Breakwater Beach Brixham

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Explore Brixham

Life in the busy Devon fishing town of Brixham has always centred around the harbour, where heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch, bringing it home daily to Brixham’s famous Fish Market. Here, in the heart of England’s Seafood Coast, the freshest fish and most delicious seafood is on the menu everywhere. Brixham is the quintessential English harbour, with a colourful and vibrant feel all year round, making it as ideal for a summer holiday with the kids as it is for a romantic winter break for two, and in close proximity to the its neighbouring Devon resorts of Torquay and Paignton, as well as many other locations on the South Devon coast, it makes a perfect base for exploring the English Riviera.

Brixham Breakwater, Marina, Beach and Art Deco Lido

Yachts galore can be seen at the popular marina and in the outer harbour. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade and along the half-mile long breakwater with its lighthouse, and then relax on popular Breakwater Beach. Take a dip in Shoalstone pool, the iconic Art Deco seawater lido and enjoy a meal or a cream tea at one of the lovely local cafes, restaurants and pubs, many facing the waterfront.

Boat Trips from Brixham

You can enjoy regular ferry trips across the beautiful bay to Paignton and Torquay. Many local boat trips can be booked including wildlife sea-faris, fishing trips and beautifully restored heritage sailing vessels. There’s plenty of local wildlife so look out for dolphins, porpoises and seals en route.

Festivals and Events in Brixham

Brixham’s festivals and events are legendary with one of the country’s biggest Pirate Festivals attracting thousands of scallywags. The annual Brixham Pirate Festival takes place each May, where people of young and old will be dressed in their finest pirate fashions, a spectacular sight to see, and visitors are more than welcome to join in the fun.

South West Coast Path

Brixham is the perfect place for a walkers and a doggy-break with the stunning South West Coast path allowing you to walk through woods and along cliff tops to a variety of local beaches or even all the way to Torquay. Brixham is an important part of the UNESCO accredited English Riviera Global Geopark and you can stroll up to Berry Head National Nature Reserve with its jaw dropping views, Napoleonic forts, fabulous wildlife and welcoming café.

Maritime Roots

Children and adults alike will love the full size replica of the Golden Hind that takes pride of place in the Inner Harbour. A picturesque stroll along the waterfront past the Fish Market takes you to Brixham Battery Heritage Centre, on the site of the best-preserved Emergency Battery built along the British coastline in 1940. There is plenty more about Brixham’s exciting maritime heritage at the free-entry Brixham Heritage Museum.

England’s Seafood Coast

The fishing industry is thriving here on England’s Seafood Coast, and where better to taste the fresh catch of the day than at one of the town’s many fish restaurants dotted around the harbour?

With a series of accolades to his name, West Country born Mitch Tonks opened Rockfish in Brixham in April 2015. It is labelled as quite possibly the closest restaurant to its source of fish in the UK as you can watch the trawlers offload their catch into the Fish Market below as you enjoy your meal...you can't get much fresher than that! As well as dining in, they offer a takeaway service and an entertainment and events programme.

Accommodation in Brixham

Book a stay in a pretty 18th century Devon fisherman’s cottage with harbour views, or enjoy the wide choice of other accommodation including some wonderful hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts and self-catering apartments. Character abounds and nowhere is far from the historic centre. Brixham is a hugely popular place to visit on Devon’s breathtakingly beautiful English Riviera. The Berry Head Hotel has 180-degree sea vistas, easy access to the South West Coast Path and unmissable crab sandwiches!

Brixham Parking

In addition to the town centre car parks, Brixham has an out of town Park and ride which can be especially handy in the high season when the town gets very busy, and when events are taking place: http://www.torbay.gov.uk/roads/travel/brixham-pr

Brixham

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Brixham Harbour and Marina

Brixham Harbour is located on the southern side of Tor Bay and boasts one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK, plus a thriving fish market to support it.
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Boat Trips in Brixham

A boat trip is the perfect way to experience the English Riviera from one of its best vantage points - the sea! Whether you're looking for a sight-seeing trip, fishing excursion or simply to cross the bay on a ferry, you'll find it all here.
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Breakwater Beach

Close to the mouth of Brixham harbour is Breakwater Beach, one of the cleanest beaches on the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay. Not only is it a Blue Flag beach, but it has a Combined Seaside (resort) Award and been recommended by the Good Beach Guide. There’s disabled access with adjoining parking facilities, meaning everyone can enjoy it. Breakwater Beach is a particular favourite for scuba diving. There are a number of dive schools throughout the area and with some of the warmest and calmest waters in the country, this is the place to learn to scuba and get your open water certificate. Expect to see rare seagrass beds, seahorses, fish and even the odd shipwreck.
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Shoalstone Outdoor Pool

Shoalstone Pool is a 53 metre sea water swimming Pool situated in a stunning position on Brixham sea front: one of only a few left in the country. It is built into a natural rock pool that in Victorian times was popular for bathing, and in 1896 two walls were built to retain the tidal water that flooded in. Thirty years later, in 1926, the Pool took on its current design and had a lot of rock removed to make it deeper and add a shallow end and deep end, with a gently sloping bottom. Shut throughout the winter the Pool was opened each season by a local lady, Minnie Bowman, who jumped off the diving board wrapped in a Union Flag!
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Berry Head Nature Reserve

Berry Head National Nature Reserve guards the southern half of Tor Bay. One of the main gateways to the English Riviera Global Geopark, it is an internationally-acclaimed heritage site, home to a fascinating variety of wildlife and history, with recently-restored Napoleonic War fortifications. Enjoy the stunning views and superb local food at the Guardhouse Cafe, visit the Visitor Centre, enjoy one of the many events, and walk the ramparts as the soldiers did 200 years ago. Berry Head is free to visit and open all year. Dogs: Welcome in the Nature Reserve and the Guardhouse Café on a lead
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Brixham

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Brixham

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Things To Do

Brixham is a stunningly beautiful harbourside town on South Devon’s beautiful English Riviera. Life here has always centred around the harbour, where heritage trawlers jostle for space with day boats heading out to sea for the day’s catch, bringing it home daily to Brixham’s famous Fish Market.
Places To Stay

Perched on the bottom edge of Torbay, Brixham has retained all the charm of a traditional Devon fishing village. Home to one of the UK’s biggest fishing fleets, if you’re into boats and the sea this is the place for you. Enjoy the day’s catch with your chips. Spot seals and dolphins and have a go at mackerel fishing for yourself on a pleasure boat trip.
What's On

As well as being one of the UK’s most important fishing towns, Brixham is also a bustling tourist destination, with a packed annual events programme.
Food & Drink

Yes. If you’re talking about places to eat in Brixham, you need to mention the seafood. After all, you can’t get closer to the source of delicious, fresh fish thanks to the Fish Market. But if fish is not your thing, you won’t be disappointed.

Brixham Frequently Asked Questions

Where is brixham?

Brixham is a beautiful fishing town located in South Devon. It is a part of the Torbay area, which is known for its coastal scenery, beautiful beaches, and fishing heritage, and as part of the English Riviera. The 3 towns that make up the English Riviera are Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

What are the top things to do brixham?

There is so much to do in Brixham that its hard to choose the top things to do. But here is an overview of some of the top sights and attractions in the area:

1) Breakwater Beach and Shoalstone Pool

2) Berry Head Nature Reserve

3) Brixham Harbour and Fish Market

4) The Golden Hind

5) Take a Boat Trip across the Bay and spot a seal or two

6) Walk the South West Coast Path

7) Visit a National Trust Property

Where is good to eat in brixham?

Brixham is known for the finest seafood in the UK - fresh off the boat and onto the plate. Whether its fish and chips on the harbour, fine dining, or icecream there are loads of tastes and flavours awaiting for you in Brixham. Find your perfect place to eat in Brixham with our full list of restaurants, cafes and pubs.

How far is Brixham from Torquay?

Brixham is approximately half and hours drive from Torquay along the South Devon coastline. You can also travel via the Number 12 bus route which takes you through Paignton on its way to Brixham, or take a boat across the Bay and experience the beautiful coastal scenery - and maybe some local wildlife.

Where to stay in brixham?

Brixham has all types of accommodation on offer, from coastal holiday homes, family holiday parks, quaint B&B's and larger hotels. See our list of all accommodation in Brixham to find your perfect place to stay.

Whats the weather like in Brixham?

The English Riviera has its own microclimate so the weather in Brixham is often better than other parts of the UK. On sunny days there is no better place than exploring the hidden coves and beaches around Brixham's shores. However if you find the weather is a little unsettled - there are plenty of rainy day activities you can do in Brixham. Take a trip to the Brixham Battery museum or the Brixham Heritage Museum, or visit one of the National Trust properties of Greenway or Coleton Fishacre. For kids needing to burn off some energy, try the Replay Soft Play centre, or the Carousel Amusements.

I love Brixham, been holidaying here over 20 years.

I can't say enough good things about it, such a great place!

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