Understand
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Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]Take the A380 from the M5 and Exeter into Torbay, which becomes the A3022 into the centre of Brixham. There is limited on street parking, but ample space in two large long-stay car parks.
By bus
[edit]Stagecoach 12 – Newton Abbot, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.
By train
[edit]Brixham station was closed in 1963. The closest train stations are 1 Paignton station – 5.5 mi (8.9 km), 2 Torquay station – 8.4 mi (13.5 km) and 3 Totnes station – 9.5 mi (15.3 km).
Paignton and Torquay are on the Riviera Line [dead link] serving Exeter, Starcross, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Torre, Torquay and Paignton. Additionally offering a connection to Manchester Piccadilly.
Totnes is on the line serving London Paddington to Penzance.
By ferry
[edit]The Western Lady Ferry runs up to every 30 minutes from Torquay in the summer and Paignton Pleasure Cruises [formerly dead link] run from Paignton Harbour during the summer.
Get around
[edit]See
[edit]- 1 Brixham Breakwater. A half-mile-long pier, from which one can walk all the way to the lighthouse or do a spot of fishing.
- 2 Brixham Heritage Museum, Bolton Cross, TQ5 8LZ, ☏ +44 1803 856267. Tu-Th 10AM-4PM; F 10AM-3:30PM; Sa 10AM-1PM; Su M closed. Museum showcasing the town's history from Napoleon and the Battle of Waterloo, to the Victorian era to both World Wars. There's also archaeological displays. Free.
- 3 Golden Hind Museum Ship, The Quay, TQ5 8AW, ☏ +44 1803 856223. A replica of Sir Francis Drake's own ship The Golden Hind that has been moored at the town since its creation in 1988. Adult £7, child/senior £5, family (2+2, 1+3) £18.
- 4 Colton Fishacre, Brownstone Rd, Kingswear, TQ6 0EQ, ☏ +44 1803 842382, [email protected]. A country retreat built for Rupert D'Oyly Carte and his wife, Lady Dorothy Carte, between 1923 and 1926. It was designed during the Arts and Crafts movement. The house and gardens are open to the public.
- 5 Greenway, Greenway Road, Galmpton, TQ5 0ES, ☏ +44 1803 842382, [email protected]. Greenway is one of many properties owned by world-renowned mystery writer Agatha Christie. The National Trust have painstakingly created an atmosphere that allows visitors to get a glimpse into what she would have done in the summer.
Do
[edit]- 1 Brixham RFC (Brixham Rugby Football Club or The Fisherman), Astley Park, Rea Barn Rd, TQ5 9ED, ☏ +44 1803 882162.
- 2 Brixham Theatre (Brixham Arts and Theatre Society), New Rd, TQ5 8TA, ☏ +44 1803 882717. The town's theatre.
- 3 Pirate Days, TQ5 8AJ. There are regular pirate days, and a pirate festival (in May) in the town.
- 4 Shoalstone Pool, Berry Head Rd, TQ5 9FT. 10AM-6PM. A lido with a 53-metre square sea water swimming pool. Open from May to September. Free.
- 5 South West Coast Path, ☏ +44 1752 896237, [email protected]. The longest national trail in England passes through the centre of Brixham.
- 6 Berry Head. Conservation area and nature reserve with spectacular views and plenty of sights to see.
- 7 Visitor Centre. Former artillery storage building used to stockpile shells for the French invasion. Now a visitor centre with plaques detailing the area.
- 8 Lighthouse. Berry Head Lighthouse is an active dome lighthouse. Only 5 m in height, making it one of the shortest in the world.
Buy
[edit]Brixham is known throughout the UK for its fishing. The town has several fish markets that can also be toured provided you arrive early enough.
Eat
[edit]Brixham is renowned for its seafood.
Budget
[edit]- 1 The Guardhouse Cafe, Berry Head, TQ5 9AW, ☏ +44 1803 855 778. Part of Berry Head. A former Napoleonic guard house.
Mid-range
[edit]- 2 Breakwater Bistro, Berry Head Rd, TQ5 9AF, ☏ +44 1803 856738. M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 9AM-4PM. Has a good view of seafront and a good evening menu selection on Saturdays. Booking is recommended, even in the winter.
- 3 Rockfish, New Fish Quay, TQ5 8AJ, ☏ +44 1803 850872. noon-9:30PM.
Drink
[edit]- 1 The Blue Anchor, 83 Fore St, TQ5 8AH, ☏ +44 1803 859373. Live music and local ales.
- 2 The Vigilance, 5 Bolton St, TQ5 9DE, ☏ +44 1803 850489. Wetherspoons pub.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Manor Inn, 2 Stoke Gabriel Rd, Galmpton, TQ5 0NL, ☏ +44 1803 661101. From £49 (includes breakfast).
- 2 Churston Manor Hotel (Churston Court Inn), Church Rd, Churston Ferrers, TQ5 0JE. From £60 (includes breakfast).
- 3 Berry Head Hotel, Berry Head Rd, TQ5 9AJ, ☏ +44 1803 853225. 3-star hotel overlooking Berry Head, it was former Napoleonic military hospital. From £99 (includes breakfast).
Connect
[edit]Brixham and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Sep 2023, 5G has reached Paignton but has not yet extended to Brixham.