Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Bigbury-on-Sea is tide-dependent in an unusual way. At low tide you can walk across the sand to Burgh Island; once the causeway floods, the sea tractor takes over.
Plan your visit
Getting there
The main pay and display car park sits directly above Bigbury-on-Sea beach. It has good capacity but still gets busy on peak summer days.
- Parking: Use the large Bigbury-on-Sea car park above the beach and arrive early during summer holidays.
- Dog rules: Dogs banned 1 May - 30 September, 10am - 7pm (South Hams District Council PSPO, confirmed 2024-2027). Dogs welcome before 10am and after 7pm during this period, and all day from 1 October - 30 April.
- Accessibility: The car park is close to the sand. Reaching Burgh Island on foot requires crossing open beach at low tide.
The main event
Visiting Burgh Island
You can walk to Burgh Island at low tide or ride the sea tractor when the causeway is underwater.
Check the tide before setting out and leave enough time to return. If the water beats you to it, the raised-wheel sea tractor provides the memorable trip back across the flooded causeway.
Stay nearby
Where to stay
The Henley Hotel offers a quieter stay nearby with views over the coast.
The Henley Hotel
A small, dog-friendly hotel on Folly Hill with sea views and easy access to Bigbury-on-Sea.
Get in the water
Hire & lessons
Surfboards, kayaks and lessons are available right beside the beach.
Discovery Surf School
Based at the lower beach car park, offering surf lessons, board hire and kayak hire.
After the beach
Eat & drink
The Pilchard Inn gives you the most memorable setting, while better-rated pub food is available inland.
The Pilchard Inn
A historic 14th-century pub on Burgh Island, reached on foot at low tide or by sea tractor at high tide.
The WaterFront
A casual beachside bar and restaurant at neighbouring Challaborough.
The Journeys End Inn
A consistently well-reviewed traditional thatched pub a short drive inland in Ringmore.
Local perspective
Local notes
At Bigbury-on-Sea, the tide changes the whole visit rather than just the swimming conditions. At low water you can walk straight to Burgh Island and back on the sand; once the causeway floods, the sea tractor takes over.
The broad sandy beach has room for a full day out. The Pilchard Inn is worth visiting for its Burgh Island setting and history, while The Journeys End inland in Ringmore offers another option for a meal.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Bigbury-on-Sea beach dog friendly?
Dogs banned 1 May - 30 September, 10am - 7pm (South Hams District Council PSPO, confirmed 2024-2027). Dogs welcome before 10am and after 7pm during this period, and all day from 1 October - 30 April.
How do you get to Burgh Island?
Walk across the sand at low tide or take the sea tractor when the causeway is covered at high tide.
What's the best tide for Bigbury-on-Sea?
Low tide gives you the widest beach and allows you to walk across to Burgh Island without needing the sea tractor.
Is it safe to swim at Bigbury-on-Sea today?
Check the Environment Agency Swimfo profile and Safer Seas & Rivers Service before swimming for the latest water-quality information.
Where is the nearest parking?
The pay and display car park at Bigbury-on-Sea is directly above the beach.
Can you hire surfboards or kayaks?
Yes. Discovery Surf School operates from the lower beach car park and offers equipment hire and lessons.
Is Bigbury-on-Sea pram or buggy friendly?
The car park is close to the sand, so the approach is short, but the beach itself is soft and uneven. Crossing the open sand to Burgh Island is not practical with most buggies.
What facilities are available at Bigbury-on-Sea?
Bigbury-on-Sea has public toilets near the main car park, seasonal showers, and a first-aid station during the main season. RNLI lifeguards patrol through the summer, and a café and beach shops are close to the sand. Disabled parking is available.
Keep exploring
Nearby beaches
- Bantham
- Challaborough
- Thurlestone
- Hope Cove