Across the Bay

Sadly, three friends lost their fathers within the past week and although my own dad passed away in 1976, it started me thinking about him and how much I always enjoy visiting his hometown when I'm on a trip home. After 'crossing the pond' and getting settled in my hometown, Torquay, a trip across Tor Bay to the busy fishing port of Brixham where my dad grew up is always on the agenda.

This map below shows Tor Bay on the south coast of the county of Devon - the open water beyond is the English Channel looking directly toward France. When you look out from the shore you'll think you're on the Mediterranean. Sparkling blue waters warmed by the Gulf Stream, palm trees and a mild climate year round, grace a magnificent coastline.

Best way on a sunny day is to take the ferry across the bay. This is a 30 minute windy ride with scenic views of seaside communities, coves and beaches, with farmland rolling down to the red sandstone cliff edges. Below is Torquay harbour looking back toward the town's seven hills populated mostly by hotels.

Once out on the open water you will see people enjoying the Bay in yachts - sailing conditions are ideal for much of the year and many international and championship races are held here. These pictures were all taken in October of last year - a brisk wind and choppy sea, quite exhilarating.

Arriving in Brixham Harbour, small hotels, B & B's, and the homes of local fishermen climb up the hillsides.


In their prime, Brixham's fleet of fishing trawlers were admired throughout Europe. The skills of trawling were perfected at Brixham. Today some of the original impressive heritage sailing vessels have been restored and can be seen out on the Bay or moored alongside in the harbour. During WWII many trawlers were requisitioned for the evacuation of the British Forces from France, and in 1944 the harbour was used by the US Army for embarking prior to the invasion of Normandy.

Nobody visits Brixham without trying the local seafood offerings. Right on the harbour are a number of stalls selling fresh seafood such as whelks, mussels, cockles, prawns and crabs. We asked our ferry captain where we could get the best fresh crab sandwich and he steered us to 'Jenny's'......................it was certainly a great choice. Sitting at outside tables on the harbour edge, the friendly Jenny herself was feeding us in no time, serving her mouthwatering fare on pretty blue patterned china, no Styrofoam plates here - a woman after my own heart!

The whole grain bread held the freshest, sweetest crab ever, and the garnish of cucumber and fresh steamed prawns made for waterside dining at its best.

Crab pots and the bow of an old fishing boat.

Hope you enjoyed joining me on this Devonshire trip. Next post, before leaving this quaint town, I'll treat you to a few more historic facts and views around Brixham.