A full-day drive along South Devon’s most dramatic coastal landmarks: Burgh Island’s sea tractor, the long shingle of Slapton Sands, and Dartmouth’s gun castles. Expect tidal decisions, wartime history, and expansive estuary views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The sea tractor appears like a small machine from another era, ploughing through a slow swell as Burgh Island sits stubbornly off the shore, its Art Deco hotel watching tides slip in and out. You step from the minibus onto a wind-buffed car park where gulls wheel and the causeway becomes a decision: walk if the tide is out, wait if the sea claims the path.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to board the vehicle, climb short inclines, and walk on uneven shingle for up to an hour at a time
Wildlife
History
Slapton Sands was the site of Exercise Tiger in 1944, a rehearsal for D-Day that ended in loss of life; Burgh Island's hotel is a locally famous Art Deco landmark tied to 1930s seaside culture.
Conservation
The shingle bar and Ley are dynamic habitats vulnerable to storm events and sea-level rise; local groups monitor bird populations and support soft-engineering approaches to coastal defense.
Reserve your spot on the Devon Coast Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Check tide times before you walk the causeway
Burgh Island's causeway and the stretch of Slapton beach are tide-dependent; plan visits when tides are low to avoid being cut off.
Wear stiff-soled shoes for shingle
The three-mile shingle beach at Slapton and smaller shingle areas demand stable footwear to prevent ankle slips.
Bring binoculars for bird and seal spotting
Slapton Ley and the Dart estuary attract waders and occasional grey seals; binoculars expand wildlife viewing from shore.
Pack a waterproof layer and windproof jacket
Weather on exposed beaches and cliffs can change quickly even in summer; a lightweight waterproof prevents the day from being spoiled.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on shingle beaches and stability on uneven cliff paths.
Waterproof/windproof jacket
Protects from sudden coastal rain and sea spray.
Binoculars
Helps spot seabirds, waders and seals across the estuary and ley.
Tide/time app or printed tide table
Vital for planning safe causeway walks and beach visits.