Bigbury-on-Sea & Challaborough

Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island are two of the ‘must-sees’ on the beautiful South Devon coastline. The wonderful beaches, the natural beauty of the island and the unique sea-tractor which connects the two when the tide comes in, are truly iconic and will last long in the memories of those lucky enough to visit.

Bigbury offers quintessential beach life at the mouth of the Avon estuary. Soft sand for the sun-bathers; safe waters for paddling and swimming; plenty to explore for kayakers or stand up paddlers; a steady breeze for the wind-surfers and – when tide and sea conditions are right – some of the best surfing on the south coast.
If you’re new to watersports, Discovery Surf School can cater for all ages and experience, and they also have boards, kayaks and wetsuits for hire.
On the island, there’s an abundance of wild life, as well as the striking art deco hotel, the historic Pilchard Inn and Café. Back on the mainland, you can walk a glorious section of the coast path stretching west past Challaborough towards Ayrmer Cove, or cross the river to Bantham, Thurlestone and Hope Cove. For the golfers, there’s a choice of sea-side golf at Bigbury or the links at Thurlestone.
Or why not explore the timeless village charm of Ringmore and Kingston, or the picturesque Georgian market town of Modbury?

As well as the Burgh Island eateries, the Venus Café provides beach-side refreshment. A mile or so inland is the pub at St. Ann’s Chapel with further excellent pub dining in Ringmore, Kingston and Modbury. Heading up the estuary towards Aveton Gifford you’ll find the wonderful Oyster Shack restaurant and back down the other side is The Sloop in Bantham.
For those self-catering, there’s a well-stocked store at St. Ann’s Chapel, a NISA store in Challaborough, open from Easter to November, plus a good range of shops in Modbury – grocers, delicatessen and butchers plus chemist, gift shops and an art gallery.