50 things to do in the summer, in Brixham
Brixham and the surrounding areas are not just beautiful, but packed full of exciting and engaging activities for all the family. Below, we've compiled a list of what we consider to be the top 50 things you should do in and around Brixham in the summer. Enjoy!
1. Gorge yourself!
Visit Ella's Chocolate Emporium & Tea Room and try either her famous homemade chocolates or her renown cream teas or Both!
2. Fudge it-up
Try over 73 types of fudge from one of the greatest fudge shops in the south west.
www.bonbonsshop.co.uk
3. Seaside Eats
You’re at the seaside so try Brixham’s fish and chips, its best open, sitting by the harbour. Beware; the seagulls will expect to share. Simply Fish is the ‘plaice’ to visit.
4. Golden Hind
The Golden Hind replica is right in front of Sampford House, it’s fascinating seeing what it was like for 80 men circumnavigating the globe. The smells are a bit sweeter now. www.goldenhind.co.uk
5. Cockington
Cockington village, an oasis of calm within the bay, feed the ducks, have a stroll or a pub lunch. www.cockingtoncourt.org
6. Berry Head
Walk to Berry Head, an area of outstanding natural beauty with great coastal views just a 20 minute walk away - www.berryhead.org.uk and stop off for a well deserved drink at Berry Head Hotel.
7. Rockfish Restaurant
The latest restaurant – Rockfish has opened – owned and operated by the Mitch Tonks the famous seafood chef – posh fish and chips overlooking the trawlers.
10. A Classic Pint
Relax and savour one of your favourite tipples in a Brixham pub. Ask us for recommendations..!
8. Deep Sea Fishing
Fancy a day Deep Sea Fishing?
Contacts below...
Kellys Hero: www.kellysherocharters.co.uk or David on 01803855179
Kingfisher 2 - Call Olly on 07791 676224
Optimist: www.optimistfishingcharter.co.uk or call Nigel on 01803882623
Bait and local knowledge can be obtained from Brixham Bait and Tackle shop 01803 853390. For list of local fishing marks visit www.brixhambaitandtackle.co.uk
We are happy to have any fish you don't want..!
9. Feeling Fit?
Feeling fit? Why not take an early morning jog along the breakwater just in time for a quick shower and a sit down for our delicious full English breakfast. You deserve it!
11. Stroll with a view
Stroll out to sea along Brixham breakwater and admire the different aspects of the bay.
12. Heritage Fleet
13. Brixham Steam
Packet Company
14. Bygones Museum
Book a sailing trip on The Vigilance BM76, a restored Sailing Ketch built in Brixham in 1926.
This amazing shop trades in Antique & Reproduction Vintage Ocean Liner Marine Collectibles - a real Aladdin cave not to be missed!
Take a stroll down memory lane and visit Bygones, St Marychurch.
See how the Victorians lived and played under one roof.
15. Stoke Gabriel
16. Paignton Zoo
17. Kents Cavern
Visit Britain’s oldest home, Kent’s Cavern. Remind yourself if stalactites or stalagmites go up - well worth a visit on a rainy day.
Experience Paignton zoo, in our opinion the best zoo in the country.
We love Monkey Heights.
Discover Stoke Gabriel, only a 20 minute drive away and one of the prettiest villages in Devon.
18. Buckfast Abbey
Peace, contemplation, monks, honey and fruit wines all on the edge of Dartmoor at Buck fast Abbey.
21. Start Bay
Take a coastal drive to Kingsbridge passing Blackpool sands and stop off at Start Bay Inn and see if you finish their eye popping portions of fish and chips.
www.startbayinn.co.uk
Most probably the best fish and chip pub in the UK!
19. Dartington
Shop in historic Totnes and pop into the Dartington cider press centre - a hub of arts and crafts. Guaranteed you will be tempted.
22. Churston Court
Amble for 3 hours to Broad sands passing secluded coves and stop off for a carvery or drink at Churston Court, an historic 12th century Inn.
Visit: www.churstoncourt.co.uk
for more information.
20. National Trust
A number of National Trust properties are open in the summer; Coleton Fishacre is our favourite but there’s also Greenway, Compton Castle and Overbeck’s nearby.
23. Got your trunks?
Packed your swimming trunks?
Dare the refreshing waters or do some pebble throwing or beachcombing and spot a crab or two under the rocks at the Breakwater beach.
24. Alive Fish
Prefer to see your fish alive?
Then visit the National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth, the biggest in the country.
25. Visit Trago Mills
26. Dartmouth
Take a 30 minute bus ride to Dartmouth and explore the art and crafts shops.
We love the Cherub inn, one of the oldest pubs in Dartmouth.
27. Greenway House
Walk from quaint Galmpton village to Agatha Christie’s holiday home, so travelling the green way to Greenway and take in the splendid scenery.
28. Model Village
Do your impression of Gulliver and visit Babbacombe Model village. Great fun for all ages and beautiful gardens too.
29. Buckland Abbey
Discover Sir Francis Drake’s home at Buckland Abbey and visit the Garden House afterwards.
30. Grab a bucket!
Crabbing in Brixham is the number one activity, so don’t forget to bring your bucket, net, crab line and bacon. They love it.
31. Be (very) Brave
Be brave and have a swim in the cool sea. Eeeeek!
32. Bicton Park
32. Take a relaxing stroll at Bicton Park. A Nice place to go on a Sunday afternoon.
33. Ferry-ride
Jump on a ferry to Torquay, Paignton or Dartmouth. If you’re lucky the dolphins or
porpoises may come and say hello.
34. Lydford Gorge
Discover the deepest gorge in the South West and the 90 ft White Lady waterfall at Lydford Gorge.
35. A Challenge...
Attempt the John Musgrave walking Trail, only 35 miles but you can do it in 4 sections and take in the varied landscapes.
36. Tavistock
Visit the best market town in Britain. Whatever you fancy –there is enormous choice at Tavistock and it’s a lovely place to walk around as well.
37. Plymouth Hoe
Relax and promenade along Plymouth Hoe especially after all that shopping!
38. Exeter
Discover one of the oldest cities in England, take a guided walk and uncover historic Exeter and make sure you pop in the cathedral afterwards.
39. Orchid Paradise
40. Doris Brixham
41. Visit a Castle
See the largest selection of orchids in the UK at the Orchid Paradise centre, Newton Abbot.
Visit the Award Winning driftwood shop called Doris that stocks the most amazing driftwood products.
Take the circular walk from Dartmouth castle to little Dartmouth and explore the beautiful woodlands and coves on the way.
42. Get Crafty
Visit the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, the largest contemporary crafts centre in South West England at Bovey Tracey and view or even buy from the wide variety of contemporary crafts by the 240 designers/makers. www.crafts.org.uk
43. Explore Dartmoor
Explore Dartmoor. If wet and windy stay in the car or if bright and breezy get your boots on. Visit Haytor and then take some refreshment at the Rock Inn.
44. Torquay Museum
Take the bus or ferry to Torquay (#12), enjoy the views on the top deck and visit the Agatha Christie exhibition at Torquay museum. We also love the Hole in the wall pub and it’s got great food as well.
45. Woodlands
Keep the kids amused and take them to Woodlands theme park, fun for all the family whatever the weather.
46. Get Coastal
Walk the coastal path to Kingswear only 10.8 miles away, you may want to take the bus back.
47. Love Otters
Wander around Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and see the otters swim under water and learn more about these fascinating creatures. www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk
48. Dart Valley
Walk one of the dart valley trails, there are three to choose from and the scenery is lovely and peaceful.
49. Train Spotting
Are you a train spotter? Even if not there are 2 great Steam railway lines nearby; Paignton to Kingswear and the South Devon railway from Totnes to Buckfast, Choo choo!
50. Brixham Museum
Learn about our town's fascinating history. Free entry and recently awarded with a national child-friendly award.
Well worth a visit.