Places to Visit
There are many things to do and places to visit on your holiday in and around Brixham, here are some suggestions, but also check out our Our Top 10.
The Golden Hind
The Golden Hind at Brixham is a full sized replica of one of the most iconic ships from the age of exploration. The Ship has been a feature of picturesque Brixham harbour for over fifty years, entertaining and educating thousands of visitors during this time – as well as being featured on many tv programmes and films. The Ship is open come rain or shine and is an all-weather attraction with many indoor displays as well as wide open decks.
Berry Head Nature Reserve
There is nothing better than a walk up to Berry Head. The views are stunning and a walk around the ancient forts followed by a visit to the Guardhouse cafe or Berry Head hotel is a wonderful way to spend a few hours.
Paignton Zoo
With over 2,000 animals across 80 acres – you’re in for a really wild time at Paignton Zoo.
Shoalstone Pool Brixham
Shoalstone Pool is an outdoor 53 metre sea water swimming Pool situated in a stunning position on Brixham sea front. The Pool is one of only a few left in the country. It is built into a natural rock pool that in Victorian times was popular for bathing.
Entrance is free of charge!
Dartmouth
Situated on the banks of the picturesque River Dart, Dartmouth makes a great day out.
With numerous festivals and events taking place throughout the year, as well as a great range of attractions and activities both in Dartmouth and nearby, and a rich maritime heritage, there is always something happening in this vibrant harbour town.
The 18 or 18A bus from Brixham will take you to Kingswear where you can get the ferry across the River Dart.
Greenway
Greenway is a magical place to explore, with its rich historical interior and the wildness and mystery of its garden.
Agatha Christie described Greenway as “the loveliest place in the world”. It was here that she had her holiday home, on the banks of the River Dart. With a long history dating back to the 1490s, the house still retains features added by all generations of occupying families. Now managed by the National Trust, the property offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the private life of the Queen of Crime and her family.
Parking MUST be pre-booked, this can be done from the website.
National Trust Greenway Website
Coleton Fishacre
This country home was built in 1926 for Rupert and Dorothy D’Oyly Carte, who were inspired to make the beautiful valley running down to the sea the site for an elegant home. Here they could entertain in style and indulge their passion for the outdoors. You get a real feel for their lifestyle of outdoor pursuits and entertainment as you explore the house; look out for the wind dial which indicated good sailing weather, and the bell on the side of the house which could be rung to call the family in from the cove at the bottom of the garden at meal times.
National Trust Coleton Fishacre Website
Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
Kents Cavern is one of the most important Stone Age cave sites in Europe, making it Britain’s premier prehistoric cave.
For thousands of years the cave was home to ancient humans, sheltering from extreme weather, making fires, shaping stone tools and hunting wild Ice Age predators. You will be taken back to these ancient times as you walk through the extensive labyrinth of caverns surrounded by spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Splashdown@Quaywest
Splashdown Waterpark@Quaywest, is a great day out for family and friends. There is something for everyone to enjoy – from big kids to little ones – with some of the UK’s most exciting flume rides and some of the English Riviera’s most spectacular views, it is located right next to Goodrington Beach.
For thrill seekers there is the heart stopping plummet the Devil’s Drop and terrifically tumbling tyre rides, that’ll have you hanging onto the edge of your tyre, literally, and the Wild Kamikaze – well the name says it all! If that sounds a bit too much like hard work then a quick dip in the swimming pool and a laze on a sun-bed might be more to your liking then you can do that too, with views over South Devon’s beautiful Tor Bay.
Younger kids can get in the swim too with Submarine Splash and Tiddler’s Fun Pool – a perfect place for little ones to enjoy a good old splash about.
Want more than the waterpark? Goodrington Sands, a stone’s throw from the door and a great place to visit, sand to play on and rockpools to discover at low tide and loads more.
Babbacombe
Experience the charming and characterful village of Babbacombe and be enchanted by its stunning sea views, colourful promenade and picturesque buildings. Boasting a delightful alternative to the hustle and bustle of Torquay, there are still plenty of things to do in Babbacombe for all ages and tastes.
Situated on top of the stunning red sandstone cliffs, the village offers holidaymakers an insight into the traditional and olde worlde charm of the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay.
Walk to Babbacombe Beach, have a drink or a meal in The Cary Arms and walk along to Oddicombe Beach where the Cliff Railway will bring you back to the Downs. Stroll along The Downs and sit and enjoy the views on one of the many public benches. The Cliff Railway has been operating since 1926, only being closed in the war years. The track gently slopes down from The Downs to the sea and Oddicombe beach 240 feet below on a track 720 feet long. It carries more than 25000 passengers each season but thankfully not all at the same time! The four cables will each hold 20 tons so plenty of holding power for the two five ton carriage which travel at 500ft per minute.
As well as the many sights and stunning settings to enjoy there are also plenty of charismatic attractions to explore, including the popular Babbacombe Model Village, which features thousands of miniature buildings encapsulating the essence of all things British.