Henry Francis Lyte, who wrote the words of the famous hymn ‘Abide With Me’ at his home in Brixham (now The Berry Head Hotel) as he overlooked the sun setting over the sea in 1847; was once vicar of the church of ‘All Saints’ in Lower Brixham which can be seen from the spectacular picture window in the 3rd bedroom up the set of stairs that rise up from the first floor landing, the bells of his church have echoed over the ancient harbour every day during the still of the evening at 8pm really not to be missed!

The Golden Hind also seen from the top floor window 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. 

There are so many more interesting & varied things to do in and around Brixham, the breath-taking Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Brixham Breakwater & the South West Coast Path, Breakwater Beach, a swim in the wonderful iconic art deco sea water Shoalstone pool is free (donations welcome), the Wildlife & Forts of Berry Head Trail, Churston Steam train, numerous boat tours from Brixham Harbour, Coleton Fishacre, and much, much more.

Brixham has been the centre of the area’s fishing industry for centuries and you can learn much more about the town’s maritime past in the Brixham Heritage Museum just down the road in the town. It has an infectious oldie-worldly atmosphere, offering a peace and simplicity becoming all too rare in the hectic bustle of our busy lives. “It has the pumping heart of a bona fide fishing town, with views that would give the Bay of Naples a run for its money” The Guardian

With well over 100 trawlers working out of Brixham, the locally caught fish is famous all around the world. So don’t miss the chance to enjoy wonderful fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants, cafes, Fish & Chip shops & waterside crab, cockles & mussel stalls.

Brixham is packed with festivals; The Pirate Festival is an annual event unlike any other for two days in May, you can join in by arriving in fancy dress & even win a prize!  Brixfest is an award-winning annual family festival celebrating this beautiful town & all it’s heritage in May/June. Brixham Hap’nin party in the park showcases 2 days in July of live entertainment and Fishstock is an annual Seafood & Music Festival in September.

There is lots of live music and various trawler races all year round and not forgetting Pirate Thursday’s every Thursday during the holidays down at the harbourside for some swashbuckling fun with old seadogs and scallywags!

Harbourside if you are lucky to see them Brixham waters are often frequented by seals, dolphins and even whales!