Brixham is a delightful little fishing town, situated in the English Riviera, that is Torbay, Devon. It is a town that I visited often as a child while staying at one of the local holiday camps, and is where my parents now call home. The local name for us tourists is “Grockles”, this is a term, I believe, of endearment seeing as how much we put into their local economy :-).
* * * * * * * * * * * * How to get there
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By Train - - - - - - -The nearest mainline train station to Brixham is at Paington, which is about 5 miles away. From there you would either have to take a bus or taxi.
By Coach - - - - - - -
National Express runs a coach service from various locations to the centre of Brixham.
By Car - - - - - -
The car route to Brixham is very scenic (from what I can remember), details of the particular route you would need to take can be found using the route planner service on such sites as www.theaa.com.
* * * * * * * * * * Where to Stay
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There are a number of holiday camps and caravan sites, that cater for families, in the vicinity, including those run by big companies as well as smaller independent sites. There also a number of Bed and Breakfast's and hotels. For booking somewhere to stay I would suggest contacting Brixham Tourist Information on 0906 680 1268 (25p/min).
There are a small number of attractions within the town itself. These include:
The Harbour - - - - - - - - - - Brixham harbour boasts a working fishing fleet as well as being picturesque. There is a fishing museum within the harbour, and there are a number of daily boat rides available, including a ferry service to the nearby Torquay. There is also A statue of William of Orange, who landed in Brixham in 1688 to claim the throne of England.
The Deep - - - - - - - -
A walkthrough nautical experience. Although many older children will be unimpressed, the younger child will be thrilled with this interactive attraction, I know mine were.
Brixham Aquarium - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This is a small and in my opinion somewhat dingy aquarium, a Sealife centre it certainly is not. But a reasonable way to spend half an hour.
Amusements - - - - - - - - - -
There is (or was) only one amusement arcade in Brixham. This is makes a nice change, as it means the children aren't constantly clamouring for money for the machines.
The Food - - - - - - - -
You cannot go to Brixham and not sample the fresh seafood. From the freshly dressed crabs sold on stalls at the harbour, to the restaurants and fish and chip shops. But that's not all, on the harbour you will find a shop that sells a wonderful variety of ice-creams, from rocky mountain (a rich chocolate flavour) to Lemon Meringue and many in-between, these ice-creams are absolutely delicious and a firm favourite with my family. Another little known food shop (among us grockles that is), is a bakery at the back of the high street, that sells the most delicious freshly cooked cakes and pies.
The Shops - - - - - - - - -There are few major shops in Brixham, a supermarket being the closest to a chain store. However, there are a number of small independent retailers, all selling excellent quality produce. There are, of course, the customary souvenir shops, many selling items made of shells.
Although there are limited attractions within Brixham, there are many within easy travelling distance, either by car, bus or foot. These include:Paington Zoo - - - - - - - - - - A fantastic Zoo that has recently been modernised and improved. The zoo was featured in the BBC programme “The Keepers”. Animals include favourites such as elephants, kangaroos, rhinos and Lions. The zoo will easily take a whole day to visit.
This is a fantastic model village with moving exhibits. My favourites have to be the wedding and the fire scenes. Set over 4 acres with over 400 models, this will take the good part of the day to appreciate fully.
Village Website : http://www.aplacetostayuk.homestead.com/modelvillage.html
Kents Cavern - - - - - - - - - -
A spectacular series of underground caves, dating from 500 000 years ago. Although this is a great day out it is not suitable for the disabled.
A seven mile steam railway, running from Churston (near Brixham) to Kingswear. A great trip on its own, but when combined with a ferry to Dartmouth (a round robin) it adds up to a great day out.
The Beaches - - - - - - - - - - - -
Although there is no actual beach at Brixham, there are many secluded beaches within a short, often walking distance. Be warned though, most are at the end of steep roads.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * For those willing to travel a little further
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For those willing to travel a little further from Brixham there is a plenitude of other attractions, in fact far to many too list here. But as examples, there is Dartmoor (where the ponies roam wild), Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh butterfly farm, and many others.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * So What do I think of Brixham
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Brixham is a charming little town, that is excellent as a base for a family holiday. I would also imagine, it would make a great base, for any age group. It is certainly not a heaving night-spot, but there are other towns close by that have a nightlife. A word of warning though, they have real seagulls in Brixham. They are about twice the size of the ones I have seen anywhere else, and they can be very aggressive if they feel their young are threatened, so leave them be and do not feed them.
Pictures of Brixham, Devon
Steam Train
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My family went to brixham six years in a row on holiday when i was a teenager (to Pontin's Wall Park camp) and it is one of my favourite places in britain as i have so many fond memories of it. Haven't been there for about eight years now though. :-( Great review. Paula x
djdarko 13.01.2005 13:35
It all reminds me of Hemsby near Norwich. I love walking round those places, so quiet and country like... ahh... Great review, once more. All the best, Martin
ASIL1508 31.12.2004 11:36
The place names all sound so quaint and very visitable! Lisa :~)
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Dec 18th, 2004
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