Burgh Island Hotel in Devon

Landmarks of Devon

What makes a landmark in Devon? Is it the wild sweep of the moors, the hidden coves tucked along the coast, or something deeper? Something etched in history, culture, and character? We think it is a culmination of all three, and while Devon is home to many such places, few capture the imagination quite like the iconic Burgh Island.

 

Devon Landmarks

Devon is home to a remarkable array of landmarks that extend far beyond its postcard-worthy coastline. From ancient geological wonders to historic sites steeped in culture and faith, the county offers a rich array of destinations that together create a multi-faceted and deeply memorable escape to a gorgeous part of the UK.

 

Just inland, Dartmoor National Park stretches across rolling moorland, granite tors, and misty valleys. It’s a vast, untamed landscape that has inspired artists and writers for centuries, perfect for walking, wildlife watching, or simply immersing yourself in the raw beauty of the English countryside. Its prehistoric stone circles and windswept trails add to the sense of timelessness. To the east, the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents a dramatic sweep of cliffs and coves telling a story 185 million years in the making. 

 

Culturally, Exeter Cathedral stands tall as a testament to the region’s historic importance. With its soaring Gothic architecture, intricate vaulted ceiling, and centuries of sacred history, it’s one of the finest medieval cathedrals in England. A visit here offers not only architectural awe but a deep connection to Devon’s spiritual and civic past. 

 

If you’re after more than just Devon landmarks and are keen to see what makes Devon so unique, the village of Clovelly is famously car-free on the north Devon coast, with steep cobbled streets, traditional cottages, and stunning sea views. Maintained to reflect its 19th-century heritage. For a little more character, in Totnes, you’ll find not only a bustling and unique market but also a well-preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castle with panoramic views over the town of Totnes and the River Dart. And you’ll find more castles near Exeter, where a stately home has been the ancestral seat of the Earl of Devon for over 600 years, as well as Castle Drogo, a National Trust property and the last castle built in England (early 20th century), perched above the Teign Gorge.

 

Together, these impressive Devon landmarks showcase the area’s unique ability to blend nature, history, and culture into one extraordinary county. Whether you’re seeking solitude, inspiration, or discovery, Devon delivers it in spades.

Burgh Island, A Natural Devon Landmark 

Perched dramatically off the South Devon coast and accessible only via a tidal causeway or our charming little sea tractor, Burgh Island stands as a beacon of timeless charm and cultural intrigue. A landmark in every sense of the word, not only for geographical uniqueness as a tidal island, but also for the striking Art Deco hotel and enduring association with Agatha Christie, who wrote two of her mysteries while staying here. This is a place where natural beauty meets heritage and where every tide brings with it a sense of stepping back in time. 

One of the most captivating features of Burgh Island is our tidal identity: a natural phenomenon that quite literally separates us from the everyday world. At high tide, the sea rolls in and transforms the island into a true offshore retreat, cutting us off from the mainland and creating a charming sense of seclusion and wonder not found anywhere else. 

The only way to reach the island during these magical high tide hours is aboard the iconic Burgh Island Sea Tractor, affectionately named Trundle. Unique to this location, Trundle glides above the waves, offering a charming and nostalgic journey that begins the moment you arrive. At low tide, the sand causeway is revealed, allowing visitors to walk across the golden beach between Burgh Island and Bigbury-on-Sea, an experience that feels truly spectacular. 

Surrounded by sweeping views of Bigbury Bay, dramatic coastal cliffs, and ever-changing skies, Burgh Island is as much a natural landmark as it is a historical one. The island’s wild beauty and rhythmic tides create an atmosphere of tranquillity and transformation, perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature in a place like no other.

An Architectural Icon

While the island itself is one of Devon’s most unique landmarks, at the heart of Burgh Island lies a true architectural treasure: Burgh Island Hotel. A pristine example of Art Deco design dating back to 1929, the hotel stands not only as a place to stay but as a living museum, beautifully preserving the elegance and glamour of the interwar years. From its sweeping geometric facades to its curved windows, clean lines, and gleaming interiors, every inch of the hotel speaks to the era of jazz, cocktails, and tailored refinement. Inside, you’ll find original features and period furnishings, including rich wood panelling, mirrored walls, and opulent textiles, all curated to reflect the timeless sophistication of the 1930s.

 

Today, Burgh Island Hotel is still considered one of the finest and best-preserved Art Deco buildings in the UK, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and inhabit the elegance of a golden age, surrounded by the style and atmosphere that made the period so unforgettable.

 

The Literary & Celebrity Landmark

One of the most compelling chapters of the island’s history belongs to Agatha Christie, who was so enchanted by the island’s secluded setting, shifting tides, and dramatic coastline that she chose it as the inspiration for two of her most famous works: And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun. In both novels, the sense of isolation becomes central to the mystery: an island that traps its guests, where every creak and shadow deepens the intrigue. The Grand Ballroom, clifftop paths, and secluded coves all find echoes in Christie’s fiction, lending the island an enduring literary legacy.

 

But Christie wasn’t the only figure drawn to Burgh’s charm. Noël Coward came here to escape the spotlight, Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII were among its most talked-about guests, and even The Beatles once sought out its privacy and appeal. The island became a hideaway for the formidable and the fashionable, each visit adding a layer to its mythos.

 

To walk Burgh Island’s halls is to step into a glamorous past, where the pages of a Christie novel come alive and every corner feels part of a film set. It’s this fusion of mystery, heritage, and character that cements Burgh Island as not just a Devon landmark but a living legend.

Stay on Burgh Island

 

Ready to discover the timeless magic of Burgh Island for yourself? Start by exploring our website to learn more about our rooms, dining experiences, and the island’s rich history.

Stay connected and inspired by following us on Instagram and Facebook, where we regularly share glimpses of island life, exclusive behind the scenes moments, and guest highlights. And don’t forget to check our Events Page for a curated calendar of special happenings, from black tie soirées and live music to wellness retreats and literary-inspired weekends.