Burgh Island

BIGBURY-ON-SEA

South Devon

4/5

Based on 7 reviews

This little island off the Devon coast has seen a lot of history. As well as being the inspiration for two Agatha Christie mysteries, the much-filmed Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel has played host to such notable guests as The Beatles, Noel Coward and, reputedly, Churchill and Eisenhower. The lesser known 13th Century Pilchard Inn is also still serving, but mind your heads! At low tide the island can be reached on foot, but that would be missing half the fun. At high tide the sea tractor, a strange contraption originally designed in the 1930s, makes for a quirky 'ferry' ride, without having to get your feet wet.

BIGBURY-ON-SEA

South Devon

TQ7 4BG

Visit Website ›

Reviews

Oct 2024

The Pilchard Inn

Not to be recommended in our opinion - OK, it dates from the 14th Century but it's lacking in many aspects

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Sept 2020

Fabulous views

After walking across the sands to the island you have the most wonderful views. The coast paths are easy to find. There are lots of places to take wonderful photos but don’t go too close to the edge as the sides are very soft.

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Oct 2013

Thought it might be interesting to go over for dinner, but £60 per person... Pub has unwelcoming signs outside for non-residents. The island is very small and you can walk all the paths in about an hour. The views are not as worthwhile as walking the coast path.

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Aug 2011

Nice beach

We had a very nice afternoon stop at the beach. Fine sands, fantastic view, clear water.

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Jan 2009

User Review

A lovely place to visit, the views from the top of the island are beautiful. There is also a pub on the island for a well earned drink and the idea of the tide coming in and cutting you off is very unusual and a lot of fun.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Jan 2009

Great view

Worth going across to Burgh Island for the view back to the Devon coastline alone. Go to the top of the hill where there is a ruined cottage and walk around it for the full 360. The hotel does look a bit posh if you are in walking gear, but we have promised that we will go back for Sunday lunch. Go to the pub for refuelling but beware, it can get busy in the holiday periods.

1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.

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Oct 2008

A Bygone Age

Well worth a visit just to enjoy the magnificent panorama that this unique view point affords - even better in the evening with a pint at the Pilchard to watch the sun go down!
If you're looking for something a bit different for a special occasion then treat yourself to a stay in the hotel and get the full flavour of this art deco retreat where guests still dress for dinner and enjoy a cocktail or two - the sunsets are even better then!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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