Bigbury-on-Sea & Burgh Island: How to Time the Sea Tractor
One of South Devon's most memorable rides is right on your doorstep from Wicket View — here's what to know before you go.
What the sea tractor actually is Burgh Island sits just 250 metres off the beach at Bigbury-on-Sea, connected to the mainland by a sandy causeway at low tide. When the tide comes in and covers the causeway, the island's sea tractor — a tall, tank-like vehicle that wades through the waves on stilted wheels — ferries passengers across instead. It's been running in one form or another since the 1930s, and the current version has been a fixture since the late 1960s, making it one of a kind anywhere in the world.
This amazing image was taken from the Burgh Island Facebook page - Click through to find out more. Absolutely worth a visit.
Walking across at low tide If you time your visit for low tide, you can simply walk across the sand causeway to the island for free — it takes only a few minutes. This is the easiest option if you just want to explore, visit the historic Pilchard Inn, or have a drink at the Burgh Island Hotel.
Riding the sea tractor Once the tide comes in and the causeway disappears, the sea tractor takes over. It's primarily there for hotel guests, but members of the public can usually ride too for a small fee each way — and it's a genuinely fun, slightly surreal few minutes crossing open water several feet above the waves. Children (and dogs) are typically very welcome.
Planning your visit Because the crossing method depends entirely on the tide, check current tide times before you set off — arriving at the wrong point in the tide cycle can mean a longer wait than planned. Locals and regular visitors tend to build in some flexibility rather than fixing an exact time. For tide times on the day visit the BBC website.
There’s a pay and display carpark, with a brilliant spot just above the beach for a coffee or some lunch. And just across from Burgh Island (which is a must) you’ll find Bantham beach, a great spot for surfing and walking the world go by. Dog are allowed on a lead, and free to roam off peak, but check before you get there as dates can change.
Make a day of it Combine the visit with a wander along Bigbury-on-Sea's beach, or extend into a longer walk along the coast path if the weather's good — it pairs particularly well with a late lunch at one of the beachside spots back on the mainland.
Getting there from Wicket View Bigbury-on-Sea is a scenic drive from the cottage, easily combined with a wider loop through the South Hams countryside on the way there or back.
