6.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A broad sandy shore faces Burgh Island, whose Art Deco hotel gives the view an unusual, almost cinematic landmark. At low tide the sea withdraws to reveal a sandy route towards the island; when the tide returns, the crossing changes character.
Bigbury’s appeal is the combination of a wide sandy beach, open bay and a tidal island directly offshore. The changing route to Burgh Island gives a simple beach visit a distinctive sense of place—just make tide checks part of the plan.
Dramatic · Family-buzz
Find your way
Open mapBigbury-on-Sea, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 4BG
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore the broad sandy shore, take in the view of Burgh Island and, if conditions and tide allow, consider the crossing to the island. The beach is also described as a place for swimming and paddling; check current conditions and local guidance before entering the water.
Things to do
Walk the sandy shore
Explore the wide sandy beach and look across Bigbury Bay towards Burgh Island.
1–2 hours
See the tidal route to Burgh Island
Observe how the sandbar provides a route towards Burgh Island at low tide. Check tide times and current local guidance; the crossing is tide-dependent.
Look for rock pools at low tide
The supplied source describes rock pools along the shore at low tide. Take care around changing tides and slippery surfaces.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick escape: beach and island view
- 01
Start on the sandy shore at Bigbury-on-Sea.
- 02
Walk a section of the beach and take in the view across Bigbury Bay to Burgh Island.
- 03
Check the tide times before deciding whether to approach the sandbar; do not attempt a crossing unless conditions and local guidance make it appropriate.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: beach, tide and coast
- 01
Spend time on the beach and explore the shoreline.
- 02
Check tide times and local advice before considering the sandbar route to Burgh Island; the sea tractor is described as an alternative when the tide covers the route.
- 03
Take a break at the beach café if it is open.
Verified history
Burgh Island is described in the supplied sources as a tidal island with an Art Deco hotel. The beach is linked to the island by a sandy route at low tide; the sea tractor is described as an alternative when the tide covers the route. No further historical dates or events are established by the supplied research.
Hidden details
The tide changes the route — The sandbar route to Burgh Island is tide-dependent. Check tide times before visiting and do not assume the island can be reached on foot throughout the day.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · Choose your visit around the tide if you want to see the sandbar exposed. Check tide times and weather before travelling.
The supplied sources describe beach and water activities, but do not establish a definitive seasonal calendar. Warmer months are a practical choice for a beach visit; conditions vary.
Coastal weather and sea conditions can change. Check the forecast, tide times and current local safety advice before visiting or entering the water.
Worth pairing with
Burgh Island
The tidal island opposite the beach is the natural pairing for a Bigbury visit. The sandbar route is tide-dependent; the sea tractor is described as an alternative when the tide covers it. Check current access information before setting out.
Beach café
A café close to the island crossing is mentioned in the supplied source. Check current opening arrangements before relying on it.
What to look for
Look offshore for Burgh Island and its distinctive Art Deco hotel. At low tide, notice how the sandbar changes the shape of the route between beach and island.
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn for beach days and water activities; the coast can be enjoyed in other seasons too, subject to weather and conditions.
Choose a time that suits the tide if you hope to see the sandbar exposed or consider the island crossing. Check tide times and weather before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; Half day
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A public beach at Bigbury-on-Sea. Burgh Island can be reached across the sand at low tide; check tide times before attempting the crossing. The sea tractor is an alternative when the tide covers the causeway. Check current local access and safety information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Source information mentions car parks overlooking the beach. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A beach café is mentioned in the supplied source. Check whether it is open before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current local rules before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The beach is described as wide and sandy, but conditions and access can vary with the tide. Check current access information and suitability for your needs before travelling.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Bigbury Beach
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
