Days out: Brixham Harbour and lunch at Rockfish 

Over half term we visited Brixham Harbour in our loaned car from Snows Lexus. Forty five or so minutes from Exeter on the English Riviera, Brixham is a pretty little fishing port seeped in history.

We drove through, parked to the right hand side of the harbour (as you look at it) and walked down to have a look around. Most of the parking in the town is up the hill and a walk away from the harbour itself.

Brixham has a pretty harbour, with lots of little gift shops, restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlours surrounding it. There is also an local artist’s gallery called The strand art gallery (as advertised in this pic), we didn’t pop in but on it’s website it says it is “one of the oldest and largest art galleries in Devon and the West of England, specialising in  fine art paintings, by internationally famous local artists, specialising in marine and landscape art.

Just past the gallery to the right, moored in the harbour is a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship The Golden Hinde, at almost £20 for a family of four, we gave it a miss on this trip but we might pop back when the kids are a little older.

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We visited popular Devon fish and chip restaurant, Rockfish for lunch. With restaurants in Exmouth, Torquay and Brixham, Rockfish are a firm local favourite and have won several awards to prove it.

 

Rockfish appear to be ethically sound, committed to sustainability and sourcing their produce locally. The staff are knowledgable and the menu offering caters to those who want the full fat frying experience and those who might opt for grilled fish or something a little less fattening.

The children’s menu offers the usual, fishfingers, fish and burgers etc and for £6.95* you get a main, a side, a dessert and a squid pack containing crayons, a colouring book, a wallet, stickers and some fishy top trumps, we rather enjoyed the cards and it made a thoughtful change .

In warm weather, the restaurant has a lovely balcony overlooking the harbour where you can sit and watch the world go by.

Rockfish have their standard menu and also offer a selection of fresh fish depending on what has been caught on the day, we opted for Hake and Gurnard both costing £13.95* for the fish alone.  The fish was fried to perfection, the batter light and both fish were delicious.

If you’re looking for a budget lunch, Rockfish isn’t for you but if you are after some very tasty posh fish n chips in a lovely environment, go for it! We certainly enjoyed the food.

After lunch we walked back around the harbour, some of the local businesses have that ‘kiss me quick’ touristy (charm?) like this one – The lusty Wench – for a fleeting moment I thought it was a bordello..

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The habour is very picturesque, from the boats on the water to the rows of pretty coloured houses.

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Brixham’s equivalent to Verity is a bronze statue: Man and Boy by Elisabeth Hadley. Designed to commemorate lives lost at sea and celebrate Brixham’s fishing heritage, it was unveiled just last year and was met with much appreciation. It stands proud on King’s Quay, on the opposite side of the harbour to Rockfish, it’s a fine work of art and its elevated position adds to its appeal.

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We were only in Brixham for a few hours and we will be visiting again, here are a few more things to see and do:

Brixham Heritage Museum – Here you will find information about the ancient cave systems, sailmaking, fishing, railways and social history of the pretty port. There is no entrance fee but you can make a voluntary contribution, the museum is stewarded by volunteers.

Brixham Battery Heritage Centre – A museum based at the restored coastal defence battery, this museum is also free with the option to make a voluntary contribution.

Brixham harbour is part of the South West Coast path walk.

Breakwater Beach – A shingle beach close to the mouth of Brixham harbour, one of the cleanest beaches on the English Riviera, known as South Devon’s beautiful bay. Not only is it a Blue Flag beach, but it has a Seaside Award and been recommended by the Good Beach Guide. Breakwater Beach is also a great place for scuba diving and as keen divers, we will definitely be heading there in the summer!

*prices and experience as per Feb 2016

Do you have any recommendations for us?

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