15% off at Easter! Our prices have been reduced from £245 to £200 per night!
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THE MANOR HOUSE PUBLIC HOUSE

This is Brixham's oldest Pub and one of Devon's oldest pubs and dates back to the 1600's.

This is truly one of Brixham's hidden gems. Set back from the hustle and bustle of the Harbour. with both inside and outside seating ( to cover all of the weathers that Devon has to offer ) it offers great live music from some of Devon's best known and popular bands, a glorious open fire to warm you up after a brisk winter walk or to relax by with a glass of wine after a relaxing day doing everything or nothing!

This pub has a fantastic philosophy.... "drinking rum before midday makes you a pirate not an alcoholic" - so in true Brixham fashion, pop in for a wee tipple as you go down the hill and then back up the hill.... after all being a pirate can be so much fun

BRIXHAM HARBOUR

A walk around Brixham Harbour will give you an insight into the modern day and historical role Brixham plays in the fishing industry. The walls and footpaths are lined with lobster pots, nets and crates and jolly fisherman who have a love for all things fish!

In the 19th Century Brixham had the largest trawling fleet in England. Before the First World War there were more than 300 boats here, often with distinctive red sails. Today, there’s a smaller fleet of fishing vessels in all shapes and sizes, but they still play a vital role in the UK fishing industry.

evening walk around brixham harbour on holiday

BOARD THE GOLDEN HIND

As you wander around Brixham Harbour it’s impossible to miss a very different kind of vessel – The Golden Hind. This is the main family attraction in Brixham and combines living history with plenty of pirate fun.

The Golden Hind is a life-size replica of the ship that the famous Devonian Sir Frances Drake used to sail around the globe in 1577. The voyage on this 80ft vessel took him and his crew of 70 three years to complete. It’s not a cruise I fancy! Plus most of the time they were being chased by the people whose treasure they had plundered!

This tribute to an extraordinary ship is now in the hands of a team of modern day pirates who will tell you about what life was like onboard. Below decks you can see the captain’s cabin, the crew’s sleeping quarters, and some of the weapons and tools they would have used during their voyage.Bring your own smartphone and earphones for the audio tour!!

SHOALSHORE SEAWATER POOL

If you want to go swimming in Brixham but don’t fancy a dip in the sea, Shoalstone Pool is the ideal solution. This 53m Victorian outdoor pool is right on the seafront and has panoramic views of Torbay. There’s a shallow end for kids and a cafe where you can pick up a post swim snack.

The pool is run by volunteers and has a life guard while it is open from May to September Entry to the pool is free but there is a suggested donation of per person or per family.

CATCH A CRAB

Brixham Harbour is one of the top spots for crabbing in Devon. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten your line and net – there’s plenty of shops on Middle Street where you can pick up crabbing gear and bait. No trip to Devon is complete without trying your hand at this local past time.

ANNUAL PIRATE FESTIVAL

If you want to see one of the largest gatherings of modern day pirates then head to Brixham in May. Over the first bank holiday weekend the town is awash with swashbuckling activities. Expect skirmishes, historic re-enactments and even mermaids.

Brixham Pirate Festival is free to attend, but please give generously to any donation buckets you see around town to help this unique event continue in the future.

STREET ART

If you love art and are looking for free things to do in Brixham, it is one of Devon’s street art hot spots. Tucked away down narrow side streets and brazenly slashed across shop fronts, you’ll find incredible 2D and 3D works of art which are fascinating and so incredible to see.

Many of these pieces of Art pay homage to Brixham’s seafaring heritage, while others are thought-provoking, fun and fantastical. There’s always something new to see and it is a great opportunity to wander the many streets and narrow lanes on the quest for Art!

BRIXHAM HERITAGE MUSEUM

Something else on the list of free things to do in Brixham is the Heritage Museum. It tells the story of all the key moments in the town’s past, from the sailing of the Mayflower to the Americas to the impact of the Second World War and the lives of important personalities from Brixham’s maritime history.

BERRY HEAD NATURE RESERVE

Berry Head Nature Reserve sits on a headland to the south of Brixham. It’s possible to walk there from the Harbour. As well as panoramic views of the South Devon coast you’ll find two forts here dating back to the Napoleonic Wars.

The water at the bottom of the cliffs is a stunning turquoise, even on a blustery day. Wander around the ruined buildings that used to house soldiers and see what wonderful wildlife you can spot. It’s also possible to walk down to the quarry to the north side. This is a popular fishing spot so don't forget those rods and nets !

Once you’ve built up an appetite, stop by the award-winning Guardhouse Cafe for a snack, brunch or lunch.

BOOK A BOAT TRIP

Next to Brixham Harbour you’ll find a row of booths offering boat trips to other towns on the English Riviera and beyond. Choose from fishing trips and pleasure cruises to explore the South Devon coastline.

You can also book a boat trip to spot wildlife in the waters around South Devon with Dolphin Watch UK.

VISIT THE PROMENADE

The breakwater stretches out half a mile into the sea providing sheltered anchorage for fishing and private boats. It’s another place to gain an incredible vantage point of sweeping Torbay. Keep an eye on the little ones as there is are limited barriers!

VISIT COLETON FISHACRE

Not far outside Brixham is Coleton Fishacre. It’s a National Trust property and subtropical garden set in a valley that stretches down to the South West Coast Path.

The house was built by the D’Oyly Carte family, which owned a theatre company of the same name in London. Step inside and it feels like the residents have gone away for the weekend and left their art deco home open for show.

There are some lovely walks and sea views around the estate. Make sure you have comfortable shoes on and have plenty of energy for getting back up the hill if you venture to the beach.

SOUTH WEST COASTAL WALK

The South West Cast path runs around the harbour in Brixham. Pick it up here or at Coleton Fishacre National Trust, Berry Head Nature Reserve or Battery Gardens for wonderful views of Torbay and the English Channel.

If you want a longer walk that takes in the whole of Torbay you can start at Brixham and head north to Babbacombe, passing through Paignton and Torquay. It’s a 13 mile hike along the Coast Path.

ROCK FISH

You can’t miss Rock Fish right next door to the Fish Market. It’s one of several restaurants and takeaways run by local chef Mitch Tonks on the south coast in Devon and Dorset.

Everything on the menu is caught by the restaurants’ own boat The Rockfisher, which brings its seafood haul into Brixham. Depending on the season and weather, you can enjoy anything from John Dory to Hake and juicy Scallops to delicate white-fleshed Plaice - fresh and cooked to the highest of standards. Every fish lovers dream come true!

Eat in or sit on the harbour wall and enjoy al fresco eating with amazing fresh fish delights.

BRIXHAM FISH MARKET TOUR

Early risers can go behind the scenes at Brixham’s Fish Market to see the catch of the day and find out how fish make their way from the sea to your plate. If you’re eating seafood in South Devon it will almost certainly have passed through here. Tours are suitable for adults and teens aged 14 and over.

SOFT PLAY CENTRE

Every parents saviour on a rainy day!

Looking for something to do on a rainy day in Brixham? If you have young children then the Whizz Kids soft play centre is a indoor activity they will love. It has has 5,000 sq ft of soft play, a basket ball court, climbing wall and that all important cafe.

It's about a 20 minute walk from the centre of the town.

MIDDLE STREET

For even more Brixham delicacies take your pick of the cafes and restaurants on Middle Street.

The Curious Kitchen comes highly recommended for its weekend doughnuts. Pop in during the week for coffee, cakes, bakes, brunches…the mouth-watering list goes on!

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