Brixham is a beautiful holiday destination for everyone. Home to rolling hills, a busy town centre, and part of the stunning South West Coast Path, it has it all. At Your Devon Escape, we understand that budgets can often be tight when on holiday. That’s why we have put together a list of free things to do in Brixham below. Located on the English Riviera, explore and enjoy the history, culture, and food that this corner of Devon has to offer without breaking the bank.
Berry Head Nature Reserve
Berry Head is a national nature reserve. The stunning headland is home to an iconic lighthouse and Napoleonic fort. It is surrounded by water on three sides and offers views across Torbay and beyond. It is Torbay’s most designated heritage site: a Special Area of Conservation, a SSSI and Scheduled Ancient Monument to name a few.
The visitor centre offers lots of stories about the reserve: its history, the nature, and the Trust’s work. Enjoy coastal walks, spot wildlife, and finish the trip to The Guard Café. Stroll, hike, run, or simply sit and enjoy the panoramic views from one of the most peaceful places in the area, and its completely free!
Disability access is good with tarmac and laid paths in both the North and South Fort. Dogs are welcome at the reserve but may need to be kept on a lead in certain areas because of livestock. Be sure to enjoy this free activity in Brixham on Your Devon Escape.
Brixham Beaches
Brixham is a fabulous place for a beach holiday, and the beach is a great free activity to enjoy in the area. All the beaches are accessible either by foot or by car. Enjoy some beach time as part of a walk or simply rock up ready with your buckets and spades.
Many of the beaches are dog friendly, allowing you to bring your pooch all year round. Check out our blog post for our recommendations. You will not want to leave.
Brixham Heritage Museum
If you are looking for free things to do in Brixham, this is the perfect activity rain or shine. Step back in time as you discover Brixham’s important history. From its geological and neolithic past to its social history, fishing industry and role in Napoleonic war, there are thousands of artefacts in their collection. The museum offers educational programmes, guided tours, and family activities. It is the perfect free day out.
Brixham Pirate Festival
Brixham’s history is filled with pirates and smugglers. The busy harbour is the centre of Brixham life, with its world famous Brixham fish market. Its history and town culture led to the creation of this local event. It has grown over the years into quite a spectacle, providing two days of pirate-inspired activities and fun.
Visitors come from all over to enjoy the live displays, historic sailing ships and live music. There is lots to get involved in for all ages across this hearty weekend and, the best part is that it is all free! Come dressed as a pirate and bring your best arghh!
Geoplay Park
Located a short drive away in the town of Paignton, you will find the English Riviera’s Geoplay Park. This great free attraction is on the seafront, in front of the pier and beach. Designed around the English Riviera’s geological history, the park is an UNESCO Global Geopark key site.
The park is split into four areas for different age groups and play experiences. The toddler area presents the Devonian period. The junior area has a giant climbing net to symbolise a time during the Carboniferous period. The teen play zone is linked to the Quaternary period when neanderthals would physically push themselves to survive. Find zip wires, towers, play hits, a six-way swing, and more. The sand and water play area represents the Permian period.
The park is located by the beach, providing you with all its beach amenities. Explore the pier and promenade or grab a bite to eat from one of the cafés and restaurants after spending the day enjoying one of the many free things to do near Brixham.
South West Coast Path
The surrounding area of Brixham is worthy of further exploration and what better way to do this than on the South West Coast Path. It is the perfect activity rain or shine and falls into the category of free things to do in Brixham. It offers walks in and from Brixham with various levels of accessibility. There are so many great walks on offer that provide beautiful coastline and allow you to explore the geological history of the town and area. Check out our blog for our favourites.
Strand Art Gallery
Situated in the heart of the town, it is one of the oldest and largest galleries in Devon. Specialising in fine art paintings by internationally famous local artists, explore the four hundred original paintings. The artwork focuses on marine and landscape art with an emphasis on local views. The work is really something to admire, and it is completely FREE!
For ideas of what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal. Or make us all jealous by sharing your free things to do in Brixham on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok using the hashtag #yourdevonescape.