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
Oct 2024
Sep 2020
Oct 2013
Aug 2011
Jan 2009
Jan 2009
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.
Oct 2008
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!