Bigbury-on-Sea
Devon
Bigbury-on-Sea sits on the South Devon coast within the South Devon National Landscape, facing out across the wide curve of Bigbury Bay with Burgh Island anchored 250 metres offshore. At low tide the sea retreats to reveal a wide expanse of golden sand and a sandy causeway that connects the mainland to the island, where The Pilchard Inn has been serving visitors since 1336. The beach is sheltered, gently sloping and well served: Venus Cafe overlooks the sand, the Discovery Surf School offers lessons and equipment hire, and lifeguards are on duty through the summer months. A slipway provides wheelchair access and there is ample parking close to the beach.
Dogs are welcome here year round on the section to the west of the causeway, which runs up beside the river and opens into a generous stretch of sand at low tide, making it a genuine year-round option rather than a consolation. On the main beach between the causeway and Sedgewell Cove, a seasonal ban applies between 1 May and 30 September from 10am to 7pm, so arriving early or late in the day during summer months can work in your favour. Outside the restricted season, the full beach is available and the shallow, generally calm water suits dogs of all sizes. The Sloop Inn at nearby Bantham and The Pilchard Inn on the island both welcome dogs, and the South West Coast Path connects the area to Bantham, Challaborough and beyond.
At a Glance
Beach Must-Haves
Elite Paws Luxury Dog Drying Coat
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LumoLeaf Portable Dog Water Bottles
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Mud Daddy 8L Portable Pet Washing Device
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Dog Travel Bag
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Dog Tie Out Stake and Run Cable
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Dog Life Jacket
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bigbury-on-Sea is a solid choice for dog owners, earning a 7/10 dog-friendly rating. Dogs are welcome year round on the section to the west of the causeway, and outside the summer season the whole beach opens up. The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island and The Sloop Inn at nearby Bantham both welcome dogs too, so there are good options for a post-walk drink or meal.
Yes, though the rules vary depending on which part of the beach you're on. The section to the west of the causeway, which runs up beside the river and opens into a generous stretch of sand at low tide, is available to dogs all year. On the main beach between the causeway and Sedgewell Cove, a seasonal ban applies from 1 May to 30 September between 10am and 7pm , so arriving early or late in the day can give you access to a much larger stretch during summer.
The key thing to be aware of is the seasonal restriction on the main beach, which runs from 1 May to 30 September between 10am and 7pm , outside those hours, or from October to April, the full beach is yours to enjoy. The year-round section to the west of the causeway is a genuine option rather than a token gesture, with plenty of sand at low tide. It's also worth timing your visit around the tides if you want to explore , the sandy causeway to Burgh Island is only accessible when the sea retreats, and the calm, shallow water makes the beach well suited to dogs of all sizes.
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