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Bigbury-on-Sea is a serene seaside resort nestled in the South Hams area of Devon. It sits on the banks of the River Avon, where it meets the sea at Bigbury Bay. Across the river lies the quaint village of Bantham. The area is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and the remarkable Burgh Island.
The main beach at Bigbury-on-Sea is a vast, gently sloping area, primarily sandy with some shingle. Adorned with a Blue Flag award, the beach offers amenities such as toilets, a slipway, a café, and a pub. Lifeguards patrol the area during the summer months. Additional beaches can be found at Bantham, Challaborough, and Thurlestone. A foot ferry service connects Bantham and Bigbury, but for Thurlestone, a drive back to the A379 heading south towards Kingsbridge is required.
Burgh Island, accessible at low tide across a sand spit and at high tide by a sea tractor, houses the enigmatic Burgh Island Hotel. This Grade II listed, Art Deco style hotel was built in 1929 and was a favourite spot for Agatha Christie. The recently refurbished hotel now boasts an excellent restaurant and offers 4x4 vehicle pick-ups for guests to avoid getting their feet wet!
Thurlestone is a small village overlooking Bigbury Bay, reachable via the A379 Plymouth to Kingsbridge road. It gets its name from a large offshore rock with a hole in it, known as the 'thirled stone' in the past. Thurlestone and South Milton Sands, the village's two beaches, are a mix of sand and shingle and provide facilities like toilets, a café, and First Aid. Another sandy beach is located about a mile east in the village of Hope.
The South West Coast Path runs along this area, offering spectacular coastal views. From Hope Cove to Bolt Tail, and for the adventurous, a further 5 miles to Bolt Head, one of the southernmost points in the UK.