Brixham

Brixham is a town and civil parish on the southern coast of Devon, England. It lies at the southern end of Tor Bay and forms part of the Torbay unitary authority. The town has a long maritime heritage and is known for its fishing harbour and fish market.

Historically one of Britain’s principal pilchard ports, Brixham developed around the quay and the fishing fleet. The pilchard fishery peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries, and although declines in catch reduced activity, fishing remains an important part of the local economy along with tourism and seafood-related industries.

Landmarks and heritage: Berry Head, a prominent headland just east of the town, features a lighthouse and a Napoleonic-era fort; the area is a nature reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The harbour hosts the Golden Hind, a full-size replica of Francis Drake’s ship, displayed as a museum ship.

Culture and facilities: Brixham preserves maritime traditions through its harbour, fish market, and local museums, including the Brixham Heritage Museum. The town is served by local roads and provides facilities for residents and visitors.

Governance: Brixham has its own town council and is part of the Torbay unitary authority. The town council works with Torbay Council on local services.