advice for swimming; currents around the Avon estuary and island can be strong.
– On our August heatwave visit we arrived at about 10.30am and still found plenty of parking, but peak-day availability can change quickly, so earlier is still safer if you have a long journey.
– Bring layers even on a sunny day the coast can change quickly.
– Check current dog restrictions. The main beach has seasonal restrictions, while rules can differ on the western side of the causeway.
– Keep children close near the water, causeway and any strong currents.
– Check signs and current opening information when you arrive, as facilities and crossing arrangements may change.
– If you are planning pizza at Mount Folly Farm, check the current Bigbury Bay Pizzas schedule and pre-order where possible.
Is Bigbury-on-Sea worth visiting?
Yes. Bigbury works equally well as a classic bucket-and-spade beach day or as a more interesting coastal outing with a little history attached.
For us, the combination of sand, views, the sea tractor, the Agatha Christie story and plenty of places to find refreshments made it an easy and enjoyable day. Adding a farm ice cream or pizza overlooking the bay makes it even more memorable. It feels recognisably South Devon, but has a character all of its own.
If you are planning a stay in the South Hams, explore our holiday properties or contact Quay Holiday Lettings for help choosing the right base for your trip.