Burgh Island Hotel is an iconic Devon landmark on its own tidal island and surrounded by golden beaches and silver seas. Built in 1929 extended in 1932 and now restored to its '30s glamour, step back in time for a retreat like no other.
- Famous 1930s Art Deco retreat
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Overlooking Bigbury On Sea and Bantham Beaches
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The Mermaid Pool for natural sea water swimming
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Choice of Restaurants
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Spa treatment room and sauna
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A pioneer in the Green Tourism movement.
Special Offers
The following offers are showing instant availability.
Exclusive to OPL
SMTWTFS
Available: Now
Ultimate Luxury Escape - Double Room
Exclusive to Off Peak Luxury
Stay in a Double room and receive:
- A bottle of chilled Champagne in your room on arrival (value £75)
- Residents 3 course dinner for two on one evening (value £60 pp)
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival when staying 2 nights+ (subject to availability at check in)
- Full breakfast for two daily
- There are a very limited number of twin bedded rooms in the hotel. If you require a twin room please contact us before booking.
1 night stay
Package Price: £217.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £435 per room
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £344 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £688 per room
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £469 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £938 per room
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SMTWTFS
Available: Now
Ultimate Luxury Escape - Suite
Exclusive to Off Peak Luxury
Stay in a Suite and receive:
- A bottle of chilled Champagne in your room on arrival (value £75)
- Residents 3 course dinner for two on one evening (value £60 pp)
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival when staying 2 nights+ (subject to availability at check in)
- Full breakfast for two daily
- There are a very limited number of twin bedded rooms in the hotel. If you require a twin room please contact us before booking.
1 night stay
Package Price: £249 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £498 per room
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £404 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £808 per room
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £559 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £1,118 per room
- Instant Availability
Exclusive to OPL
SMTWTFS
Available: Now
Ultimate Luxury Escape - Grand Suite
Exclusive to Off Peak Luxury
Stay in a Grand suite and receive:
- A bottle of chilled Champagne in your room on arrival (value £75)
- Residents 3 course dinner for two on one evening (value £60 pp)
- Complimentary room upgrade on arrival when staying 2 nights+ (subject to availability at check in)
- Full breakfast for two daily
- There are a very limited number of twin bedded rooms in the hotel. If you require a twin room please contact us before booking.
1 night stay
Package Price: £266.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £533 per room
- Instant Availability
2 night stay
Package Price: £439 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £878 per room
- Instant Availability
3 night stay
Package Price: £611.50 per person per stay (based on two sharing) £1,223 per room
- Instant Availability
All of the above prices include all taxes / service fees.
* Offers showing provisional availability are subject to confirmation with the hotel and availability is not guaranteed. No funds will be taken from your card until the booking is confirmed, which will usually be within a few hours.
Offers showing instant availability are live and will be confirmed immediately.
Facilities at Burgh Island Hotel
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.
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 Burgh Island. The Sea Tractor runs for guests when required the fare is £2.00 each way.
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 the 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.
The Mermaid Pool: The Mermaid Pool is the 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!
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.
Tennis & Croquet: Enjoy a game of tennis on our outdoor court or a spot of croquet on our lawn in front of the hotel, equipment is available from reception.
Sauna and Spa Treatment Room: Make the most of your beachside retreat with a spa treatment by Zorana, our qualified masseuse and beautician. New recruit Tamas is an expert in deep tissue and sports massage. For treatments either in your room (depending on the size) or in our treatment room, just ask on booking or at any time during your stay.
Snooker Room: This is the original '30s billiards room (and table) of the hotel, recently restored thanks to the loving care of a regular guest and the frequent site of after dinner challenges. We can also bring you a tipple from the Palm Court Bar to enjoy while you play a frame or two.
Home truths
The majority of bedrooms do not have televisions, take a digital detox! Wifi is available (free of charge) in the hotel's public rooms, and a public television is available in the Library. Mobile phone reception on the island is limited.
The main resident dining experience in the Ballroom is a formal, black-tie affair - dress to impress! This means dinner jackets for men. More casual dining is available in the Ganges restaurant.
The hotel is located on an island and therefore transport can be dictated by the tides, however the hotel are adept in managing this. Please be aware that weather and wind may affect your crossing times. You will be advised of the best times to cross in advance of arrival.
Good to know
- Hotel check-in time: 3:30 PM
- Hotel check-out time: 11:30 AM
Parking Facilities
There are garages located on the mainland in Bighbury on Sea, accessed by a code. You will need to call the hotel on approach so that instructions can be given. This will also allow the hotel drivers time to cross the beach to collect you and your luggage.
History of the hotel
In the 1890s, the music hall star George H Chirgwin built a prefabricated wooden house on Burgh Island, which was used by guests for weekend parties.
The island was sold in 1927 to the filmmaker Archibald Nettlefold, who built a more substantial hotel in an Art Deco style that was in vogue at the time. By the 1930s Burgh Island had become one of the most popular hotels of it's time. Improvements and additions to the hotel were made during the 1930s, including the addition of The Captain's Cabin, literally the captain's cabin of HMS Ganges, a warship built in 1821 (and the last British wooden flagship in the Royal Navy).
In World War II Burgh Island's convenient seaside location meant the hotel was used as a recovery centre for wounded RAF personnel. During the conflict the top two floors of the hotel were damaged by a bomb and despite being repaired, it suffered a period of post-war decline after being converted to self-catering apartment accommodation. The hotel was restored to its former glory in the first decade of this century and continues to thrive today as a special place to visit.
Today Burgh Island is a Grade II listed building and one of the foremost examples of Art Deco style in Europe. Agatha Christie made Burgh her second home, writing two books while on the Island. Noel Coward stayed on the Island, originally for three days, but this turned into three weeks.
Child Policy
Children over 5 are welcome, there are divan beds in large suites. They are not allowed in the bar or public areas after 7 pm but may use the Library and can dine in the Captains Cabin. Additional charges apply, please contact our team for details.
Dogs Policy
Dogs are welcome in the Artist's Studio room only, an additional charge is applicable. Please contact us if you wish to bring a dog and we will be happy to check availability for you.
Dogs are permitted on the main beach at Bigbury-On-Sea from October to April only.
Other Information
Art Deco
Art Deco Inspiration Burgh Island is widely regarded as one of the foremost places to see and experience Art Deco in Europe.
Art Deco is an influential visual arts design style that takes its name from the important 'Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes' which took place in Paris in 1925. It became popular across the globe in the 1920s and '30s. As a design style Art Deco represented a rejection of the organic, sensous motifs of pre-War Art Nouveau in favour of clean lines and ‘modern', often bright, colours. It was largely made possible by new manufacturing techniques and increased access of the new middle class to luxury goods. The boom in cinema audiences spread the message across the globe: glamorous living was accessible and had arrived!
The Rooms at Burgh Island Hotel
Double room
- King-sized bed
- En-suite bathroom
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Burgh Island bespoke toiletries
- Chocolates and water
- Partial sea views
- Fresh tea or coffee brought to you each morning
- No TV in room; there is a TV in the Library
Suite
Suites with separate lounge, bedroom and bathroom. All these suites have sea views:
- Small lounge area
- King sized bed
- En-suite bathroom
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Burgh Island bespoke toiletries
- Chocolates and water
- Sea views
- Fresh tea or coffee brought to you each morning
- No TV in room; there is a TV in the Library
Grand suite
Very large suites with separate lounge, bedroom and bathroom. All of our Grand Suites have wonderful sea views and balconies:
- Large lounge
- King sized bed
- En-suite bathroom
- Fluffy bathrobes
- Burgh Island bespoke toiletries
- Chocolates and water
- Stunning sea views and balconies
- Fresh tea or coffee brought to you each morning
- No TV in room; there is a TV in the Library
The Ballroom
The menu is changed seasonally, using only the finest in local produce.
As a resident your booking at Burgh Island includes canapes, a three-course menu and coffee and petits fours.
They hate to call it a rule, but guests do dress to the nines. Please wear something glamorous and something that makes your visit special. Black tie and evening dress are absolutely de rigeur for all guests in the Ball Room.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year they have live music from one of our house bands. You are invited, but not compelled, to venture onto The Ballroom dance floor and enjoy some romance on the outside dance floor, under the stars.
Dress Code
Please wear something glamorous and something that makes your visit special. Black tie and evening dress are absolutely de rigeur for all guests in the Ball Room. If you prefer a less formal evening, please ask to dine in the Captain's Cabin or The Ganges Restaurant, where the dress code is smart but not black tie.
Palm Court Bar
This is the place to visit pre- and post-dinner to enjoy some fizz, a cocktail or a selection of other beverages.
The wine list has been lovingly prepared and features a wide selection to accompany your dining experience.
Dress Code
Please wear something glamorous and something that makes your visit special. Black tie and evening dress are absolutely de rigeur for all guests in the Ball Room. If you prefer a less formal evening, please ask to dine in the Captain's Cabin or The Ganges Restaurant, where the dress code is smart but not black tie.
Ganges Restaurant
Serving an all-day menu for residents of the hotel.
Enjoy a light lunch in the Palm Court Bar or the Ganges Restaurant or on the terrace soaking up the spectacular views.
Dress Code
Please wear something glamorous and something that makes your visit special. Black tie and evening dress are absolutely de rigeur for all guests in the Ball Room. If you prefer a less formal evening, please ask to dine in the Captain's Cabin or The Ganges Restaurant, where the dress code is smart but not black tie.
The Pilchard Inn
The Pilchard Inn was built in 1336 and has been quenching the island's thirst for over 700 years.
The Inn first served the fishermen who lived on the Island and mainland shores, then the smugglers and wreckers who lured ships onto the Western rocks and, now hotel guests and the public. There is nowhere better in the UK to sit in front of a roaring fire and watch the tides “meet" and “part" while nursing a pint and a fresh crab baguette.
On Friday nights The Pilchard hosts a popular curry night, with fresh and spicy curries and accompaniments made in the Hotel kitchen.
Dress Code
Please wear something glamorous and something that makes your visit special. Black tie and evening dress are absolutely de rigeur for all guests in the Ball Room. If you prefer a less formal evening, please ask to dine in the Captain's Cabin or The Ganges Restaurant, where the dress code is smart but not black tie.
Burgh Island Hotel Location
Map & Directions
Address
Bigbury-on-Sea
South Devon
TQ7 4BG
There are garages located on the mainland in Bighbury on Sea, accessed by a code. You will need to call the hotel on approach so that instructions can be given. This will also allow the hotel drivers time to cross the beach to collect you and your luggage.
How to get here
Postcode: TQ7 4BG
Two miles out of Bigbury-on-Sea, you will pass through "St Ann's Chapel" please call the hotel from here as mobile phone reception is limited in the final approach to Burgh Island. The hotel will give you instructions on access to the mainland garages, in Bigbury on Sea, which are gated with a frequently changing code. They will then transport you and your luggage over the beach to the island.
If you are arriving by taxi, please remember also to call to let the hotel know you are on the way. Your driver should be asked to set down at The Beach Shop in the public car park.
Enter your postcode to view approximate driving directions to Burgh Island Hotel.
Location & Local Attractions
The South West Coastal Path
Surely Britain's finest walk: 630 miles of coast-hugging beauty running right past our doorstep on the mainland. Strike out and cover some of this fabulous coastal path from Burgh Island.
Saltram House
Is an unusual George II mansion filled with its original contents and set in a landscaped park. 17 miles from Burgh Island
Buckland Abbey
In a secluded location above the River Tavy the abbey, is associated with Sir Francis Drake. The house and estate incorporate the remains of the original 13th Century Abbey. 26 miles from Burgh Island
Greenway House
On the banks of the River Dart, was the holiday home of Dame Agatha Christie, where she retreated specifically not to write. Bought by Mrs Mallowan (Christie used her second married name during her stays there) in 1938, the house also displays 5 generations of family history while the gardens host an important collection of trees and shrubs, as featured on BBC's "Hidden Gardens". 28 miles from Burgh Island
Coleton Fishacre House & Garden
Designed in 1925 for Robert and Lady Dorothy D'Oyly Carte, is a combination of the expected arts and crafts tradition with a modern feel. 30 miles from Burgh Island
Castle Drogo
Built between 1910 and 1930 by Lutyens for self-made millionaire Julius Drew. The interior is sumptuous: under repair in 2015/16. 40 miles from Burgh Island
Burgh Island Hotel Reviews
- 8 reviews
- Member since July 2018
South Devon, TQ7 4BG
Just as we wanted it to be, if not better. Just loved the art deck, ambience, location and friendlin
A treat
Excellent
This was on our wish list to do. Everything was perfect from start to finish. The staff were excellent. Everyone made you feel welcome and nothing was to much trouble. Even the weather was perfect. Would love to go again.
Beautiful Setting
We went for our Ruby Wedding Anniversary, we have a connection with Agatha Christie so this meant even more to us, from start to finish the staff on every level were so helpful and polite, the food you could not fault even when we had lunch in the Inn on the island. The whole experience was truly amazing, we stayed 2 nights on the island which was wonderful. The ballroom was beautiful and dressing in ballgowns for the evening was perfect.
Stunning location
A real treat for a couple of romantic days away. Welcoming and friendly service, beautiful
location and good food and entertainment. It s not cheap but worth the cost for a special treat.
Pre Christmas break
Having stayed here many times we wanted to see how the Hotel would be run with new owners.
We enjoyed our stay as most of the staff are the same. I thought there could have been a few Christmas decorations around the Hotel but sadly there were none, not even a tree.
We missed having breakfast in the Ganges restaurant but that was closed due to the new owners refurbishing.
We will visit in the New Year to see what else will be changing. Hopefully not too much.
The Hotel is a gem and hopefully will not lose too much of its Art Deco Style.
8 reviews, sorted by Date Rating