Tucked away on the South Devon coast, the peaceful seaside village of Bigbury-on-Sea has been named one of the most relaxing places in the UK — and it’s easy to see why. With sweeping sands, calm waters and a tidal island you can walk to, this charming destination offers a classic British seaside escape without the crowds or the cost of travelling abroad.
As summer approaches, more Brits are choosing staycations over overseas travel. Research by Parkdean Resorts analysed cleanliness, safety, green space quality, population density, and light and noise pollution to find the UK’s most relaxing coastal towns. Bigbury-on-Sea came out on top, with low population density and high-quality green spaces — making it ideal for a peaceful getaway.
A Beach With Its Own Walk-To Island
The jewel in the crown is Bigbury-on-Sea Beach — a beautiful stretch of golden-white sand with its own tidal island, Burgh Island. At low tide, visitors can walk across the sand to reach the island, creating a unique and memorable coastal experience.
The calm, clear waters make the beach perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking, while the gently sloping shoreline is ideal for families with young children. During summer, lifeguards are often on duty, adding extra peace of mind for visitors.
Surrounded by dramatic coastline, the area is also a fantastic starting point for scenic coastal walks, with views stretching across South Devon’s rugged shoreline.
The Quirky Sea Tractor Experience
When the tide comes in, Burgh Island is cut off from the mainland. But instead of a standard ferry, visitors can hop aboard the famous sea tractor — affectionately known as the “Trundle”.
This unusual vehicle carries passengers in an elevated cabin above the water, safely transporting them across the tidal waters. The sea tractor has become an iconic part of the Bigbury-on-Sea experience and a must-try for first-time visitors.
Agatha Christie Connections
Burgh Island is also famous for its Art Deco hotel, the Burgh Island Hotel, which has hosted numerous celebrities over the years — including crime writer Agatha Christie.
Christie spent time on the island and wrote two of her most famous novels there: Evil Under the Sun and And Then There Were None, both inspired by the island’s atmospheric setting.
Today, visitors can stay at the hotel, enjoy afternoon tea, or simply explore the island and soak up its timeless charm and sweeping sea views.
A Perfect UK Staycation Escape
With peaceful surroundings, safe swimming waters, coastal walks and a tidal island adventure, Bigbury-on-Sea offers everything needed for a relaxing British seaside break. Whether you’re planning a family day trip or a tranquil coastal escape, this Devon gem proves you don’t need to travel far to find one of the UK’s most calming destinations.
Getting There
Bigbury-on-Sea is just a 40-minute drive from Dartmouth (see interactive map below).
Information for this article is based on research conducted by Parkdean Resorts
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