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.

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.

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

Brixham’s history is filled with pirates and smugglers, and kids of all ages will enjoy Brixham’s swashbucklng Pirate Days. Head for the Old Fish Market during spring and summer to find a whole crew of salty sea dogs waiting to delight children with piratical fun. 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.  You’ll find details of this and many other historic Brixham sites on the Brixham Heritage Trail and App.  There is plenty more about Brixham’s exciting maritime heritage at the free-entry Brixham Heritage Museum.

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 and porpoises 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, Fishstock festival bubbling over with seafood dishes, live music and trawler visits, plus BrixFest that celebrates Brixham’s amazing heritage, a fiercely contested annual Trawler Race and many more.  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.

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.... You can't get much fresher than that!  As well as dining in, they offer a takeaway service and an entertainment and events programme.

Why not book an early morning visit to the Fish Market’s daily auction followed by a scrumptious fish breakfast, and walk it all off with a fascinating walk along England’s Seafood Coast? 

Accommodation with Real Character

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 in Brixham was given a superb review in The Telegraph at the start of the year, described as enjoying 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 village gets very busy, and when events are taking place: http://www.torbay.gov.uk/roads/travel/brixham-pr