Brixham Harbour
A vibrant working fishing harbour famed for its colourful cottages, fresh seafood, and maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See the fish market bustle
Brixham Harbour
Best Time
See the fish market bustle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant working fishing harbour famed for its colourful cottages, fresh seafood, and maritime history.
"Brixham Harbour is a beautiful little town that’s not too commercialised, with a lovely harbour and fab fish n chips."
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks Galore
Explore scenic routes like the walk from Paignton to Brixham for stunning sea views. :athletic_shoe:
⚓️ Authentic Pub Experience
Visit The Crown and Anchor for a genuine maritime feel and local fisherman atmosphere. :beer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colourful Fisherman's Cottages
Cliffs overlooking the harbour
A picturesque cascade of vibrant homes clinging to the hillsides, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Brixham Fish Market
Harbour side
Witness the lively atmosphere and fresh catch from one of the UK's busiest fishing ports.
The Golden Hind Replica
Harbour
Step aboard a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's famous ship for a taste of pirate history.
Harbour Walk & Breakwater
Harbour to breakwater
Enjoy scenic strolls along the waterfront, with opportunities to spot seals and enjoy sea views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Working Harbour Charm
Timing is Key for Views & Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks Galore
Explore scenic routes like the walk from Paignton to Brixham for stunning sea views. :athletic_shoe:
⚓️ Authentic Pub Experience
Visit The Crown and Anchor for a genuine maritime feel and local fisherman atmosphere. :beer:
📸 Capture the Colours
The vibrant cottages and boats make for incredible photos, especially from higher vantage points. :camera:
💰 Affordable Parking
Short-stay car parks are available with reasonable charges for a seaside resort. :parking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks Galore
Explore scenic routes like the walk from Paignton to Brixham for stunning sea views. :athletic_shoe:
⚓️ Authentic Pub Experience
Visit The Crown and Anchor for a genuine maritime feel and local fisherman atmosphere. :beer:
📸 Capture the Colours
The vibrant cottages and boats make for incredible photos, especially from higher vantage points. :camera:
💰 Affordable Parking
Short-stay car parks are available with reasonable charges for a seaside resort. :parking:
🎣 Fresh Seafood Delights
Indulge in delicious, fresh seafood at local restaurants like The Rockfish. :fish:
🏴☠️ Pirate Festival Fun
If you love pirates, the annual festival is a must-visit for a lively community celebration. :pirate_flag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brixham Harbour for its picturesque charm, vibrant colours, and authentic working port atmosphere. Many highlight the delicious fresh seafood and the friendly, uncommercialized feel of the town. Some note that parking can be tight and toilets may have a small charge.
"Didn't stop long as we was just passing through, it was very picturesque and exactly what you'd expect for a fishing harbour. Would like to visit there properly, definitely on my bucket list.. oh and 30p for the toilets which isnt bad for a seaside resort now."
Vanessa Moyes
"We have been here many times since our honeymoon 39 yrs ago. It’s a beautiful little town that’s not too commercialised and the shops have stayed the same. Lovely harbour with seals. Fab fish n chips. Great place both day and night. Very happy memories."
Tracey Kendall
"Absolutely stunning.
We stayed here for 4 days recently and had the best time.
Beautiful views, lovely restaurants and pubs and just a fab general atmosphere.
Would totally recommend."
Emma Chapman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brixham Harbour is accessible by car, with several car parks nearby, though they can get busy. Public transport options include buses from Torquay and Paignton. For a scenic approach, consider the coastal walk from Paignton.
Yes, regular bus services connect Brixham to surrounding towns like Torquay and Paignton, making it accessible without a car.
Absolutely! The coastal path offers beautiful walks, including a popular route from Paignton to Brixham, providing stunning sea views along the way.
There are short-stay car parks available near the harbour. While spaces can be tight, charges are generally reasonable for a seaside location.
Many visitors find Brixham to be an excellent base for exploring the English Riviera, with easy access to Torquay and Paignton for day trips.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Brixham Harbour itself is a public area and free to explore. Entry fees may apply for specific attractions like the Golden Hind replica.
The harbour is always accessible, though individual shops, restaurants, and attractions will have their own operating hours. The fish market is most active in the early morning.
Yes, there is typically a fee to board and explore the Golden Hind replica. Check their official website for current pricing and opening times.
Some public toilets in seaside resorts, including Brixham, may have a small charge, often around 30p.
Yes, visiting during low tide can offer unique perspectives of the harbour floor and exposed areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the colourful cottages, visit the fish market, step aboard the Golden Hind, enjoy fresh seafood, browse local shops, and take scenic walks along the harbour and breakwater. 
Seals are sometimes spotted basking on the pontoons or swimming in the harbour waters, adding to the charm of the visit.
Yes, Brixham Harbour offers a charming experience for families, with attractions like the Golden Hind and opportunities for crabbing. +1
The colourful fisherman's cottages, the boats bobbing in the harbour, and views from the breakwater offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Yes, you can find markets on the harbour, with some traders selling crafts and local goods on Mondays and Fridays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Brixham is renowned for its fresh seafood. Restaurants like The Rockfish offer delicious catches, and you can also find great fish and chips.
Yes, pubs like The Crown and Anchor offer a traditional maritime atmosphere right on the harbour, popular with locals and visitors.
You'll find a range of dining options, from traditional fish and chips and pub fare to more contemporary restaurants serving fresh local produce.
Yes, you can find sweet treats, including rolled ice cream, available in Brixham Harbour.
For seafood lovers, Brixham is a must-visit, offering incredibly fresh catches directly from the fishing port.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft light and a glimpse of the fishing fleet's activity, while evenings provide beautiful sunset hues over the water.
Focus on the colourful cottages, fishing boats, the Golden Hind replica, harbour life, and panoramic views from the breakwater.
Drone footage reveals stunning aerial views of the harbour, boats, and colourful coastline, showcasing Brixham from a unique perspective.
The unique combination of a working harbour, vibrant architecture, and coastal scenery makes Brixham incredibly photogenic.
Yes, the bustling fish market offers dynamic and authentic photographic opportunities, especially in the early morning.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The harbour itself is a fascinating place to watch the boats and the working fishing port in action. Don't miss the chance for some crabbing off the harbour walls – it's a classic seaside activity that's always a hit with children. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the water, or grab some classic fish and chips. The colourful cottages also provide a fun backdrop for family photos. For a longer outing, the coastal walk from Paignton offers a scenic and engaging journey for active families.
⚓️ Budget Travelers
Many of the pubs offer reasonably priced meals, and grabbing fish and chips from a local shop is a classic budget-friendly option. For accommodation, look for B&Bs or guesthouses slightly away from the immediate harbour front for potentially better rates. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to avoid peak summer prices for accommodation and enjoy a less crowded experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The working fishing boats, nets, and the bustling fish market provide dynamic, authentic scenes, particularly in the early morning light. Don't forget to capture the iconic Golden Hind replica and the panoramic views from the breakwater. Drone photography can offer spectacular perspectives of the harbour's layout and the surrounding coastline.
Experiment with different times of day to catch the best light, from the soft glow of sunrise to the warm hues of sunset. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Brixham's Cottages
These cottages are not just for show; they are part of the town's living history, reflecting its heritage as a bustling fishing community. Wandering through the narrow streets behind the harbour offers a chance to truly immerse yourself in this distinctive atmosphere. The contrast between the bright facades and the rugged coastal landscape is particularly striking, making it a photographer's delight.
A Working Fishing Port
This working nature means you'll often see boats of all sizes bobbing in the water, nets being mended, and the general hustle and bustle associated with a busy port. It's this authenticity that many visitors appreciate, setting Brixham apart from more commercialized seaside towns. Experiencing the fish market firsthand provides a sensory immersion into the heart of Brixham's maritime heritage.
Pirate Legends and Maritime History
This offers a fantastic educational and entertaining experience for all ages.The town also embraces its pirate connections, particularly during the annual Brixham Pirate Festival. This event transforms the harbour into a lively scene filled with pirates, music, and family-friendly activities, showcasing the community's spirit and historical ties.
+1 The presence of pirate-themed events and the Golden Hind underscores Brixham's unique character and its appeal to those interested in maritime adventures.
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