Places

Burgh Island

Like Clovelly, Burgh Island is best seen in your imagination. Think about all the things you've read about the island: the sands that link it to the mainland at low tide, the sea-tractor that maintains the link at high tide; the exclusive 1930s-themed hotel, inspiration for Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.

The magic of all these things will be severely tarnished should you ever visit the island.

We took a short circuit of the accessible footpaths at the end of today's coastwalk, and almost immediately regretted it. There are copious signs telling visitors to "keep to the west side of the island only", and reminding mere mortals that their presence was endured by the owners, rather than enjoyed. The hotel was very definitely off-limits for mere mortals.

Our top recommendation: instead of visiting the island, book a window-table at the Bay View Cafe/Bistro and watch the sun set and the tide wax and wane while enjoying a delicious meal. Dream of Burgh Island (or Soldier Island, as is appears in modern versions of Christie's book). Just don't ever visit it.