A unique island you can access on foot along the south coast of Devon.
Found on the coastline south of Dartmoor national park, Burgh Island is an interesting and very picturesque place to visit. It caught my eye this summer after I’d seen a few pictures on google – an island you could walk to? We decided we had to go and check it out!
What it’s all about…
Accessible from Bigbury beach, Burgh Island is one of Englands few tidal islands. This means that if you time your visit right, at low tide you can walk across the sand to the island. Having the sea either side of you whilst walking across the beach is quite a sight!
It’s a fairly short flat walk along the sand, although there is some wet sections and a small stream to cross nearer the island so wear your boots!
What to do while you’re there…
Check out the remains of the chapel found near the centre of the island, take a walk around the islands footpaths and enjoy the beautiful Devon scenery! Bigbury beach is along the south west coast path making it a great spot to tie in if you’re walking this stretch.
Make sure you check the tide times before your visit if you want to walk to the island, there is also a ‘sea tractor’ that can take you to or from the island if the tide is in whilst you’re there. We didn’t use it during our visit, but the sign said that it was £2 per trip and that you need to have the exact change with you to pay for it.
How to get there…
Burgh island is about 45 minutes from Plymouth and only half an hour from the edge of Dartmoor national park.
There are several car parks nearby, we parked in the one at the end of Marine Drive. The postcode for the car park is TQ7 4AS. It was a nice roomy car park with no height limits so good for those travelling in a camper or larger vehicle. It’s also got lovely views of the island and was a good spot for a picnic!
Nearest place to grab a bite…
There is a pub on the island called The Pilchard Inn which is run by the Burgh Island Hotel. We stopped here for a pint and to shelter from a downpour but be warned, it was pretty pricey!
There is also a cafe in bigbury on sea but again this is quite pricey. If you are travelling on a budget I’d advise bringing food and drink with you.
Where to stay…
Camping – We love to wild camp in our van however sadly this area of Devon is not the easiest for finding free park ups! So whilst we were here we stayed at Mount Folly Farm campsite, only a five minute drive up the road. It had lovely views and wasn’t too expensive.
Hotels and B&B’s – If you’re feeling flush you can actually stay on the island at the Burgh Island Hotel, but at around £500 a night it’s probably out of most people’s budgets! The Henley Hotel on the mainland is a slightly more affordable option (although still at the higher end of hotels, as is much of this area) with a double room with breakfast costing £159 a night.
Other places nearby…
The south of Devon has so much to offer, check out the beautiful Hope Cove and Salcombe whilst you’re in the area.
