Devon Road Trip Photo Gallery - Brixham

Brixham is located on the southern end of Torbay and Berry Head National Nature Reserve is at the tip of it. It is home to Napoleonic War fortifications completed in the early 19th century, the country's smallest lighthouse, and views of the sea from the cliffs. From the parking lot near the southern fort, it's an easy level walk to the lighthouse and plenty of coastline with benches so you can absorb the beauty. This area sits 200 feet above the English Channel, and hence a good spot to monitor the sea for invading French forces. Heading downhill towards the coast, this is a busy tourist town with lots of activity at its beaches and harbour. I had a pretty good seafood lunch overlooking the sea. This place has been a major fishing town since Victorian times, being a birthplace for trawling, a new type of faster boat that could fish in deeper water. These boats roam the English Channel, Bristol Channel, and the Irish Sea, selling their catch at the local fish market, which is the largest in England by value of fish sold. The main catches include cuttlefish, sole, and squid. Shoalstone Pool is a 173 foot-long seawater pool built into the natural rock. It dates from the turn on the 20th century and is still used today by the local swimming club.