Sailing with a dog into Brixham

The plan had been to sail into Dartmouth, but with the regatta in full swing every berth had been booked months in advance. Instead, we found space in Brixham, just around Berry Head.

Jen lived in nearby Torquay from 1997 to 2000, when Brixham was still very much a quiet fishing port. A lot has changed in the past 25 years. Today, an MDL marina anchors the waterfront, the town is thriving, and a wave of new pubs and bars has made it a sought-after destination. There are still plenty of quirks too—our favourite being the talking bins. Their croaky “thank you” has adults laughing and children gleefully hunting for more rubbish to feed them - perhaps this explains why Brixham is so clean.

Brixham talking bins

For sailors, Brixham Marina offers excellent facilities and a straightforward approach in most conditions. The long breakwater provides solid protection, and once you’re berthed it’s only a short stroll into the bustling town centre. It’s both a lively stop in its own right and a practical base for exploring Torbay or staging the next leg east or west along the coast. For us, it quickly became an unexpected favourite.

Then entrance into Brixham

Dog friendly Brixham marina

Overview of Brixham

Svea having a rest

Dog groomer in Brixham

As well as stirring up plenty of nostalgia for Jen, one of the highlights of this stop was finally managing to find a groomer for Svea. After messaging several in the area, a very friendly groomer kindly squeezed us in at 5 p.m. on a Friday evening. Huge thanks to Abby!

🐾 Dog Walks in and around Brixham

Whilst Brixham is very dog-friendly, there aren’t many easy off-lead walks near the marina during the summer months. A little further afield, however, you’ll find fantastic coastal paths and beaches to explore together.

• Breakwater Beach – right by the marina. Dogs are welcome out of season, and it’s a handy spot for a quick leg stretch.

• Berry Head Nature Reserve – a short walk from the marina, this dramatic headland has clifftop trails, wildflower meadows, and sweeping views across Torbay. Svea loved the open space.

• South West Coast Path – heading west towards Fishcombe Cove and Churston, or east towards Paignton, you’ll find mile after mile of glorious walking.

🍻 Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafés

Brixham knows how to do hospitality, and happily, most places welcome four-legged friends. Here are a few of our favourites:

• The Old Market House – right on the harbourside, this pub is relaxed, spacious, and very dog friendly.

• The New Quay Inn – a cosy, traditional spot with good food and dogs allowed inside. Many locals drink here so a great place to pick up tips and tricks.

• Breakwater Bistro – just along the breakwater, perfect for coffee or lunch after a walk, with dogs welcome on the terrace.

• Berry Head Hotel – slightly further out, but a great place for a pint or cream tea after a cliff walk, with dogs allowed in the bar.

🐕 Brixham in a Nutshell

Bustling, colourful, and full of character, Brixham offers sailors the perfect mix of practicality and charm. With great walks, dog-friendly pubs, and a lively harbour atmosphere, it’s a stop that works just as well for four-legged crew as it does for their skippers. Svea gave Brixham ten enthusiastic paws out of ten. 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾.