- Brixham is in Devon, England.
- Major trawler port on the English Riviera
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Brixham
Brixham is a major trawler port on the English Riviera at the southern tip of Tor Bay in Devon, with a working fleet that makes it one of England's busiest fishing harbours. Its sheltered harbour, steep streets and a full-size replica of the Golden Hind mark its long maritime history.
The story of Brixham
William of Orange landed at Brixham on 5 November 1688 with a Dutch fleet of around 250 ships and some 15,000 men, marching on London to claim the throne in the Glorious Revolution; a commemorative stone marks the landing site at the harbour. The Brixham sailing trawler, developed in the 19th century, was a fast, seaworthy beam-trawler design whose influence spread to fishing fleets across the world, and at its peak Brixham's fleet numbered over 200 such boats working the Channel grounds. A full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind is moored in the harbour, recalling the Devon-born seafarer who circumnavigated the globe between 1577 and 1580. Berry Head, the headland above the town, carries Napoleonic-era fortifications built to defend Tor Bay against French attack and is now a nature reserve on its limestone cliffs.
Visiting with care
Walk around the working harbour to see the trawler fleet and the Golden Hind replica, then climb to Berry Head for its limestone cliffs, Napoleonic fort and views across Tor Bay. Buy fresh fish on the quayside.
Interesting facts
- William of Orange landed at Brixham on 5 November 1688 at the start of the Glorious Revolution.
- The Brixham sailing trawler influenced trawler design worldwide, with a fleet of over 200 boats at its peak.
- A full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind is moored in the harbour.
- Berry Head carries Napoleonic-era fortifications built to defend Tor Bay against French attack.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.