Exploring Bigbury-on-Sea

From tranquil walks to adrenaline-fueled watersports

Whether you’re planning a week long luxury stay in the pretty South Hams village or spending the day exploring Bigbury for the first time, we’ve rounded up the best things to see and do to make your trip truly special.

Enjoy a day at the beach

With a wide expanse of soft golden sand, Bigbury-on-Sea is a family-friendly beach that’s ideal for holidays. Lapped by shallow waters, the rock pools provide plenty of fun for younger explorers, with a whole host of local marine life waiting to be discovered.

An idyllic spot to relax with a good book as the clouds sail by overhead, the beach is fully lifeguarded from May to September. What’s more, Bigbury-on-Sea is only a short distance from a handful of charming local beaches including Bantham, Mothecombe and Hope Cove.

Catch the sea tractor to Burgh Island

Sitting in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and famed for its literary links to Agatha Christie’s 1930s mystery novels, Burgh Island is a picturesque tidal island just across from Bigbury-on-Sea. Once associated with traditional smuggling tales, the island is separated from the mainland by a beautiful sandy beach visible only at low tide.

A relaxing stroll across the golden sands will lead you right to the island’s shore, while a ride in the world’s only sea tractor at high tide adds a truly unique touch to your visit. One of only a handful of buildings on the island, but certainly the most iconic, the Burgh Island Hotel is celebrated for its art deco style and commanding sea views. The renowned South Devon landmark is the perfect starting point for long walks across the South West Coast Path, where you can admire endless ocean views and take in the fresh sea air.

Enjoy a meal at The Oyster Shack

With vibrant Mediterranean décor and delicious local produce, The Oyster Shack is a family-friendly restaurant in Bigbury, serving up an authentic taste of the South West. Specialising in sustainably caught seafood, including oysters, crab and lobster, all fresh from the River Avon, the bright blue hut sits underneath a covered terrace, making it an ideal South Devon pit stop for an al fresco lunch.

As well as an extensive selection of seafood and a brand new barbeque menu, The Oyster Shack caters for weddings and garden parties with its pop-up oyster bar. And if you’re looking to enjoy more than an exquisite seafood lunch, why not sign up for a bespoke cooking masterclass with friends or family? Learn how to prepare your very own three course meal, just a stone’s throw from the River Avon.

Take to the surf

The thriving water sports scene in Bigbury-on-Sea provides plenty of options for those wanting to take to the waves. If you’re planning a week of intensive one-to-one surf lessons, or simply looking to hire a wetsuit for an afternoon in the shallows, Discovery Surf School and Venus Riders have got you covered.

Ideally located in Bigbury’s main car park overlooking the beach, these local companies provide lessons and equipment for surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. For more adventurous groups, the extra-large paddle board accommodating up to eight people is not to be missed, and promises plenty of laughter out on the water.

Spice things up at the South Devon Chilli Farm

If you love your food, the South Devon Chilli Farm is a must-visit destination, located only five miles from Bigbury. Complete with a plant nursery and show tunnel, as well as a café, farm shop and play area, it’s a great place to tire out the little ones and refuel. Get involved in the chilli challenge after taking a tour of the farm, and learn how the site has grown from being a place for humble hobby gardeners to fully-fledged farming chefs.

Experience coastal luxury

Situated just moments from the golden sands of Bigbury-on-Sea beach, Clifftop, Beachfront, Avocet and Overcombe offer incredible sea-view living. Whether it's sinking into a hot tub at the end of the day, finding solace in a sauna, or simply watching the sun disappear over the horizon, our Bigbury homes combine spa-like luxury with the serene charm of seaside living.