Brixham

Simply put, fishing is Brixham, with over 10,000 tonnes of the stuff landed here every year - so if you want to see a proper working fishing port on the South Coast then after many miles you have found it. In the harbour you can watch the fisherman unloading the fresh catches of plaice, sole, lobster and crab, part of the load goes straight to the string of seafood shacks on the quay where you can get freshly grilled fish straight from the charcoal grills.

Brixham has not been swamped by tourism in the same manner as the urban areas further into Torbay, and is unique in still housing a large fleet of colourful trawlers that still supply fish to Billingsgate Market. 

Brixham is overlooked by the statue of William of Orange who landed here in 1688 on his way to lay claim to the English Crown - the story goes as he landed he fell off his boat and began his quest for the throne with a broken nose.  

We feel that it’s pretty appropriate that the trail ends here for you too, looking out on the outskirts of the urban Torbay mass, Brixham marks the end of this section of wild coastline and the beginning of the rather entertainingly named English Riviera!

Built up around a fishing port, Brixham still retains a lot of charm however, with its pastel shaded cottages that gaze around and above the long half-moon harbour,  the centre of which is fronted by the larger stately buildings that give a hint to the ports historical importance.

With time to look around before you depart you won’t miss boarding the full size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind which sits in the harbour and any gaps that remain in your knowledge of this coasts history can be addressed at the Brixham Heritage Museum, well worth the effort, the history of the regattas, trawler races and inevitable smuggling of this harbour are all covered here.  Then there is a clutch of Brixham artists as well, with work at the Arts and Craft Market and the Breakwater Bistro and Art Gallery. 

In the end however, fish reigns supreme, and this is the place for the freshest catch of the day so when you head for a restaurant after packing away those walking boots don’t even think of asking for anything on a plate that did not swim. Whatever you get it will be well earned after your endeavours around the South Hams Peninsular.