Our Guide To The River Dart
Exploring the River Dart is one of our favourite things to do in South Devon, at any time of...
The village of Bigbury-on-Sea is situated on South Devon’s west coast, overlooking Bigbury Bay, South Devon’s largest sandy beach, and the iconic Burgh Island.
What was once a sleepy fishing village consisting of just a few fisherman’s cottages is now a much-loved retreat for families, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and foodies alike. Here’s our guide to Bigbury-on-Sea.
Looking for specific information about Bigbury-on-Sea? Use our quick links below:
Bigbury-on-Sea is located in the heart of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nestled between Bantham and Challaborough. Bigbury Beach is a large sandy expanse, joined by a causeway to the iconic Burgh Island. This beach is one of the region’s most loved coastal boltholes.
Reputed as being extremely family-friendly, the facilities are second to none. These include:
Its spacious sandy shores and shallow waters provide the perfect playground for eager explorers. And what’s more, the beach is peppered with rock pools at low tide, that are teeming with wildlife which budding marine biologists of every age love to investigate!
For sat nav users, use the postcode TQ7 4AZ. Alternatively, should you wish to travel by bus, there is a service that runs between Plymouth and Bigbury-on-Sea. Click here for the Traveline South West bus times.
There is ample parking at Bigbury-on-Sea. The long-stay car park is situated at the edge of Bigbury Beach, with 315 parking spaces. Parking here costs £4.50 for 2 hours.
For more information, check out the Bigbury Beach car park details on the RCP Parking website.
Additionally, throughout the peak season, there is also an economy car park a short walk away.
Bigbury-on-Sea operates a seasonal dog ban, and as such, dogs are permitted on the main beach from October to the end of May. However, dogs are allowed on the smaller beach to the west of the causeway all year round.
For the full lowdown on exploring South Devon’s dog-friendly beaches with your canine companion, read our guide to dog-friendly beaches in South Devon.
Bigbury Beach is the ultimate natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Not only is it a mecca for watersports, such as surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, but the area is also a paradise for walkers, history buffs, artists, and Agatha Christie fans.
Here are some top things to do in Bigbury-on-Sea:
Popular in both summer and winter, Bigbury Beach is a haven for those after an injection of adrenaline. The wide range of watersports available makes this beach a great spot for an adventure, regardless of age or ability.
For surfers, the unique geography of the bay provides ideal wave conditions for beginners, and the neighbouring bays, angled slightly differently, present perfect backup waves for when the swell is a bit bigger. Surfing aside, windsurfing and kitesurfing are also popular pastimes, particularly when the onshore wind is prevailing.
On calmer days, stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking are both popular activities. And if you’re up for the challenge, why not circumnavigate Burgh Island? Regardless of what you choose to do, you can launch your vessel straight from the beach into crystal-clear waters. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel and mask!
Discovery Surf School is a popular, well established family-run operation offering a variety of water-based lessons in surfing, stand-up paddle-boarding and kayaking. Don’t want lessons? No problem, you can also hire equipment such as surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, kayaks, and more.
Visit the Discovery Surf School website to find out more, and book your lesson.
An iconic tidal island, Burgh Island sits around 250 metres from the sandy shores of Bigbury Beach.
The island has an abundance of interesting flora and fauna and is home to thousands of seabirds. Be sure to tread the myriad of footpaths that lead around the island. Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies, foxes, rabbits, badgers, and hedgehogs.
It also hosts the famous art deco Burgh Island Hotel, the popular public house of The Pilchard Inn, and three private houses.
You can walk to Burgh Island by foot at low tide. However, when the tide is in the sandy causeway disappears and the only way to access the island is via the ever-popular sea tractor. An adventure that everyone enjoys, regardless of age! Be sure to bring cash as it costs £2 per person and they don’t accept cards.
Read our comprehensive Burgh Island guide for even more information.
Bigbury-on-Sea is well regarded amongst keen ramblers for its abundant walking opportunities. Situated on the South West Coast Path, the village enjoys walking routes in both directions, navigating coast paths, countryside, estuaries and more.
One of our favourite routes heads west and passes Challaborough Beach, Ayrmer Cove and also the remote and ruggedly beautiful Westcombe Beach. We also love walking in the opposite direction, across the Avon Estuary towards the beaches of Bantham and South Milton.
For something a little less strenuous, but equally as rewarding, why not loop around Burgh Island?
The Pilchard Inn resides on Burgh Island, and is one of the oldest pubs in England with a history dating back to 1336!
The inn’s patrons were once fishermen who lived on the island, as well as smugglers and wreckers who would lure ships onto the Western rocks. Nowadays, you’ll see hotel guests and the public enjoying the Pilchard Inn!
As you can imagine, the inn is steeped in tales. There is nowhere better to sit in front of a roaring fire and watch the tides ‘meet’ and ‘part’, while nursing a beverage and tucking into a sumptuous fresh crab baguette.
Situated directly on the beachside and taking in panoramic ocean views, the Venus Café Bigbury offers a variety of food and drink options. Look no further for sumptuous ice creams on hot summer days!
If you are desperate to get in on the action ahead of your visit, then take a look at the Venus Cafe Bigbury-on-Sea webcam to view the beach. This is particularly useful for surfers wanting an insight on swell conditions.
South Devon’s coastline is peppered with beautiful beaches, from long sandy stretches to small, secluded coves and shingle bays.
Here is a list of beaches close to Bigbury-on-Sea:
All these beaches are a short drive from Bigbury and in some cases, like Challaborough, Ayrmer Cove and Westcombe, they can be accessed by walking the Coast Path.
To find out more, read our Beach Guides.
Coast & Country Cottages have a fantastic selection of Bigbury-on-Sea holiday cottages. Ranging from coastal cottages to country escapes, and properties with sea views – and, not forgetting the dog-friendly holiday homes too, there really is something for all requirements!
Book your Bigbury-on-Sea holiday cottage today
I love the South West and ensuring visitors to the region have the best experience possible. That's why I love sharing local tips ...
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