Top 10 Things To Do In Brixham

1. Wild Beaches and Secluded Coves

The picturesque Breakwater Beach, one of the Top 10 beaches on the English Riviera (Good Beach Guide, Blue Flag and Seaside Award) is a short stroll from Brixham Harbour and the town centre. Shoalstone Seawater Pool formed from a natural rock pool is one of only a few lidos remaining in the UK. Elberry Cove is a small inlet with a pebble beach and ideal for water skiing. Head to St Mary’s Bay to enjoy the tranquillity of the secluded sandy beach with rock formations and cliffs. Dogs are welcome at Churston Cove, and Fishcombe Cove is a popular spot for boats to moor up and swimming.

2. World Class Seafood

Brixham really is a foodie’s paradise. The English Riviera’s Seafood Coast is centred around Brixham Fish Market and Brixham Harbour with an eye-catching fleet of over seventy boats landing a wide variety of fish and seafood each day. Brixham Fish Market’s early morning tours include a hearty breakfast at Rockfish, a unique holiday experience not to be missed.  Enjoy a mouth-watering feast of Brixham Crab, Lemon Sole,  Mackerel or Elberry Cove Mussels for the finest quality seafood, served on your plate.

3. Cosy Cafes and the Fine Dining

Whatever your taste or budget you’ll find plenty of choice for the freshest locally sourced food and drink in the region. Grab a Devon pasty, takeaway fish and chips or crab sandwich from a town centre takeaway for some alfresco-style dining on the harbourside or the world-renowned Devon Cream Tea on the terrace at the Berry Head Hotel with spectacular clifftop sea views. The Curious Kitchen serves a range of delicious brunch and lunch dishes and caters for vegans and vegetarians.

4. Waterfront Bars and Traditional Pubs

Brixham Theatre, housed in a late Victorian, Grade II listed building puts on an entertaining family-friendly programme with local productions, visiting performers and movie nights. Waterfront bars offer live music and extensive drinks menus and the lively, traditional fisherman-style pubs serve a range of locally produced real ales and draft beers. Sprat and Mackerel Inn, The Rising Sun Inn with its beamed ceilings, The Golden Lion and The Bell Inn with TV screens showing sports are all worth a visit. For cocktails head to Liberty Cocktail Bar and Tea Parlour.

5. Family-Friendly Attractions  

This historic port has a rich maritime, fishing and boat building heritage.  A life-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s The Golden Hind stands majestically in Brixham Harbour. Brixham Heritage Museum, housed in the old police station is packed with fascinating exhibits about Mayflower II, archaeological finds from local digs and tales of Brixham life during The Great War and Second World War. Brixham Battery Heritage Centre has living history displays, a war shelter, ammunition tunnels and an observation post to appeal to all ages.

6. Lively Festivals

The local community works together to put on some of the best harbourside events in the Southwest. Fishstock, the Brixham Heritage Rally and Lanterns, Lights and ‘luminations with a magical lantern parade, fireworks and street market are just a few. For swashbuckling fun come to the Brixham Pirate Festival when the whole town gets involved in pirate-themed high jinks with sea shanties, street entertainment and plenty of rum.

7. Sightseeing Trips at Sea

Pleasure boat cruises offer captivating commentaries about the local area, a day trip on The Vigilance - a restored heritage sailing vessel, a delightful sightseeing excursion or relaxing passenger ferry service between Brixham and Torquay with The Western Lady, all provide memorable days out for the family. Further afield the Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer is a nostalgic cruise along the River Dart, passing Greenway Estate, the former home of Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.

8. Getting Out and About

Water-based activities to try including yachting with Torbay Sea School, canoeing and kayaking, speedboat trips and cruises with South West Rib Rides. Mackerel fishing, a wreck fishing trip or Scuba diving at Breakwater Beach with magical seahorses and rare seagrass beds. On dry land Brixham Breakwater is a popular spot with local anglers and the 485-berth Brixham Marina is a great base for sailing boats and privately owned yachts. Cayman Golf at Churston Ferrers has traditional pitch ‘n’ putt golf or Battlefield Live for fun outdoor pursuits. The winding coastal footpaths at Berry Head are part of the famous South West Coast Path, and ideal for walking.

9. A Naturally Inspiring Place to Explore

If you love birdwatching, nature spotting, historical sites or landscape photography the iconic Berry Head National Nature Reserve, the main gateway to the English Riviera’s UNESCO Global Geopark will not disappoint. The site dates back 400 million years and from the 200 feet high headland you can enjoy spectacular sea views. It’s also home to the country’s shortest yet highest lighthouse, Napoleonic forts, and the dog-friendly, The Guardhouse Café.

10. Artisan Shopping  

Pick up some handcrafted holiday souvenirs at the Brixham Art and Craft market on the site of the Old Fish Market. There’s a host of independent, speciality shops and galleries around the harbourside and in the town selling original artwork by talented, local artists, handmade gifts, colourful ceramics and glassware, antiques, maritime-themed memorabilia and locally produced speciality sweets, gins and ciders.