Bigbury on Sea Beach

This large, sandy beach, with plenty of facilities, lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)  between the rivers Avon and Erme in Devon’s lovely South Hams. 

At high tide the beach joins the mainland with the intriguing Burgh Island. Home to a stunning Art Deco hotel, the island has strong links with Agatha Christie. Not only did the famous crime author spend extended periods staying on the island, she based two of her novels here; ‘Evil Under the Sun’ and ‘And Then There Were None’.

On low tides you can easily walk across to the island via the sandy causeway. However, as the tide comes in it becomes completely submereged leaving the only way to reach the island, a unique ‘sea tractor’.

Bigbury-on-Sea is a great family beach and has been a recipient of the Blue Flag award for its cleanliness and facilities. These include good disabled access, beach shop and cafe, and a seasonal lifeguard service.

During the summer months the shallow waters of Bigbury beach are generally fairly calm and safe to swim in. There can be surf here and there is a surf school, although nearby Bantham tends to draw more of a crowd.