Short answer: Almost everything in Brixham is free — the harbour, the breakwater, Berry Head nature reserve and the coves. St Mary's Bay even has free parking. The only real cost is eating, and Brixham Cafe on the quay does that cheaply.
This is the budget town of the whole guide. The three best things to do here — the harbour, the breakwater and Berry Head — are all free, and there is even a free car park if you are willing to walk. Fifty pounds for a family day is comfortable rather than tight.
Brixham Harbour is the most-reviewed thing in the town: a working fishing port with the Golden Hind replica moored in it, coloured houses stacked up the hillside, and the fish market still doing its job. Free to wander, and genuinely interesting rather than just pretty.
The breakwater is half a mile of flat, level walkway out to a lighthouse with benches along it and seals close in — free, easy going for anyone with mobility difficulties, and one of the best walks in Devon.
Berry Head National Nature Reserve is free too: Napoleonic fort ruins on a headland of 400-million-year-old limestone, Britain's shortest lighthouse, seabird colonies and views the length of the bay. You can drive to the top or walk out from town.
St Mary's Bay, south of town, has free parking about ten minutes' walk from the beach through grassland. The beach is down over a hundred steps and there is only one way on and off, so check the tide — but there is no charge, which is rare on this coast.
Brixham Cafe on the quay does freshly cooked breakfasts, fish and chips and good coffee, with upstairs seating most people miss — it is cheap by harbour standards. Closed Sundays and opening can be seasonal.
The Prince William on the harbour does curry-and-a-drink deals around the £15 mark that feed you properly. Rockfish on the fish quay is the best fish in town but at £29 for fish and chips it will take most of a fifty-pound budget on its own — go for the specials or save it for another day.
See the full Brixham guide, filtered by who's with you.
Plan your day near Brixham →