More swell towards the Avon
The surf often improves as you move towards the river-mouth side, but the water movement also becomes more important. Better waves do not automatically mean a better place for beginners.
Bigbury-on-Sea at a glance
A gentler South Devon surf option with one of the best backdrops in the county.
Bigbury-on-Sea sits on the western side of the River Avon, directly opposite Bantham and facing the tidal landmark of Burgh Island. The broad sandy beach, shallow areas and facilities close to the sand make it particularly practical for families and first surf trips.
The surf is generally softer and less consistent than Bantham, but that can be exactly the attraction. With enough south-westerly swell, shifting sandbanks produce lefts and rights that can suit foam boards, longboards and progressing surfers.
The important exception is the Avon side of the beach. Currents associated with the river mouth can become strong, so the easiest-looking route towards Bantham is not automatically the safest place to surf.
Surfbooker local tips
The useful bits before you unload the boards.
Great alternative to Bantham
If Bantham is too heavy, crowded or intimidating, Bigbury can offer a softer version of the same swell window.
Parking is convenient, not cheap
The main Marine Drive car park is directly above the beach and huge by local standards. The trade-off is a relatively expensive all-day tariff.
Use the card machine
Mobile signal can be unreliable around the beach. The main car park's physical machines take card and contactless, so don't rely entirely on an app.
Dogs still have a summer option
The main beach has seasonal restrictions, but the beach west of the Burgh Island causeway remains dog-friendly throughout the year.
Check the tide for the island
If Burgh Island is part of your day, check the tide before crossing. The causeway disappears quickly and the sea tractor is not a guaranteed public shuttle in all conditions.
Surf lessons
Discovery Surf School at Bigbury.
Discovery has a permanent base in the lower level of the main beach car park and runs lessons directly at Bigbury-on-Sea.
Discovery Surf School
Beginner and progression lessons at Bigbury-on-Sea, with small-group coaching and equipment included. The school also operates across the Avon at Bantham.
Surf & watersports hire
One of Bigbury's strongest practical advantages.
Discovery Surf Hire
Surfboards, wetsuits, bodyboards, paddleboards and kayaks are available from Discovery's Bigbury base, subject to weather and sea conditions. A seasonal Causeway-side hire station also operates during suitable summer weather.
Beach & surf guide
Softer than Bantham, but not simply a beginner beach everywhere.
Shifting sandy peaks with the odd better bank
Bigbury is mainly a sandy beach break producing lefts and rights. The banks change, so there is no single guaranteed peak. Smaller days can suit longboards, softboards and learners, while a better bank with enough swell can produce steeper and faster walls.
The beach often works well around mid tide, but tide, sand and swell direction can change the picture considerably. At very small sizes it can lose power, while higher tide can shorten the available ride and push waves closer to shore.
Beginners
Strong option
The sandy bottom and softer waves make Bigbury one of the more approachable South Devon beaches when conditions are sensible.
Swell
Needs more than Bantham
Bigbury can be noticeably smaller than Bantham and may stay flat when more exposed beaches are surfable.
Tide
Mid tide is often useful
Many sessions are best around the middle of the tide, but shifting banks mean you should treat this as guidance rather than a rule.
River side
More power, more current
The Avon side can produce better waves but also the strongest water movement.
Causeway side
More sheltered feel
The Burgh Island side can be useful when you want softer conditions or watersports away from the river mouth.
Crowds
Mixed beach users
Expect surfers, SUPs, kayaks, swimmers and families sharing the beach on good-weather days.
Safety
The river is the hazard that deserves the most attention.
Avon currents
Outgoing and cross-beach currents can strengthen near the River Avon channel.
Rocks
Rocky sections around the edges of the beach become more important as tide and wave direction change.
Main beach patrol
In 2026 the RNLI patrols the main Bigbury beach daily from 11 July to 6 September, 10am to 6pm.
Sedgewell Cove patrol
Sedgewell Cove has a longer 2026 patrol season: daily 16 May to 27 September, 10am to 6pm.
No flags, no lifeguards
Always check which part of the beach is patrolled rather than assuming the whole bay has cover.
Parking
315 spaces directly above the beach.
Marine Drive is one of the easiest surf-beach car parks in the area for carrying boards and family kit, but current charges are at the expensive end.
Pay on entry
The Marine Drive car park operates 24 hours and has 315 spaces, including disabled bays. The site uses card/contactless machines and mobile payment; cash is not accepted at the main machines.
Current published tariff: ?1 up to 30 minutes, ?2 up to 1 hour, ?4.50 up to 2 hours, ?8.50 up to 4 hours, ?12.50 up to 6 hours and ?14.50 all day. Vans and minibuses have a separate ?25 all-day rate. Check the tariff before relying on these figures for a future trip.
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions on the main beach, year-round space west of the causeway.
Dogs are welcome on the main Bigbury beach outside the main summer restriction period. During the summer season, the main bathing beach has restrictions.
The useful bit is that the beach west of the Burgh Island causeway remains dog-friendly throughout the year, so Bigbury can still work for dog owners in peak season.
Burgh Island
The thing that makes Bigbury instantly recognisable.
Walk across at low tide
A sandy tidal causeway links Bigbury-on-Sea to Burgh Island. When exposed, it is an easy short walk, but the sea covers it as the tide rises. Check the tide and leave enough time to return rather than trying to beat the water.
The island itself is open to the public and is home to the historic Pilchard Inn and the Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, famously associated with Agatha Christie.
Sea tractor
One of the strangest ways to cross a beach in Britain.
When the causeway is underwater, the famous high-legged sea tractor crosses between Bigbury and Burgh Island. The current vehicle dates from 1969 and carries its passengers high above the water while its wheels run across the submerged sand.
The service is primarily for hotel guests. The hotel also allows non-residents using the island's dining facilities to travel for a published ?2 each way, subject to tide, weather and operating conditions. Don't treat it as a guaranteed public ferry without checking first.
Facilities & accessibility
Very easy for a full beach day.
Toilets
Public toilets are close to the beach and main car park.
Showers
Useful for rinsing off after surfing and family beach sessions.
Caf?
Food and drink are available immediately around the main beach area.
Surf hire
Discovery operates directly from the lower car park.
Beach wheelchair
Discovery provides a beach wheelchair free of charge; calling ahead is recommended.
Disabled parking
The main Marine Drive car park includes designated disabled spaces.
Walks & scenery
Easy island stroll or a much bigger coastal loop.
The shortest option is Burgh Island itself: the South West Coast Path publishes an easy 0.8-mile circular outing from the Marine Drive car park, tide permitting.
For a proper walk, the Ringmore and Bigbury route covers about 6.5 miles through the Avon Estuary landscape, Ringmore and the clifftops, with access to Challaborough and Ayrmer Cove along the way.
Nearby alternatives
Three very different surf checks within a small stretch of coast.
Banthamacross the River Avon
More consistent and often more powerful, with a serious river-mouth lineup when conditions are good.
Best for: looking for more swell or a higher-performance session.
Challaboroughshort drive west
A compact cove with punchier beach-break surf and a technical reef on the right.
Best for: experienced surfers seeking a faster wave when it lines up.
Thurlestonefurther east
A scenic South Hams alternative with different wind and swell exposure.
Best for: widening the surf check when Bigbury is flat or crowded.
FAQs
Quick answers before you go.
Is Bigbury-on-Sea good for beginner surfers?
Yes, on suitable days. The sandy bottom and generally softer waves make it one of South Devon's more approachable surf beaches. Beginners should stay away from strong River Avon currents and use the lifeguarded surf area when patrols are operating.
Is there a surf school at Bigbury?
Yes. Discovery Surf School has a permanent base in the lower section of the main beach car park and runs lessons at Bigbury-on-Sea.
Can I hire surfboards and wetsuits?
Yes. Discovery hires surfboards, wetsuits, bodyboards, SUPs and kayaks from its Bigbury base, subject to conditions.
Is Bigbury lifeguarded?
Yes, seasonally. In 2026 the main Bigbury beach is patrolled daily 11 July to 6 September, while Sedgewell Cove has daily cover 16 May to 27 September. Patrol hours are 10am to 6pm.
Are dogs allowed?
The main beach has seasonal summer restrictions, while the beach west of the Burgh Island causeway remains available to dogs throughout the year. Follow current beach-zone signs.
Can anyone walk onto Burgh Island?
Yes. The island is open to the public and can be reached across the sandy causeway when the tide is out. Check the tide before crossing.
Can anyone use the sea tractor?
The sea tractor is primarily used for hotel guests. Non-residents visiting the island's dining facilities can also use it for a fee when it is operating. Weather and tide can prevent operation.
How expensive is parking?
The Marine Drive car park currently charges up to ?14.50 for an all-day car stay, with shorter tariffs available. Check the current tariff before travelling because parking prices can change.