Exploring England’s Tidal Causeways
England has a few areas of both tidal causeways (where walks to islands disappear at high tide), which people and dogs need to avoid, when warning signs are given. Also read how to stay safe near quicksand.
In emergencies, call the police or coastguard, and ensure phone is charged, before travel. Also read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
England’s Tidal Causeways
Check tide times (and any dog beach bans) before travel. Tidal causeways vanish as water comes in, cutting off safe routes back to land. Many coastguards are called out to people stranded (including in cars) when they have not realised just how fast the tide covers dry land.
Most tidal islands post tide times online or at car parks. Safe windows for walking or driveway don’t last long, so be to get accurate times for crossing. Some also advise not to cross in wind, rain or thick fog, even upstream rain can send water surging along rivers or across sand.
Popular causeways use poles or stones to show the way, so stick to these nearby markets, for safety.
Major Tidal causeways in England are:
- Burgh Island, Devon (top image) is off the South Devon coast, near the village of Bigbury-on-Sea. It only has a hotel (used in Agatha Christie period dramas) and a pub. At high tide, there is a unique sea tractor, to ferry guests to and from the island.
- Mersea Island (Essex) looks like a Caribbean island, but is just 9 miles south of Colchester! It connects to the mainland via the Strood, a causeway that floods at high tide. Like Norfolk and Suffolk, it’s famed for its pretty pastel-coloured beach huts.
- Lindsfarne (Northumberland) has a rapidly-rising tidal causeway, often covering the road in minutes. Local signs provide guidance, reminding travellers of the next tide.
- St. Michael’s Mount (Cornwall) is linked to the town of Marazion, managed by the National Trust. In 1755, a Lisbon earthquake caused a tsunami. The sea rose 6 feet in 10 minutes, rising and falling for 5 hours, causing loss of life and property.
No dogs are allowed on the island during warmer weather (due to lack of shady areas) and some dog beach restrictions apply.
