16 Things to do in Brixham

Centred around a harbour fringed with colourfully painted houses, this picture-perfect little slice of the English Riviera was once the busiest fishing port in the south of England. These days, it's known for a slightly slower pace of life, although its still one that attracts its fair share of visitors, who are drawn in by the breath-taking views, and persuaded to stay for the excellent seafood, bustling marina, and other seaside attractions that make this lesser-known Devon town the perfect place to get away from it all.

With excellent transport links to the rest of Devon, Cornwall and the south coast, Brixham also makes a great break for a longer holiday. The town offers an opportunity to experience coastal life, while staying within easy reach to some of the area's most popular attractions. Read on for some of the best things to do in Brixham itself and the surrounding area.

Enjoy the atmosphere of the harbour and marina

Brixham Harbour is one of the busiest in the area and in addition to all of the usual sights and sounds of a bustling port, it's also a prime spot to view the iconic rows of painted houses, which line the hillside nearby, so don't forget to bring your camera! The world-famous fish market is the largest in England and the quayside is packed with shops and restaurants, making it the kind of place you could easily spend an entire morning exploring. Many of the restaurants here are open until late, so why not stay a while, and watch the sun go down while enjoying a glass of wine or a seafood platter? 

Hop aboard the Golden Hind 

The Golden Hind was the first ship ever to circumnavigate the globe, and, in a corner of Brixham Harbour, you'll find a full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake's famous vessel, packed with historical info, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. The ship has been moored in Brixham Harbour for over 50 years, and has also featured in numerous TV shows and movies, so you'll be stepping aside a little bit of Brixham's history, as well as Sir Francis Drake's! 

Discover the town's history at the Heritage Museum 

If you'd like to delve a little deeper into the heritage of the local area, Brixham Heritage Museum is your gateway to all things Brixham, with exhibitions covering everything from prehistoric times to the two world wars, and the Victorian era. There's also plenty of activities for children, plus an opportunity to find out how to trace your own family history in this former police station turned local museum. 

Spend the day at one of the town's main beaches

Sand, shingle, pebble: whatever your preference, Brixham probably has a beach to suit it.

• The Blue Flag rated Breakwater Beach is rated one of the best on the English Riviera, with its pebbled shore and crystal clear water.
• Scabbacombe Sands is smaller and sandier, with an "off the grid" feel about it. 
• Shoal stone is home to a saltwater lido, which has been a popular attraction ever since tourists started travelling to this part of the world back in Victorian times. 
• If you really want to get away from the world,, Fishcombe Beach and Cove is a picturesque spot which can only be reached by foot, so, if you're really lucky, you might even get it all to yourself.  

Enjoy the view from Berry Head National Nature Reserve

Although the views alone make a trip to Berry Head Nature Reserve well worth your time, they're not the only reason to visit: there's also a lighthouse, a Napoleonic fort, and an award-winning cafe where you can take the chance to refuel after a long coastal walk, cycle or run. You can walk to the reserve from Brixham itself, and, once there, the visitor centre will tell you everything you need to know about the area, while the panoramic views compete for your attention.

Explore an abandoned bunker at Brixham Battery 

There's been a battery next to Brixham sea shore since 1586, although everything that can still be seen on the site today dates from 1940. This is one of only 7 remaining emergency batteries in the UK, and Brixham Battery Heritage Group is committed to preserving the history of the area, with two museum buildings where you can learn more about life in the 1940s, and see RAF and Luftwaffe displays, plus a genuine Anderson shelter and much more.

Days out near Brixham 

While Brixham itself offers a wealth of different activities and experiences, if you're willing to travel just a few miles outside the town, you'll be rewarded by the beautiful countryside of Torbay, and all it has to offer. For instance, you can...

Make your own silver jewellery 

Cockingham Court is a beautiful stately home close to Brixham, and it makes a beautiful location for this jewellery making experience, which will allow you to create your own ring or pendant, which is then yours to take home. The full-day experience also includes lunch, and an opportunity to explore the craft centre on the site. 

Try your hand at falconry

 If you've ever wondered what it might be like to handle a bird of prey, you'll love the opportunity to do just that at this falconry experience just outside Brixham. You'll get expert advice and tuition, all leading up to the moment when you get to don the falconer's glove and fly one of the birds for yourself. 

Visit Agatha Christie's holiday home

Agatha Christie described Greenway, her treasured holiday home, as "the loveliest place in the world," and even featured it in two of her books. Now owned by the National Trust, the house occupies a scenic position on the banks of the River Dart, and has its own beautiful gardens to explore, as well as offering a unique insight into the life of one of the world's most famous crime writers. 

Make a splash at the UK's biggest waterpark

Just over 15 minutes from Brixham, you'll find Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark - the UK's largest waterpark, and it includes a wide range of slides, including high-speed and drop rides, which are definitely not for the faint-hearted! There's also a submarine-themed play area for smaller children, an amusement arcade, and plenty of dining options for when you've had your fill of watery fun. The park is all-outdoors, and stays open even in inclement weather, so you don't have to worry about the rain cancelling your visit, either. 

Restaurants in Brixham

Back in Brixham, you're right at the heart of England's Seafood Coast, so it should come as no surprise that seafood dominates the restaurant scene, particularly down by the harbour. It's far from the only fare on offer, though, so, whatever you fancy, chances are you'll be able to find it here. Here are some of Brixham's best restaurants:

• Shoals is a family-run seafood restaurant has beautiful views over Brixham harbour, and serves up 100% locally caught seafood. 
• Casa Nostra is another family-run business, this time offering traditional Italian dishes and a friendly atmosphere. 
• Beamers is another harbour-side restaurant specialising in seafood direct from Brixham fish market. 
• The Breakwater Bistro offers panoramic views of the nearby beach and offers local produce in a relaxed setting.
• No trip to the seaside would be complete without a portion of fish and chips, and the award-wining David's Fish and Chip Shop is frequently described as the best in Brixham. 
• Another harbour side option, The Prince William is a gastro pub with a large outdoor seating area offering wonderful views over the harbour.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brixham worth visiting?

Brixham is that rare gem: a traditional seaside town that's pretty enough to feature on postcards, but not too commercialised to enjoy. With some of the best seafood on the south coast - and almost all of it locally sourced - unspoilt beaches and quaint little shops just waiting to be explored, the coastal town is a treat for the senses, and a chance to get away from it all without sacrificing any of life's little luxuries. The town also has good transport links to the rest of Devon and Cornwall, making it a good base from which to explore the area or an excellent stopping point during a longer trip. 

How much is the ferry from Brixham to Torquay?

The Western Lady Ferry has been operating between Brixham and Torquay for over 70 years. The crossing takes just 30 minutes and a return ticket costs £7.50 for adults and £5 for children, making it an affordable and relaxed way to travel between two of the south east's most popular seaside towns. 

What is Brixham famous for? 

As well as being a popular tourist destination, Brixham is primarily known for its harbour, which is one of the busiest in England, and the source of much of the seafood you might have tasted if you've ever visited the area. Part of the English Riviera, if you've ever seen postcards featuring pretty, colourfully painted houses by the coast, you've probably been looking at a photo of Brixham: the town is a photographer's dream, and everything you might imagine from the quintessential English seaside town.