Boxing Day in Brixham: Half a Mile of Flat Breakwater

Short answer: The breakwater is half a mile of flat, level walkway out into the bay, free and benched the whole way. Berry Head is a free nature reserve with the length of Tor Bay from high ground.

What is open regardless

The breakwater and Berry Head, both free. Brixham is a working fishing port, so the harbour has life in it on Boxing Day in a way the resort towns do not.

The Boxing Day walk

The breakwater

Half a mile of flat, level walkway built in the 1840s to take the weather, benched along its length, reaching out into the bay. Free, easy going for anyone with mobility difficulties, and it puts you out over the water looking back at the town.

In a rough sea it is not the place to be. Check the conditions — this is an exposed structure and the waves come over it.

Berry Head

A free nature reserve on the headland behind Napoleonic fort walls, giving you Torquay, Paignton and the length of Tor Bay. Its own car park, and the walk down into town afterwards is pleasant.

The hidden one

Fishcombe Cove, a short coastal walk from the harbour through the Battery Gardens.

Where to eat

• The Prince William on the harbour — dog friendly, good value, views over the fleet.
• The Old Market House on the quay — plenty of indoor space and exceptional gluten-free.
• Brixham Cafe on the quay — freshly cooked breakfasts, and cheap.
• Smugglers up Church Hill — steaks and an open kitchen, which is where you want to be on a cold evening.

Ring before you set off. Boxing Day hours are decided late, change year to year, and are the single thing most likely to be wrong online. A two-minute call beats a wasted drive.

Parking

Harbour parking is tight all year and far easier on Boxing Day. Berry Head has its own car park if the harbour is full.

If you want to eat out, book now rather than in December. The places that do serve on Boxing Day fill weeks ahead, and the ones that do not take bookings have queues instead.