Brixham, Devon
Brixham, a harbour town on the English Riviera
Picture colourful houses, clifftop walks plus seafood landed that morning, because Brixham, Devon is still a working fishing town. Stay with us, then explore it all on foot.
What’s more, the harbour is a short walk downhill from our door.
Why Brixham
Why Brixham, Devon still feels real
Unlike many seaside towns, Brixham, Devon has kept its character. Trawlers still unload at the quay, the fish market still runs before dawn and the streets still climb steeply from the harbour to the hills.
Above all, it is a town of stories. Smugglers once landed brandy in the coves, while William of Orange came ashore here in 1688. In fact, our own hotel was home to the smuggler Bob Elliot, who is said to have hidden his contraband in a cave at Berry Head.
Start here
Plan your time in Brixham, Devon
Here is everything you need for a stay in Brixham, Devon, so start with things to do, walks plus what’s on at the Smugglers.
Things to do
Brixham attractions guide
First the harbour plus the Golden Hind, then boat trips across South Devon.
On foot
Walks in Brixham
Berry Head, the breakwater plus coast path routes start from our door, so no car is needed.
What’s on
Events in Brixham
Live music all year, then festive menus plus our black-tie New Year’s Eve.
Getting here
Plan your visit
Directions plus parking, because our concierge parks your car for you.
Bring the dog
Dog-friendly Brixham
Dog-friendly rooms, beaches plus walks, so four-legged guests are welcome too.
By the sea
Beaches near Brixham
Sheltered coves plus sandy bays, while a seawater pool sits by the harbour.
Eat in Brixham
Brixham, Devon seafood, cooked over fire
Indeed, the town lands some of the best fish in Britain. We are licensed to buy at the fish market, so our seafood travels a few hundred yards to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, our meat comes from South West Farmers, then everything is cooked over an open fire grill. For example, expect steaks, scallops, Brixham fish plus a proper Sunday lunch.
Through the year
Brixham, Devon in every season
The town changes with the seasons. Even so, there is always a reason to visit.
- Spring. The Brixham Pirate Festival takes over the harbour in May, when we host live music on the Friday night.
- Summer. Long days on the beaches plus boat trips around Torbay, then evenings on the breakwater.
- Autumn. Quieter paths, crisp walks at Berry Head then hearty food by the fire.
- Winter. Festive menus plus harbour lights, then a black-tie New Year’s Eve at the Smugglers.
Stay in Brixham
Your base in Brixham, Devon
Since the 17th century, the Smugglers Hotel has stood on Church Hill East, a short walk from the harbour. We have 14 en-suite rooms, while breakfast is included with every stay.
What’s more, dogs are welcome, our concierge parks your car for you, then dinner is just downstairs.
Getting here
How far is Brixham, Devon?
Brixham sits at the end of the Torbay peninsula, so it feels tucked away. Even so, it is easy to reach by car, train plus ferry from Torquay.
- Paignton railway station5 miles
- Torquay8 miles
- Dartmouth (via the Kingswear ferry)8 miles
- Exeter30 miles
- The Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale40 miles
Distances are approximate.
Coast and moor
Brixham by the sea, Dartmoor by the fire
In addition, we are part of the Soil and Sea group, alongside the Dartmoor Inn at Merrivale. Spend a few days on the coast, then head inland for wild moorland plus fire-cooked food at our sister inn.
Questions
Brixham, Devon: your questions
Where is Brixham in Devon?
Brixham sits on the southern tip of Torbay in South Devon, so it is part of the English Riviera. Paignton is about 5 miles away, while Torquay plus Dartmouth are each about 8 miles.
Is Brixham worth visiting?
Yes, because Brixham, Devon is a working fishing town with a pretty harbour, the Golden Hind replica, Berry Head Nature Reserve plus some of the freshest seafood in the country.
How do I get to Brixham, Devon?
Most guests drive, then use our car park concierge. The nearest railway station is Paignton, then it is a short taxi or bus ride. See plan your visit for directions.
Where should I stay in Brixham?
We recommend the Smugglers Hotel, because it is a short walk from the harbour, with 14 en-suite rooms, breakfast included plus a fire-grill restaurant downstairs. Dogs are welcome too.
Is Brixham good for dogs?
Very, because there are dog-friendly coast paths, beaches outside the summer restrictions plus our dog-friendly bar. Read our dog-friendly guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Brixham?
Brixham is lovely all year, although each season feels different. Spring brings the Pirate Festival in May, summer brings beaches and boat trips, then winter brings festive menus and cosy evenings by the fire.
The Smugglers’ Table
