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A local’s guide to holidays in Brixham…

 

Things To Do in Brixham

There’s plenty to keep you and the kids busy during your holiday when you’re not crabbing on the quay or tucking into fish and chips along the Breakwater. For a day out in the fresh air, wander one of the routes along the South West Coast Path either to Berry Head Nature Reserve or to Broadsands Beach in Paignton, passing pretty coves and woodland along the way. If you’re not up to a walk, the drive to Berry Head Nature Reserve is mere minutes and here you’ll have lovely paths to meander, extraordinary coastal views, a historic battlement to spark the kids’ imaginations, and a delightful cafe for cream teas and ice cream.

If you’re something of an Agatha Christie fan a visit to her former summer retreat at Greenway is just a short drive away. A popular Brixham attraction all year round, the house and gardens are owned by the National Trust, and they’re just as Dame Agatha left them.

Beaches in Brixham

If you love the beach, Brixham’s batch come in all shapes and sizes from small sheltered coves to long sandy stretches. For those who like to find a spot far from the madding crowds, Fishcombe and Churston are ideal with both coves having picturesque shingle crescents and calm waters which are backed by woodland for an isolated atmosphere.

Just a short stroll from the harbour you’ll find Breakwater Beach which is a favourite for cold water swimmers and families. Here you’ll be treated to marvellous views across the bay, and you can enjoy sundowners or fish & chips from the beachside cafe.

Just south of Berry Head Nature Reserve, St Mary’s Beach is a lovely slice of shingle that is perfect for picnics and dog walks, while slightly further along the coast is the unspoiled large and secluded sandy beach at Man Sands just off the South West Coast Path.

Restaurants in Brixham

Independent shops, ice cream parlours, cafes and restaurants. A lovely promenade lined with crabbing enthusiasts and amateur photographers meanders past the marina all the way to the lighthouse at the end of the Breakwater. Spend just a short while in the place and you’ll slip into a lifestyle of beach walks and long chats over coffee; and if you love a little seafood you’ll be in for a treat!

With a famous fish quay on the doorstep, Brixham’s eateries make it their business to showcase the best of the bay’s catches on their menus. Rockfish and Simply Fish are both excellent options if you enjoy fresh seafood, Port Espresso is fabulous for a fresh coffee and brekkies, La Petite Maison has a menu of inspired French classics, The Middle Street Bagel Company for freshly baked deep-filling bagels, and the Breakwater Bistro is a firm favourite for a pit stop after a coast path walk.

Cottages on Brixham harbour

Brixham with Dogs

So laidback it’s almost horizontal, it’s no surprise that the dog friendly Brixham scene is a thriving one! Dogs are welcome on many of the area’s beaches, and we can’t think of a pub in the town that wouldn’t welcome a four-legged friend inside too. Fishcombe Cove and Shoalstone Beach are dog friendly throughout the year, so much of your time will be spent throwing sticks and enjoying the waves together.

Pet-friendly Brixham cottages

Where to stay in Brixham?

Tucked-away traditional fisherman’s cottage or contemporary sea-view home…Brixham offers a range of styles when it comes to holiday properties, so it all depends on the kind of getaway you prefer.

The main buzz of the town is down around the harbour so if you’re looking for a pad that’s within steps of the water, places like Maritime Suites, Captains Cottage, White Star and Sail Loft are perfect. Also within easy walking distance of the harbour but tucked away above Fishcombe Cove, The Cove properties offer a slightly more away-from-it-all feel, with the coast path and the sea right on the doorstep. Families looking for a bit of extra space will love the gardens at Red Sails, Admirals, Lighthouse View, The Retreat and Bay Cottage.

Of course, we have many more Brixham cottages within our portfolio which may offer you exactly what you’re looking for when visiting the area

FAQ’s about Brixham

  • Where’s the best place to get fish and chips in Brixham?

    Where do we start? As locals we’ve had our fair share of Brixham’s finest F&C’s with a few of our all time favourites being Simply Fish, Brixham’s Fish Restaurant and Rockfish (also great if you’re gluten free). David’s Fish & Chips is pretty much a Brixham institution but beware; you’ll need to be very hungry to polish off their large portion of cod – it’s humungous.

  • Are there beaches in Brixham?

    Breakwater Beach in the direction of Berry Head is a lovely little pebble beach which is sheltered to one side by the breakwater. Popular with families, there are rocks to climb and crystal-clear water for taking a dip in; and if you like to skim stones you’re in for a treat! The Breakwater Café is right on the beach so you’ll be able to grab yourself a bite to eat after your swim or enjoy a drink while watching the sun set over the bay.

  • Is Brixham good for holidays with kids?

    Absolutely! Crabbing, fishing, boat trips and a visit to a ‘real’ pirate ship are among some of the activities you can expect to enjoy. Being one of the towns that make up Torbay means that the attractions of Paignton and Torquay are just a short way away including the zoo, sandy beaches, and Paignton Pier. And if you’re looking for fresh air adventure, a real delight is the walk down through either Battery Gardens or Churston Woods to discover the hidden coves at Fishcombe and Churston.

  • What are Brixham's best events?

    Brixham’s social calendar is usually a busy one. The Pirate Festival draws thousands of visitors every year to enjoy sea shanties and good old fashioned revelry. Other fixtures include events like a Classic Car show, Brixham Heritage Regatta, Brixham Art Show, and Lights & Illuminations.

    Visit South Devon has the full year’s calendar of events available on their website

  • Does Brixham have any vegan restaurants?

    It’s no secret that Brixham’s seafood graces some of the poshest restaurants around the country so it’s little wonder that it’s a firm fixture on most local menus. This being the case, if you’re vegan you might be wondering if you’ll be stuck for places to eat out, but you needn’t be. The Curious Kitchen, DillyDally Tearoom and The Larder are among some of the eateries offering an inspired range of vegan delights within the town, with one patron citing ‘the best range of vegan cakes I have come across in the bay!’; high praise indeed!

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