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

Map above is credited to © OpenStreetMap contributors

1: Breakwater beach

Pebbles and some coarse sand at low tide; steeply shelving at high tide

Easy access with car park, toilets and refreshments

A quiet day in spring. Look out for seals foraging off the beach!

Summer evening sunset from the Breakwater Bistro

Peak season can see many visitors on the beach where paddling, swimming and kayaking can be enjoyed

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 car 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

A small snack bar and toilet facilities are usually available

Why not visit the Brixham Battery Grounds Heritage Museum at the top of the steep track?

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

A popular remote beach for the adventurous in summer

Use the NT's car park at Woodhuish then take the mile walk down to the beach

Check out the bird hide on the way down

There are no facilities.

There are no seasonal limitation for dogs

The old coastguard cottages overlook the beach as does an old lime kiln

A good beach for board sports when there's a strong easterly wind

The beach appearance can vary a lot, particularly after strong onshore winds.

Typically pebbles higer up the shore and wonderful fine sand at low to mid tide. Some larger rocks are common at the northern end

Lots of rock pools to explore at low tide and some small sea caves at the southern end

A great beach for building sand castles!

A freshwater stream flows down the beach from the marshland in the valley behind the beach

7: Scabbacombe

A secluded beach accessed via a walk from a NT carpark near Coleton or near Woodhuish 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