We’re big fans of what we think is Devon’s coolest coastal town, so we’d love to share some of our favourite things to do and places to visit during your stay in Brixham.

About Brixham

A bit of background on the place – Brixham is a vibrant coastal town in Torbay, South Devon, famed for its working fishing harbour and quay which was documented in a Sky TV series called Fish Town some 15 years ago.

The town has always been popular with visitors and holidaymakers due to its stunning waterside location as well as its proximity to the attractions of the local area including the River Dart and Dartmouth, Churston Golf Course. Paignton Zoo, and Cockington in Torquay.

There’s a lovely laid-back atmosphere here with incredible sea views as the backdrop, so you can do as much or as little as you fancy during your stay without feeling like you’re missing out.

Your holiday in Brixham

For a relatively small town, Brixham has a lot going on so you can enjoy a completely car-free visit if you’d prefer. Most of its attractions are within walking distance of our holiday homes like the harbour, marina, the Breakwater, Berry Head Nature Reserve, Shoalstone sea water pool, and coves at Fishcombe and Churston.

After fuelling up, head to the shops for a browse. If you’re looking for a gift or souvenir, we love Ula Gifts and Inspirations – both of which are on The Quay. Other favourites for a splurge are Bertie & Crew down on the marina.

Depending on the weather, you may feel like taking it easy on the beach or going for a refreshing dip in the sea. Breakwater Beach is a beautiful, small pebble stretch which lies on the other side of the sea wall at the far end of the marina and is a lovely spot for taking a dip or relaxing with an ice cream which you can buy from the restaurant that sits on the beach (Breakwater Bistro).

If you’d prefer to feel the sand between your toes and you don’t mind taking the car, Broadsands Beach is a 10-minute drive out of Brixham and is perfect for a swim or SUP. Broadsand Watersports is a hire company on the promenade above the beach that offers equipment and lessons so if you’d prefer not to lug your own board, kayak or wetsuit along, they have all you need to be able to enjoy some time out on the water.

 

 

 

 

Food, fabulous food

In recent years, Brixham has seen an influx of fabulous foodie spots popping up around the town. Places like The Larder, Curious Kitchen and Port Espresso are the perfect pre-walk pitstop, while seafood specialists Rockfish and Simply Fish are ideal for casual dining after a day out exploring.

Save one of your mornings for a brekkie down in the town. We’ve already mentioned Curious Kitchen and Port Espresso which are both on Middle Street (opposite the main car park), and while favourites for trendier breakfast dishes, if you’re after a no-frills full English we suggest Dilly Dally Tea Room in King Street, just steps from the harbour.

If you prefer your morning kick to come from caffeine instead of calories, stop in at La Petite Maison for a pick-me-up cuppa. The decor is Parisienne chic and the coffee is delicious, plus if you grab a table by the window you’ll have great views over the harbour. If you’re fond of French cuisine this is also a great place for dinner.

We also highly recommend:

Flour Power and Curious Bakery (both on Middle Street) – for freshly baked bread and pastries to eat on the go or at home

The Wine Loft (above Flour Power on Middle Street) for fantastic wines by the glass, and tapas

Berry Head Hotel and Guardhouse Cafe (on the Berry Head Nature Reserve) for afternoon tea

8te streetfood takeaway cafe (on Beach Approach just metres from the the Golden Hind ship) for dishes inspired from places like southern Africa and Mexico

Breakwater Bistro for milkshakes and burgers after the beach

 

 

 

Fresh air and sea views

If the beach isn’t high on your list of things to do, there are plenty of non-beach activities to get stuck into. The South West Coast Path runs right along the water’s edge in Brixham and can be followed in the direction of either Berry Head, or towards Paignton where you’ll find the picturesque and sheltered Fishcombe, Churston and Elberry coves.

Berry Head is a fascinating place to visit as it has the historic remains of two garrisoned forts (dating back to 1795) and soldiers’ barracks. There are also WW2 remnants, a lighthouse, and stunning far-reaching views over Tor Bay. This is a super dog-walking spot too, and you’ll find many dog-owners exercising their pooches along the way.

If you fancy a shorter stroll, the walk along the breakwater is flat and perfectly suited to those with limited mobility and pushchairs, and you’ll be rewarded with a photo opportunity in front of the lighthouse at the end.

Further afield (but not much)

While Brixham itself has more than enough to keep you busy during your 48 hours, you may want to explore a little further afield. If that’s the case we have a couple of suggestions for a terrific day out, one car-free, the other not. If you don’t fancy driving, why not hop aboard the Western Lady ferry and head over to Torquay for shopping, lunch, a visit to Torre Abbey and a wander along the promenade.

The ferry sails a few times a day from both Brixham harbour (along the sea wall from Rockfish), and Torquay harbour, and the trip takes 30 min each way. Please make sure you check the time table online as there may be a reduced service available during quieter times of the year. Tickets cost £10 for an adult return, and £8 for children. (2024)

If you don’t mind driving, we think a visit to Dartmouth is a dreamy way to spend a day. Even if the weather isn’t playing ball, this South Hams town offers stunning views of the River Dart, a fantastic array of coffee shops, eateries, boutiques and galleries. You can get there by parking on the Kingswear side of the river and going on the higher ferry by foot, or by taking the car over on either the Dartmouth Lower Ferry or Dartmouth Higher Ferry.

 

You have to sea this

@luxurycoastal
ocean 1, newquay

Let's stay in touch...

Sign up to the Luxury Coastal newsletter to find out about our latest properties, competitions and holiday inspiration.