Burgh ( pronounced burr ) Island lies 250 metres off the coast of Bigbury - on - Sea, a small seaside town situated between Torquay and Plymouth on Devon's south coast.

The 27 acre, tidal island ( which is accessed by way of a causeway at low tide or boat at high tide ) is a picturesque retreat of rocky coves and sandy beaches, which has a long and varied history.

It is said that the island's first inhabitants were most probably fourteenth century monks, as there is evidence of a former monastery having been built there as well as the remains of a fifteenth century chapel and a fourteenth century inn that is still used to this day as a public house, which also has guest accommodation on it's first floor.

After the dissolution of the monasteries the island became the home of transient, pilchard fishermen and a haven for local smugglers and pirates.

Today, the island is better known for it's striking, Grade II Listed, Art Deco hotel, which has become a retro paradise and magical, fantasy island retreat.

The first hotel on the island was completed in 1890, when music hall star, George Chirgwin, built a large, wooden house on the island for use as a private, holiday retreat for his music hall and actor friends of the day.

This building is still in evidence on the island, although it has seen much restoration over the years, and is used as hotel staff accommodation, and can be seen at the foot of the hotel on the island's seafront.

 image courtesy of Mick Knapton, wikimedia commons.

 Burgh island and hotel, showing the causway at low tide.

In 1927 the island was purchased by film maker Archie Nettleford, who proceeded to construct the hotel building that we see today.

Nettleford and his wife opened the hotel for use of film stars and other eminent people of the day, as a secret retreat, away from the prying eyes of fans and media.

The hotel went onto become one of the most popular and sought after locations in the country, for the rich and famous of the nineteen thirties, with eminent guests such as Agatha Christie, Noel Coward, Amy Johnson and Prince Edward and Mrs Simpson to name but a few.

In later years the hotel became the venue of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S President Dwight .D. Eisenhower, when they used the hotel for top secret meetings to discuss the D.Day landings, military operation.

During the war years, the hotel was used as a safe haven and tranquil retreat for the use of recuperating, wounded RAF officers.

In the nineteen sixties the hotel was used as a secret hideaway for the British pop group the Beatles, when they performed concerts in the area. 

 Image courtesy of Jolly Janner, wikimedia commons.

 The unique sea tractor.

All these eminent guests were ferried to the island hideaway by way of a sea tractor, which is still in use to this day by the present owners of the hotel.

During the hotel's history, various owners have used three of these unusual tractors to ferry their customers to and fro, with the present one dating back to 1969.

Both the hotel and this unusual mode of transport have become movie stars in their own right over the years, with both of them having been seen in many English films and T.V shows, particularly period dramas set in the twenties and thirties. 

Image courtesy of Didburygraham, wikimedia commons. 

Burgh Island Hotel, with the sea tractor ferrying guests from the mainland.

Unfortunately this beautiful building went into a decline during the nineteen nineties, but was saved from dereliction by it's present owners who bought and lovingly restored the hotel to it's former glory in 2003.    

Today this beautiful Art Deco hotel, which consists of ten suites and twenty five rooms is set in twelve acres of grounds with breathtaking sea and coastal views which is a haven to the elegant and sophisticated period of design and opulence of the nineteen twenties and thirties, giving guests the impression of having steppped back into another time.

The fine Art Deco detail of the hotel's interior can be seen in every inch of it's furnishings, fittings and decor, in it's grand marble foyer to it's elegant sun lounge, from it's palm court bar which serves over thrty,classical cocktails, to it's genteel, period dining room, gentlemen's games room and grand ball room.

The hotel also sports an elegant spa and beauty rooms.

Outside, the hotel's grounds are criss crossed with walking paths and nature trails, with steps and pathways leading down to old smugglers coves and secluded beaches.

For non residents of the hotel, the island is accessible by way of the causeway at low tide from Bigbury - on - Sea ( the sea tractor is for the use of hotel guests only)  and walks can be taken along the island's perimeter, coastal path.

The fourteenth century Pilchard Inn, which dates back to 1336, situated on the island's seafront which sports views over towards Bigbury - on - Sea, is still used today as a hostelry providing drinks and mid day meals to both hotel and non hotel residents. 

ADDRESS - Burgh Island, Bigbury - on - Sea, Devon.

POST CODE - TQ7 4BG.

TEL - 01548 810514.

WEBSITE -www.burghisland.com

Please be aware that the hotel does not permit children under five years old.

The hotel is a strictly no smoking establishment.

Pets are not allowed in the hotel or on it's grounds.

                                              Bigbury - on - Sea, as seen from Burgh Island.

Bigbury - on - Sea is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty popular with walkers and nature lovers and it's fine beach and coastline is a magnet for surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.

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