Brixham, Devon travel guide and Brixham information

Visit Brixham

Brixham is a town on the south-east Devon coast with Torbay and Paignton to the north and Dartmouth to the south. Note: although Brixham is surrounded on all sides by the South Devon AONB, it does not itself form part of the designated region.

Along with Torbay and Painton it forms part of the 'English Riviera', a region with a warm climate due to its sheltered position. The town has been occupied for more than 1000 years and remains of a couple of ancient forts can be seen nearby. It is a pleasant place to pass some time, always lively and with attractive houses running across from the church and down the hill to the harbour.

Visit Brixham

The centre of activity is based around the fishing harbour and its traditional fishermen's cottages, and there are always boats coming and going to sit and watch - it is a busy fishing port, and a great place to buy fresh fish, or to enjoy it in one of the many seafood restaurants. There are numerous other cafes, pubs and restaurants in Brixham when you tire of seafood...if that is possible!

After perusing the shops in and around the old harbour, be sure to amble around to the marina, to see the posh yachts and boats.

Brixham Harbour is also home to a fascinating life size replica of the Golden Hind, the ship on which Francis Drake explored the world in the 16th century.

Brixham Heritage Museum (admission charge £2) relates the maritime history of the town, in part through an impressive exhibition of model ships, and also features various objects and artefacts related to life in the town over the last couple of centuries, along with various 'period re-enactment' rooms and exhibits.

As with all resorts and towns along the Devon coast you are never far from the beach. The closest to Brixham are at Breakwater Beach and Shoalstone, with many others also in easy reach.

What else to do in Brixham?

As always for towns along the Devon coast the main suggestion is - get walking! The coast is very beautiful, easily accessible via the South West coast path, and you can pass through the Berry Head Nature Reserve with the chance to see more unusual birds and plants and continue on to the Berry Head lighthouse.

You can find more local travel ideas in the South Devon guide and the Devon guide.