Brixham, Coastal town in Devon, England
Brixham is a coastal town in Torbay, Devon, England, that stretches around a natural harbor surrounded by hills and facing the open sea. The town consists of rows of houses climbing the slopes and narrow streets leading down to the water, where fishing boats and quays define the waterfront.
The town developed during medieval times as a fishing settlement that benefited from access to the English Channel. In the 17th century it became the site of political events when Dutch troops landed here and marched to London.
The harbor takes its name from the tidal movements that fishermen have used for centuries to plan their routes. Visitors often see boats equipped with nets working in traditional style, while crews unload catches on the quays.
Visitors can walk along the waterfront paths that circle the harbor basin and provide access to shops and cafes. The central area is compact and easy to navigate on foot, while steeper streets require climbing.
The names Fishtown and Cowtown, which refer to the original settlement areas, are still used by older residents today. The agricultural part once sat on the heights above the harbor and focused on dairy farming and pastureland.
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