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A curious little 26-acre island just off the coast of south Devon in the South West of England, Burgh (pronounced "Burr" and a probable corruption of the word "Borough") Island is accessible by foot at low tide. It sits on the soft golden sand a little way from the village of Bigbury on Sea in the South Hams. As with many islands around the UK, Burgh Island has historical associations with St Michael. It is said that a monastery dedicated to St Michael once stood on the island, and although the main buildings have long since disappeared, there still remains a small chapel which became a Huer's hut. This was a shelter for a watchman who would look out to see and alert the local fishermen to the arrival of the shoals of pilchards that used to be an annual catch along the south coast, by raising a "hue and cry" of shouts. Due to changes in the warm sea currents, the pilchards no longer come in the vast numbers of days gone by, and the hut is now no more than a roofless shell. The pilchards may have moved on, but dolphins, porpoises and seals are regular visitors to the sea surrounding the island.

Although just 250 metres from the mainland, the tide comes in quickly around Burgh Island. When the causeway becomes submerged, the Sea Tractor carries passengers to and from the island. This bears little resemblance to a conventional tractor beyond its engine; it is a raised platform above 4 large wheels, more like an old pioneer wagon. The original Sea Tractor was first used in 1930, and the current vehicle dates from around 1969. Many visitors deliberately remain on the island until the tide comes in just to experience a ride back to the mainland on the Sea Tractor.

There are a handful of private houses on Burgh Island along with a public house called The Pilchard, and the more substantial Burgh Island Hotel. The Hotel, built in 1929, has in recent years been extensively restored to a fine example of Art Deco style. There had been a smaller guest house before the Hotel was built, which now serves as staff accommodation. The main Hotel was extended in 1932 by Paul Roseveare, to accentuate the clean lines and opulence of the fashionable Art Deco movement. At the end of the 20th century, another 6-year restoration project resulted in the Hotel as it stands today, complete with a huge circular stained glass roof above the Peacock Bar.

Guests staying at the Hotel are able to immerse themselves in the Art Deco experience. Many of the rooms are named after famous people from the 1930s who had some association with the island, such as Noel Coward, Amy Johnson, and most notably the crime writer Agatha Christie who lived nearby on the Dart estuary. Children are permitted, but in keeping with the conventions of the 1930s, they are not to join the adults in the evenings after 7pm. On Wednesdays and Saturdays there is live music from one of the house bands, playing pieces reminiscent of the era. Guests are strongly encouraged to dress up for dinner, with black tie and cocktail dresses being appropriate. Given that the room prices begin at 280 for one night for the 2009 season, Burgh Island Hotel is an expensive location and a wonderful choice for a honeymoon or special anniversary vacation.

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