Beaches
Brixham has several beaches, each with their own unique quality and features. Some have sparse facilities but, if you are willing to venture further afield or walk a while, you're sure to find one that suits your expectations or requirements!
Be aware that all of our beaches are tidal and look very different between high and low tide, especially during spring tides when the water will come in a long way and go out a long way. Don't get cut off by an incoming tide that might prevent your retreat to safety! In stormy weather all beaches can be potentially dangerous. Most beaches in Torbay are relatively safe, but in other areas there can be strong tides and rip currents; look for local notice boards. Beware of offshore winds, especially if using inflatables as these can be very quickly blown out to sea taking you with it. We don't want to see you featured on a TV episode of "Seside Rescue!"
In the event of an emergency, dial 999 (or 112) and ask for the coastguard. You can check tides for the week at this link; today's tides are shown in the table below and a tide clock is provided in the cottage. Note that tidal predictions are usually for Dartmouth which are considered okay for general use in and around Brixham.
Maps used on this page are credited to © OpenStreetMap contributors
1: Breakwater beach
Pebbles and some coarse sand at low tide
Easy access with car park, toilets and refreshments
2: Shoalstone Beach
Easy access with car park, toilets and refreshments from a snack bar or the poolside restaurant
Mainly a rocky shoreline with excellent rockpools to explore
A pebble/boulder beach to the east and the small sandy "Ladybird beach" to the west
Outdoor seawater pool available during the summer with lifeguard
3: St Mary's Bay
Accessed via steep steps at the southern end from the car park at Sharkham. Or walk along a steeply undulating coastal footpath from the north to reach the steps
Slate and gravel at high tide but an excellent sandy beach at low tide, especially at the southern end
Locally known as Mudstone, it is a sheltered beach in the summer; great for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaks
There are no facilities at this beach; bring your own refreshments and take your litter home
4: Fishcombe Cove
Located in the NW of Brixham, this tiny cove is accessed via a short steep track adjacent to the holiday village or via the coast path from Freshwater Quarry
A limited number of car parking spaces are availble on the access road and nearby or use the longstay park at Freshwater Quarry and take a 15 minute walk
The beach is tiny, vertially non-existent at some high tides. It consist of some gravel and pebbles but can be very popular in the summer
There's a small snack bar and toilet facilities are available
5: Churston Cove
Take a stroll through the woods from Fishcombe and you'll reach Churston Cove, or Churston Quay as it's known locally
Not a big beach, but a tranquill spot and sun trap during the morning and afternoon
Consists mainly of pebbles and boulders and backed by a level grassy area and a wooded valley know as the Grove
There are no facilities on this beach. The coastal footpath passes across the beach so walkers are common
6: Man Sands
7: Scabbacombe
A secluded beach accessed via a walk from a NT carpark near Coleton or near Woodish farm. Alterternatley, take a longer coastal walk from Brixham
Popular as a stop-off for walkers on a trek between Brixham and Kingswear. It's regularly visited by yachts and motor launches in the summer
A steep walk down to a beach of mixed pebbles and sand at low tide; it's safe for swimming and can be a 'sun trap' during the summer. It is sometimes used by naturists
Except in drought conditions, the beach has a small water fall at the northern end: nice if you fancy a freshwater shower to wash off the salty sea water after your dip
8: Elberry Cove
9: Broadsands
10: Saltern Cove
11: Goodrington
12: Paignton Sands
13: Other beaches
Torre Abbey Sands
Meadfoot Beach
Babbacombe
Smugler's Cove
Dawlish
Exmouth
Beesands
Slapton Sands