Things To Do At Burgh Island
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The Beach
The hotel and Island overlooks Bigbury-On-Sea beach. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the beach is dusted with sand and lapped by shallow waters. A designated area of outstanding natural beauty, this is a wonderful and romantic place to enjoy and explore. If you fancy a swim Lifeguards are present at Bigbury-On-Sea beach during May to September and the beach also has a first-aid room.
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The Sea Tractor
You may be lucky enough to take a ride on the third generation hydraulic Sea Tractor, the only one in the world. Designed in 1969 by Robert Jackson CBE (a pioneer of the nuclear power station programme in the ’50s) in exchange for a case of champagne and costing £9,000 to build, the Sea Tractor is an historic icon. Recently renovated to her freshly minted state, she is the best way to arrive through the surf to the Burgh Island Hotel. Members of the public can join in the ride and the fare is £2.00 each way.
Please note that in adverse weather conditions the Sea Tractor cannot always operate.
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The Mermaid Pool
The Mermaid Pool is our natural sea water bathing pool, secured in WWII by a sluice gate and surrounded by rocks for utter privacy. A very refreshing and invigorating experience is guaranteed! For those of you who are not quite brave enough to take a dip, there is always our rowing boat to hop into and explore the lagoon. For the brave – always check water conditions with our Duty Manager before taking the plunge!
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English Riviera Custom Tours
We are delighted to be working with English Riviera Custom Tours and the remarkable Miss Lemon, to provide private tours of Agatha Christie’s Devon with or without a travel companion. Whether that is visiting Agatha’s Greenway home, wild swimming at her favourite beaches or simply having a sumptuous picnic on a beach linked to murder, Miss Lemon is at your service.
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Island Walks
From the clean, tidal beach at the north of the Island to the rugged rocks on the west hand side, from the delicious secret of the Mermaid Pool to the south-east and the thousands of sea birds at home here, it should take no more than 20 minutes to wander around our 26 acres.
Situated on the south coast, Burgh is the first stop off for any influx of visitors from the continent and has an interesting abundance of flora and fauna. You can regularly spot butterflies, moths, foxes, rabbits, badgers, hedgehogs, common lizard and a wide variety of birds.
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Bigbury Golf Course
Bigbury Golf Course is an award winning golf course, only a stones throw away. Archibald Nettlefold; the hotels founder was a keen golfer and would often be seen on the 18 holes. Throughout the year they host Open Golf Championships for the pros, but if you are looking for an afternoon activity, they welcome non-members Tuesday to Saturday.
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Surfing & Paddleboarding
There’s a wide and varied selection of water sports available to visitors who prefer their holidays to feature a little adrenaline rush. If you want to try something different from the usual bodyboarding or surfing then windsurfing and kite-surfing are popular here, with hire facilities located right on the beach from Discovery Surf, one of the best surf schools in Devon.
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Relaxing in the Hotel Grounds
There is nothing quite as relaxing, or as quintessentially English, as flopping into a deck chair, soaking up the sun on your face, while enjoying stunning sea views. The team are on hand to furnish you with a glass of something too of course if it takes your fancy!
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Explore Devon
Make the most of your visit to Burgh Island and immerse yourself into the cultural and architectural history of the surrounding Devon countryside…
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Sandridge Barton
Sandridge Barton is nestled in the beautiful South Hams district of Devon. The charming vineyards have been growing grapes and making wine since 1981, producing over 80 tonnes of fruit per year across 32 acres of vineyards.
Looking out toward the River Dart, this remarkable vineyard is famous for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Blanc, amongst others. If you’re looking to experience some of the hidden gems of Devon, as well as learn a little more about the wonderful wine-making process, Sandridge Barton is a must visit for tours, tastings and wine shopping. As the cherry on top, use BURGH10 at checkout and receive 10% off your booking.