Fishcombe Cove
A small, sheltered cove reached through Battery Gardens, ringed by cliffs and woodland.
- Shingle
- Café, toilets April to October
- Dogs all year
Brixham
A working fishing harbour, wooded coves, open headlands and the sea in everyday life. Here is the Brixham we know.
Where everything is
Sunberry looks down on the harbour from the Furzeham side. Sealark sits beside Shoalstone Pool on the way to Berry Head. The coast path joins them.
The breakwater
Fishcombe Cove
Battery Gardens
The harbour
Breakwater Beach
Shoalstone Pool
Berry Head
SunberrySleeps 7
SealarkSleeps 4
A harbour that still works for a living
Brixham has not been polished into a backdrop. Fishing boats leave and return, catches are landed at the market and the whole town still turns towards the water.
Walk the quayside, browse the independent shops and galleries, or settle in for seafood close to where it was landed. The Golden Hind replica and the colourful hillside houses give Brixham its familiar shape; the working fleet gives it its character.
Seafood, boats and an evening on the quay
There are restaurants, cafés and traditional pubs around the harbour, plus seasonal boat trips across the bay and towards Dartmouth. Ask us for local recommendations when you book.
Official Brixham guide
Swim in the sea without leaving the pool
Shoalstone is a 53-metre seawater pool built into Brixham’s rocky shoreline and open for seasonal swimming.
It is free to use, supported by donations and surrounded by decks, a picnic green and wide views across Torbay. Even if you do not swim, the walk along the coast and the changing light make it worth a visit.
From Sealark, the pool and shoreline are just below the garden. Opening times, lifeguards and cleaning vary, so check the pool’s own information before you plan a swim.
Shoalstone PoolBattery Gardens
Coastal paths, bay views and the remains of Brixham’s wartime battery above Fishcombe Cove. From Sunberry, Battery Gardens leads towards Fishcombe and the wooded coves.
About Battery GardensBerry Head
Coastal walks, wildlife and a lighthouse on the headland, with two Napoleonic forts to explore. From Sealark, follow the coast towards the nature reserve.
Plan a Berry Head visitThe breakwater
Walk out towards the lighthouse and look back across the harbour. Breakwater Beach is beside the marina at the start of the walk.
Read about Breakwater Beach
The South West Coast Path in both directions
Brixham sits on a varied stretch of the coast path: limestone headlands, wooded coves, harbour promenades and long views across the bay.
From Sealark, head out to Berry Head’s National Nature Reserve, lighthouse and Napoleonic forts, or turn towards Breakwater Beach and the harbour. From Sunberry, Battery Gardens leads on to Fishcombe Cove, Churston and Broadsands.
Berry Head
Look out for seabirds around the headland, including Berry Head’s guillemot colony. Bring binoculars, keep to the paths and give the wildlife space. Longer circular routes link Berry Head, Sharkham Point and the harbour.
A coast path walk from BrixhamSix coves and beaches, all reachable on foot
Sunberry is closest to the wooded coves west of the harbour. Sealark is nearest Breakwater Beach, Shoalstone Pool and St Mary’s Bay.
Breakwater Beach
Beside the breakwater and marina, with a level walk from town and ramps down to the beach. A favourite with divers.
- Shingle
- Café and toilets
- No dogs May to September
Churston Cove
The next cove along, tucked under wooded cliffs and often quieter. 67 steps and an uneven track lead down.
- Shingle and sand
- No facilities
- Dogs all year
St Mary’s Bay
A secluded bay below high cliffs, just south of Berry Head, with striking rock formations. Steep steps lead down.
- Sand and shingle
- No facilities
- Dogs all year
Elberry Cove
A quiet cove backed by woods, with the ruin of an old bathhouse at one end. Reached only on foot along the coast path.
- Shingle
- No facilities
- Dogs all year
Broadsands
A long sandy beach with beach huts and rock pools at low tide, and steam trains crossing the viaduct behind.
- Sand
- Café and toilets
- No dogs May to September
Good days out, never far from the coast
Brixham sits at the southern end of Torbay. Dartmouth, the River Dart and the rest of the bay are all within easy reach by road, boat or rail.
A little local history
Step inside Brixham Heritage Museum to explore the town’s past, then make time for the shops, galleries and a long lunch around the harbour.
Plan a museum visitAgatha Christie’s Greenway
Explore the writer’s holiday home and the garden above the River Dart. If you are driving, book a parking space in advance.
Visit GreenwaySteam, river and Dartmouth
Take the steam railway from Paignton to Kingswear and cross to Dartmouth, or choose a journey that combines the train with a river cruise.
Explore railway & boat tripsCheck opening days and book ahead where needed. Boat services depend on the season, timetable and weather.
Six places to eat in Brixham.
From a slow breakfast to supper by the boats.
Follow the restaurant links for menus and bookings.
Rockfish Brixham
Seafood at Brixham Fish Market, with a terrace overlooking the harbour and the working fishing fleet.
Beamers
An independent restaurant serving seafood landed through Brixham Fish Market, Westcountry steaks and locally grown vegetables.
Albero
Mediterranean-inspired pizza, tapas and brunch, with waterfront views from the dining room and outside decking.
Breakwater Bistro
A restaurant, bar and takeaway at Breakwater Beach, serving seafood and local meats, indoors and outside.
Old Market House
Pub classics and seasonal dishes on The Quay, with an upstairs terrace looking over Brixham Harbour.
Esca Brixham
Breakfast, brunch and lunch, with coffee, bakes and dishes inspired by local seasonal ingredients.
Make a few days your own.
Three ways to enjoy Brixham,
with room to change your plans.
A slow weekend by the sea
Spend your first day around the harbour: independent shops, galleries and a long lunch, then a stroll to Breakwater Beach.
The next morning, head towards Battery Gardens and Fishcombe from Sunberry, or follow the shoreline past Shoalstone from Sealark. Turn back whenever you like.
Around BrixhamHistory, a harbour lunch
& a cosy evening
Start at Brixham Heritage Museum on New Road for a glimpse of the town’s fishing and family history. Check its visiting days before setting off.
Browse the shops between showers, find a harbour-side lunch and pick up supper to enjoy back at the cottage.
Plan a museum visitBig skies at Berry Head
Choose a clear day for the forts, lighthouse and open views of the bay. Bring binoculars and take your time.
The Coast Path’s 1.6-mile Wildlife & Forts circuit starts at Berry Head; allow extra distance from your cottage. Leave the headland for another day in strong winds or poor visibility.
See the walking routePlan around something special.
Come for a quiet few days by the sea, or time your stay around one of Brixham’s celebrations.
See the current events diaryMay 2027
Heritage Sailing Regatta
Classic sailing vessels gather for a Sail-in-Company in Torbay.
See the organiser’s programme August 2027South West Sardine Festival
A date for seafood lovers. See the organiser’s latest plans before arranging your visit.
Festival details Early May bank holidayBrixham Pirate Festival
Pirate costumes, music and a harbour full of character. A lively weekend for the whole family.
Festival details November · 2026 programmeLanterns, Lights & ’Luminations
Lanterns and lights bring the town together for a festive celebration by the harbour.
This year’s programmeAlso worth looking out for: the Brixham Trawler Event and England’s Seafood FEAST. Check the organisers for the next confirmed dates.
Brixham is hilly. The views are the reward.
Much of old Brixham rises steeply from the harbour, often with steps and narrow streets. Sunberry has an uphill walk back from town and four floors inside. Sealark has a flatter coastal route into town, but its bedrooms and bathroom are upstairs.
Both cottages have private parking: Sealark has space for two cars and Sunberry for up to three. For arrival, use the cottage address rather than the town centre: 32 Berry Head Road for Sealark; 31 North Furzeham Road for Sunberry.
Arriving without a car
Travel by train to Paignton, then continue to Brixham by taxi or the Stagecoach 12 bus. Local buses link Brixham, Paignton and Torquay; seasonal ferries offer another way across the bay.
Plan a day by busUnsure about the walking or the stairs? Call Katy or Tony before you book. They know both routes and will give you a straight answer.