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The small historic fishing town of Brixham lies on the southern coast of Devon in southwestern England. The village has a long history of habitation with evidence dating back to the Ice and Bronze Ages. History seems to indicate the Saxon village actually began as two separate settlements. The first developing by the sea and the second forming up the hill, but eventually the two merged and became one.
In 1688, the Dutch prince, William of Orange, claimed the area for a time and the Dutch influence is noted in surnames and places. Names of local places also tend to depict the town's history. Monksbridge was built by the Totnes Priory and Pump Street was the location of the town's primitive water supply.
During the Middle Ages, Brixham was the largest fishing port in southwest England. Later, the port would play an important role in the King's navy as a place where ships replenished and went on to battle. Besides agriculture and fishing, the largest local industry was mining. Quarried limestone built buildings, roads and the harbour. Ochre, a type of pigmented clay, was combined with tallow, tar and oak bark, and used as a protective covering on sails. In 1845, Brixham used ochre to invent the first rust resistant paint.
The village has a long line of maritime history from horrific storms causing hundreds of shipwrecks, battles fought at sea to smuggling.
Activities and Attractions
Moored in the harbour is a replica of Sir Francis Drake's Tudor sailing vessel, the Golden Hind. Climb aboard and explore the type of ship Sir Francis used to battle the Spanish Armada and bring back treasures from journeys around the world. Visit the Captain's quarters and the areas where the crew worked, dined and slept. Investigate the weaponry commonly used during times of battle. Beware of the pirates! Brixham holds an annual pirate's festival with re-enactments and various live entertainment venues for swashbucklers of all ages.
On the south side of the harbour lies Berry Head, a piece of land that juts out to sea and houses the breakwater and lighthouse. The area also hosts a wildlife reserve park and is an historic site having the remnants of three Napoleonic forts. The waters surrounding the head are especially deep; making the location a favourite for land based deep sea fishing. Discover why the lighthouse is considered the tallest and the smallest ever constructed. Guests also learn the history of the rescue lifeboats.
Brixham contains numerous walking and cycling paths that range from short treks to coastal journeys travelling for miles.
Accommodations and Dining
Brixham has many bed and breakfasts or self-catering apartments and cottages within the area. Choose from elegant settings to comfortable budget friendly environments. Whether journeying into Brixham alone or with family and pets, there is a variety of modernised accommodations from which to choose.
Considered a major fishing port, fresh seafood is not hard to find. Restaurants, cafes and pubs serve a variety of meals from fast food to elegant extended course meals. In addition to seafood, guests find traditional English, Asian, and Indian cuisines.
Accommodation in Brixham
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