Spectacular South Devon

Today we visit the glorious South Hams area. Our first destination is Bigbury on Sea. If the tide is right here, we can walk across the tidal causeway to Burgh Island, where we can see the extraordinary art deco hotel (not open to Non-residents), whose guests included Noel Coward, Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie, who wrote ‘And then there were none’ here. There are magnificent Coastal Views across to the Island. We can stroll across if you would like, or if the tides are in, this will mean taking the Sea Tractor… a unique experience! Next stop could be Start Point lighthouse, built on an exposed headland in 1836. Tours of the lighthouse are often available, and the nearby Cricket Inn serves some of the best food around!

Moving on, we will stop at Slapton, a delightful shingle beach with a dark secret from WWll, before heading to the town of Dartmouth, famed for its beautiful riverside setting and the location of the Britannia Royal Naval College, which has been training the Officers of the Royal Navy since 1863. You’ll have the opportunity here to take a 60 minute boat trip on the River Dart, viewing Kingswear, Britannia Royal Naval College, the quaint village of Dittisham, Sir Walter Raleigh’s Boathouse, Greenway Quay and the Agatha Christie Estate of Greenway (Fare not included) The cruise will finish at around 4:30, by which time it will be time to head to your hotel.

Places to be visited:

Bigbury on Sea, Burgh Island, Start Point lighthouse, Slapton Sands, Dartmouth

What you need to know

Tour Information

Daily Rate

£375 – £495

Maximum Group Size

7 – Half day 4-5 hours

What's included

Everyday subject to availability and weather

Not included

Meals and admission to selected attractions

Please Bring

Reasonable level of fitness – ability to walk several miles across rugged terrain

Don't Forget

We offer you the chance to delve into your family’s ancestry and history. Contact us to find out about incorporating our Family History & Genealogy Tour into your trip.

Your experience

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Today we explore Devon’s stunning South Hams, beginning at Bigbury on Sea, where, tide depending, we can walk or take the quirky sea tractor across to Burgh Island, famous for its Art Deco hotel and Agatha Christie connection. We then visit Start Point for views and its historic lighthouse, with the option to stop at the popular Cricket Inn. Next is Slapton Sands, a peaceful beach with a poignant WWII story, before finishing in Dartmouth, where you can take an optional river cruise past landmarks like the Britannia Royal Naval College and Agatha Christie’s Greenway (fare not included).

9:00am:

Travel to Bigbury on Sea, enjoying the beautiful rolling scenery of this part of South Devon

10:00am:

Arrive at Bigbury on Sea, and hear about the famous people who loved staying at the Iconic Burgh Island Hotel. Depending on the tides, we can walk across or take the iconic sea tractor across to explore the Island.

11:30am:

Head further along the coast, maybe via the tidal road to Start Point. Perhaps walk down to the lighthouse positioned on the rocky Headland and hear the stories of the nearby village that was list to the sea

12:30pm:

A delicious lunch at a choice of local pubs

1:30pm:

Visit Slapton Sands and learn the remarkable story of Operation Tiger, the WW2 exercise held in this area

2:30pm:

Visit gorgeous Dartmouth, with its famous Naval College, where Queen Elizabeth first met the Duke of Edinburgh. The sightseeing boat trip of the river, viewing amongst other places the home of Agatha Christie, is a real highlight.

4:00pm:

Head back to your hotel

Places to be visited:

Bigbury on Sea | Burgh Island | Start Point Lighthouse | Slapton Sands | Dartmouth

Add on experiences

Knowing the area as well as we do means we have access to some of the region’s hidden gems. Get in touch with us today to learn about our exclusive add-ons. Think secluded castles, world class wineries , distilleries and cider makers.

Our tours

Every one of our tours is led by a local expert with insider knowledge.

At Select South West Tours, we’re committed to exploring the South West responsibly. Our small group sizes, low-emission luxury vehicles, and support for local businesses help reduce our impact while boosting the communities we visit. It’s a more thoughtful way to travel—and a more rewarding one too.