Exploration and Adventure
Burgh Island is a paradise for explorers and adventurers, offering countless opportunities to connect with nature and the island’s rugged beauty. From invigorating coastal walks to exciting water sports, our unique island location makes every moment an adventure of sorts. On our island, you can enjoy a game of tennis, a croquet match on the lawn, a dip in the mermaid pool, or simply sit back with a good book in our Palm Court Lounge.
As you leave the hotel, discover the breathtaking beauty of the South Devon coastline with coastal walks that offer sweeping sea views and fresh ocean air. From gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, the island and its surrounding paths provide the perfect backdrop to escape into nature. Wander along cliffside paths, explore hidden coves, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity that only Burgh Island can offer.
Alternatively, enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkelling along the coastline, taking in the clear waters and discovering hidden spots around the island. The beach’s tidal sands provide plenty of space for sunbathing or beachcombing, ideal for guests who want to relax as well as those eager to dive into a bit of adventure.
The island is also a haven for wildlife, with a diverse array of coastal flora and fauna to observe. Take a leisurely stroll and keep an eye out for seabirds, dolphins, and other marine life that make occasional appearances along our shores. The tidal pools are teeming with small marine creatures, perfect for exploring or simply enjoying a closer look at the wonders of nature.
Exploration and Adventure
For a unique UK break, Burgh Island offers an inspiring opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of a bygone era. Steeped in a rich history, Burgh Island blends architectural significance with storied tales of its famous guests. Our roots trace back to the 1890s when the island first became a haven for weekend revellers. Music hall star George H. Chirgwin initially set the tone with a prefabricated wooden house, drawing guests to the island for lively gatherings. However, Burgh Island’s transformation into the iconic retreat it is today began in 1927, when filmmaker Archibald Nettlefold purchased the island. Inspired by the Art Deco movement, he built a substantial hotel in the popular style of the time, creating an oasis that became a beacon for the elite.
By the 1930s, Burgh Island was celebrated as one of Europe’s foremost destinations to experience Art Deco, the influential style that originated at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. Art Deco’s geometric lines, bold colours, and luxurious materials are evident throughout the hotel’s architecture, from its curving forms to its glamorous interiors which are still evident in our hotel today.
The allure of Burgh Island has attracted countless notable figures over the decades. Noel Coward, too, found a sanctuary here, joined by a host of pre-war luminaries who revelled in the island’s historic glamour and charm. Guests today can still enjoy much of history, marvelling at the architecture, enjoying the simple pleasures available in rooms, and even visiting The Pilchard Inn. The Pilchard Inn is Burgh Island’s historic 1327 pub, a smugglers’ hideaway that adds a touch of rustic intrigue with tales of pirates and pilchard fishing along our shores.
With each visit, the history, eccentricity, and beauty of Burgh Island unfold in new ways. Restored to its original 1930s grandeur, the hotel preserves the sense of indulgence and adventure that has enchanted guests for nearly a century. We invite you to be some of the next courageous travellers looking to step back in time and enjoy the wonder that awaits on Burgh Island.
