Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0741 0617931;
www.brixhamtourismpartnership.co.uk
;
The Quay; tour £8; twice monthly late-Jun-Sep)
With more than 100 boats landing catches totalling £25 million, Brixham is one of the
UK's busiest fishing ports. These early-morning, behind-the-scenes tours provide a unique
insight into a world that's normally off-limits to visitors. Fishermen guide you past buyers
and sellers in white coats, and ice-lined plastic trays full of fish, before the bustling auc-
tion itself begins. Then comes breakfast at the Fishermen's Mission with those who work
in the trade. Tours are only open to people over 13; they're hugely popular so book well in
advance. If you miss the tours, head down to the fish market around 5am to 6am and make
for the
viewing platform
to watch the fleet's manoeuvrings.
Fishing Trips
( 01803-882811;
www.greenwayferry.co.uk
; The Quay; adult/child £12/7; 4 daily Easter-Oct)
In a town so
steeped in the fishing industry, even visitors not normally interested in trying to land a
catch can be tempted to have a go. On these two-hour mackerel fishing trips you'll learn
how to bait the hook, zip it into the water and wait for a bite. Boats are likely to head
south to Berry Head or into the middle of Tor Bay; look out for special evening angling
trips, too.
FISHING
Golden Hind
( 01803-856223;
www.goldenhind.co.uk
; The Quay; adult/child £4/3; 10am-4pm Mar-Sep)
Tied up along-
side Brixham Harbour is something straight out of
Pirates of the Caribbean
: a full-sized
replica of the vessel commanded by Devon explorer Sir Francis Drake during his 16th-
century circumnavigation of the globe. Though remarkably small, the original ship had a
crew of 60. Today, you get to walk across a gangplank, peer inside the tiny captain's cab-
in, prowl around the poop deck and listen to tales of life in the officer's quarters delivered
in suitably 'arrr, me-hearties' tones. Youngsters can enjoy the Pirate Days, most
Thursdays in the school holidays.
SAILING SHIP
Brixham Heritage Museum
( 01803-856267;
www.brixhamheritage.org.uk
; New Rd; adult/child £2/free; 10am-4pm Tue-Sat Apr-Oct, to
1pm Nov-Mar)
The town's salty history is explored here, with an eclectic collection of exhib-
its on sail boats, smuggling, ship-building and sea rescues.
MUSEUM
Sleeping
