Brixham has an excellent array of beaches, a mixture of pebble, shingle and sand. Varying degrees of accessibility and facilities will help you decide which are the most appropriate to your needs and tastes. As it is Devon, natural beauty comes as standard. Most of the beaches in the Brixham area are a short walk away from the centre of town, or can be reached in less than ten minutes by car
Fishcombe Cove is the ideal choice for escaping the summer crowds. Found at the northern end of Brixham, it is a shingle beach surrounded on three sides by tall red sandstone cliffs. The sheltered location of the cove makes for calmer waters to swim in. Owners of small launches and yachts often anchor here for their own relaxation purposes, so those of you seeking complete seclusion will need to go further afield. The beach has an added plus for those with a hound or two in tow, as it is dog friendly all year round. Please note there is a steep hill down to the beach unless you have walked around through battery gardens
Elberry Cove is a small pebble beach at an inlet a short way outside Brixham, well out of the way from the busier town beaches. There is a designated area for water skiing, which has been sectioned off for swimmers’ safety. Beach access is limited as the closest car park is at Broadsands, a short distance away along the coast path. The cove is characterised by wooded hillsides, and the waterside ruins of Lord Churston’s former bathhouse, a charming 18th century ruin. Elberry Cove has a literary pedigree having featured in Agatha Christie’s novel, The ABC Murders. It is on the local Agatha Christie Literary Trail because it was one of the late world-famous author’s favourite places for a quiet dip.
Recommended in the Good Beach Guide, Breakwater Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag in recognition of its all-round quality. Situated at the mouth of Brixham Harbour, it is one of the ‘go-to’ beaches for beauty in the English Riviera. There are good facilities that include ample parking close by, disabled access and WCs, a café/restaurant, first aid room, and deckchair hire as well as a choice of dive schools.
Scuba diving is popular off Breakwater Beach because of the clear and relatively calm waters. Earn your ‘open water certificate’ and see if you spot any seahorses, unusual fish or a shipwreck down in the depths.
Fossil hunters must surely include a visit to St Mary’s Bay, another small sand and shingle beach close to Brixham Harbour. There is an elevated viewpoint of the beach at Sharkham Point and the South West Coast Path. Take in the interesting rock formations and relax on the sands before a climb up the steep steps to the nearby Berry Head National Reserve, where you’ll find the beaches nearest WCs and café. This is a great spot for watching the wildlife and having sea swims in sheltered surroundings. Please note there is a steep climb down to this beach.
Goodrington is one of the most popular beaches in South Devon, with both locals and holidaymakers drawn to the beautiful sandy beach and brightly coloured beach huts.
Goodrington Sands is great for other water sport activities and you can hire various water craft here. The Seashore Centre run by Reach Outdoors in partnership with Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust is the place to visit if you’re interested in sunset kayak trips, coasteering, rock pooling and snorkelling.
Just along from Goodrington Sands you’ll find Youngs Park, an established park land and a natural habitat for swans, geese and wild birds. The family attractions include bumper boat and swan boat rides on the manmade lake, crazy golf and amusement arcades
enhance this tranquil and charming location. There are two cafes serving ice creams, cakes, hot and cold drinks as well as savoury snacks.
The vast parkland area directly behind the beach is a perfect spot for ball games such as football, rounders or cricket. Within a short walking distance from the beach at the south end there is a nine-hole pitch and putt course with spectacular sea views from every hole.
The beautiful long sandy beach is a designated windsurfing area and with some sailing boats able to launch from the slipway this is the perfect place to test the water if you are looking for gentle and leisurely water-based pursuits. See things to do water sports for details.
Maidencombe is a little, secluded beach
on the way out of the English Riviera, towards the neighbouring village of
Shaldon. It is within easy reach of Torquay and just a few miles north of
Babbacombe.
The beach is accessible from the South West coast path with a narrow path and
set of steep steps leading down to this secluded getaway. From the top of the
path there are far reaching views of the rugged red earthed coastline,
showcasing some of South Devon’s finest landscape.
This sandy beach is surrounded by deep red sandstone cliffs providing shelter
from the elements. Low tide exposes lots of interesting little rock pools where
the opportunities for 'crabbing' are endless, don't forget to bring your nets
along! The beach has received the Quality Coast Award due to the
excellent water quality and it’s safe swimming conditions making it a perfect
choice for families and keen swimmers.
On foot you can easily head back up the road towards the picturesque village of
Maidencombe and take in the quaint little thatched cottages. A visit
isn’t complete without sampling the delights on offer at the 17th century
family run pub, The Thatched Tavern.