Take your dog to the gorgeous South Devon seaside resort of Brixham. A popular destination for families and couples, Brixham is also a great place for a dog-friendly holiday.
There are some fantastic dog-friendly attractions in Brixham and the wider South Devon area that include country parks, sandy beaches, the South West Coast Path, and places of historical interest. Read on to find out why Brixham is superb choice for a pet-friendly holiday.
Stay at one of our dog-friendly self-catering holiday cottages in Brixham. We have a large collection of properties for you to discover which make the perfect backdrop for a paw-friendly Devon holiday to remember; you dog will love every minute of it.
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Top dog-friendly days out in Brixham
Berry Head
Take the dog for some fresh air up to Berry Head National Nature Reserve, a prominent headland above Brixham Harbour. There is a lighthouse and a Napoleonic-era fort atop of its landmass for you to check out. The views across Torbay are jaw-dropping, making it the perfect place for a picnic and some bird spotting. Look out for the guillemot colony nesting in the cliffs and wheeling about on the thermals. There is a cafe and parking on Berry Head too.
Why your dog will love it: It’s a lovely spot for a walk at heel for any dog. There are lots of wild scents to entertain them too!
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Catch a ferry from the harbour and take a trip across Torbay to Dartmouth. Dogs with sea legs can come aboard and enjoy the 40-minute journey; it’s a great way to see the South Devon coast from the water.
Look out for Berry Head and Shoalstone Pool; you can also see seals, dolphins, and seabirds galore. Dartmouth itself is a lovely town to enjoy shops and dog-friendly cafes and pubs. Catch the narrow-gauge train on the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Paignton, where you and the hound can watch the lovely Devonshire countryside as it unfolds before your eyes. From charming Paignton, Brixham is a short bus ride away.
Why your dog will love it: Torbay seen via sea, rail and road in one day; dogs will love the variety!
The Golden Hind
Small dogs and old dogs on leads are most welcome to accompany you on a tour of the fantastic life-size replica of The Golden Hind. Learn the history of this famous sea-faring galleon; the original vessel was captained by the explorer Sir Francis Drake and sailed around the world (1577-1580). The Golden Hind is one of Brixham’s best-loved visitor attractions and it’s well worth a visit for history buffs and sea dogs!
Why your dog will love it: The curious shapes, forms and scents on deck will enchant most pooches.
Top walkies in Brixham
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path, which lines the sea’s edge for much of its 630-mile length, can be met as it winds through Brixham. From Berry Head in the west, to Churston Cove and Battery Gardens in the east, there is lots for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy along this section of the trail. Follow the path from the harbour, past sunny beaches, and drink in the elevated views from the cliff tops across gorgeous Torbay.
Why your dog will love it: All active pups will appreciate a good scenic workout.
Sharkham Point Nature Reserve
At the opposite end of Brixham to Berry Head is another coastal nature reserve. Head up to Higher Brixham and pick from a choice of footpaths out to the promontory of Sharkham Point with its exceptional views down over St Mary’s Bay and Torbay’s coastline. Keep an eye out for osprey and other seabird life in the area.
Why your dog will love it: This is a classic Brixham day trip destination guaranteed to satisfy those of you with itchy feet (or paws!).
Brixham Harbour and Breakwater
The harbour town of Brixham is a very pleasant place for a gentle amble, especially if you have small dogs or more senior hounds accompanying you on holiday. The waterfront is very picturesque and is home to cafes and pubs where you can rest and watch the world go by. Walk past the harbour to Brixham’s Breakwater, a long sea arm where you can enjoy a measured stroll whilst taking in the fresh sea air and clear views.
Why your dog will love it: A dog walk doesn’t always have to start and end with a sprint; this one is for the more laidback pets.
Top dog-friendly beaches in Brixham
St Mary's Beach
Take your dearest and best down to this dog-friendly beach at St Mary's Bay in Brixham. This idyllic cove is within walking distance of the harbour and consists of sand, shingle, and rocks; it’s a great place to hunt for fossils too. A favourite holiday haunt since Victorian times, bring your beach gear for a day of relaxation and play with your dog.
Why your dog will love it: There’s plenty of space to tear about on the sand should your dog be in the mood for play.
Elberry Cove
Just down from Paignton is the small inlet of Elberry Cove. It’s a quieter affair than St Mary’s Bay but no less charming for it. Make a beeline to Elberry Cove for a gentle day out at the water’s edge; you can reach the beach by parking at nearby Broadsands. Elberry Cove was a favoured swimming spot for the author Agatha Christie, and it is a stop along the famous Agatha Christie Literary Trail. The beach is fringed by woodland and you will encounter a curious ruin of an old bathhouse at its edge.
Why your dog will love it: Let your dog have an explore in the woodlands – scents galore!
Fishcombe Cove
Another quiet and picturesque dog-friendly beach close to Brixham is the characterful Fishcombe Cove. Fringed with red sandstone cliffs, this sheltered cove is great for swimming, paddling, playing with your dog, or watching the passing boats from the shore. It is reached via steps down from Battery Gardens and the Coast Path.
Why your dog will love it: This is a lovely, enclosed beach for dogs to relax and explore.
Top dog-friendly dining spots in Brixham
Guardhouse Cafe
Guardhouse Cafe sits atop Berry Head and is a superb choice for dining with your four-legged mates. There are seats outside too if you would prefer a light lunch or a coffee with a great view across the sea. The Guardhouse is open during the daytime and throughout the year.
Why your dog will love it: After a climb to the top of Berry Head, this cafe is well-placed for a rest.
Breakwater Bistro
Close to the entrance of Brixham Breakwater and Marina is the Breakwater Bistro. It’s good news all round for dog owners because pets are welcome in the bar. It’s a superb choice for a slap-up lunch or sit-down dinner in the evening, with a varied menu chockful of surf and turf dishes. Book ahead and don’t forget to keep an eye on the specials board. Some interesting treats await to tempt your tastebuds.
Why your dog will love it: Treat your dog to a lovely waterside spot of lunch.
Cafe Alf Resco (Dartmouth)
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more dog-friendly cafe in the Torbay area. You only need to visit their social media to see that they aren’t just paying lip service to dog owners. There is even a menu for dogs where you can buy specially prepared sausages and other treats! Cafe Alf Resco is in nearby Dartmouth, but we’d say a drive out to treat your pet for a dog’s dinner fit for kings and queens is definitely worth your time.
Why your dog will love it: Who could possibly say no to a sausage?
Top dog-friendly places to stay in Brixham
Visit our range of dog-friendly holiday cottages in Brixham where you and your pet will find the perfect backdrop for your escape to South Devon. Select your ideal self-catering dog-friendly accommodation in Brixham from our collection and book your perfect holiday home today.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.