Area Guide to Brixham

Brixham is the smallest town along the beautiful English Riviera, the most Southerly of the three towns and centres around a harbour basin known to locals as the ‘Harbour Bowl’. Brixham is home to the world famous Brixham Fish Market which is now the largest fish market in England by value of fish sold. In 2017 this was in excess of £40,000,000. The town has seen significant investment in the last 10 years and the bustling Harbourside is now surrounded by a wide range of pubs, shops and restaurants to cater for everyone. 

A Brief History of Brixham

The town is steeped in history from the landings of Prince William of Orange in 1688 to the Napoleonic Forts at Berry Head Country Park. It is said that Napoleon himself was captured in Brixham and kept in the cells in what is now The New Quay Inn, located just off the harbour side. Away from the harbour the oldest part of the town is known as Higher Brixham or ‘Cowtown’ which dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when there were 39 recorded households, much of the town at this point made a living from farming.

Travel & Transport

Road - Accessed from the A380 ring road through Paignton onto the A3022 through Churston and into Brixham.

Boat - The Western lady ferry from Torquay to Brixham which has been running for nearly 70 years offers both a low and high season service which is both fast and picturesque.

Schools & Education

Brixham is just a short drive from the sought after Churston Ferrers Grammar School which is approximately 2 miles distant as well as having its own comprehensive secondary school - Brixham College. There are 4 primary schools in the town as well as the village primary at nearby Galmpton. South Devon College is also within easy reach with its ever expanding buildings, facilities and courses looking to gain University status in 2024.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Green/Blue Spaces - The stunning South West Coast Path around Brixham offers you some of the most beautiful views of both our azure blue waters as well as the rolling countryside.Taking in the South Down hills, Berry Head Park around to the quiet coves of Fishcombe and Churston which are a very popular diving spot which is also home to a herd of grey seals.

For The Kids - One of the the most popular children activities is a spot of crabbing around the harbour. There is also Grenville House Adventure Centre where you can enjoy many water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. 

Culture - Brixham is home to it’s own Theatre which produces many amateur productions as well as the Heritage Museum which is a dedication to the towns history. Something that is an absolute must when visiting Brixham is to take the morning tour of the World Famous Brixham Fish Market which runs from April through to October. Take a walk around the historic Napoleonic forts at Berry Head Country Park or the the museum at the Brixham Battery Heritage Centre which will tell you what a significant part Brixham played in the first and second world wars.

Dining/Nights Out - To name just a few wonderful eateries - Mitch Tonks' Rockfish is located on Brixham harbour directly linked to the fish market where you can enjoy the freshest seafood. There is also fantastic brunch place 'The Curious Kitchen' which has a sister restaurant 'More' which hosts regular tasting menus and evening supper clubs, the donuts and cakes are something special!! Up on Berry Head there is a cosy cafe with great food to award yourself with after a buffeting walk called the Guardhouse Cafe which also does great breakfast.  There are lots of harbourside pubs, Liberty cocktail bar as well as Lytehouse wine bar to enjoy a pleasant evening in Brixham. 

Sport - Brixham has great Rugby Club which caters for all ages, many local football teams, indoor and outdoor pool, being on the water their are various water sports including rowing, sailing, kayaking etc