Brixham (Torbay South) Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Anchor in 3–5m (CD) in the outer roads west of the Brixham breakwater, keeping clear of the commercial fishing vessel approach channel and the ferry lane. Mud and sand — generally good holding but the bottom can be disturbed by heavy ferry and fishing vessel traffic. Torbay is the largest natural bay in S Devon; Brixham is at the southern tip and Berry Head (to the E) provides good shelter from easterlies. In strong SW winds the anchorage becomes uncomfortable as swell wraps around Berry Head and into the bay. Contact Brixham Harbour on VHF Ch 14. Tidal range 4.5m springs.

Setting Your Anchor

Check the current tidal height using UKHO Admiralty TotalTide or EasyTide before anchoring — with 4.8m springs at Falmouth (and up to 4.9m at Newlyn), the actual depth at HW is considerably greater than Chart Datum. Add the current tidal height to the CD depth shown on your chart to find the actual depth at your chosen spot.

Bottom at Brixham (Torbay South): primarily mud and sand. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (42m at 6m CD — allow for HW tidal addition). Motor astern firmly to set the anchor before relying on it.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius before sleeping. Atlantic swell watch: even in settled conditions, check the MetOffice SW England inshore forecast and NAVTEX before turning in — fronts can arrive with 6–8 hours' notice and swell builds quickly in exposed anchorages.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta, CQR.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Set GPS anchor alarm to 90m radius. 90m radius for the Brixham Roads anchorage on a 4.5m spring tidal range. Actual depths at HW reach 7.5–10.5m — ensure 7:1 scope minimum (52–73m of rode at HW springs). The bay is large and the anchorage exposed to SW swell which can set in quickly — set the alarm at 90m and keep the engine ready in any SW weather forecast. The ferry and fishing fleet create wash during the day — an uncomfortable rather than dangerous anchorage in season. Reduce to 75m in neap conditions.

May–September. Brixham is a year-round working port; the anchorage is best in settled conditions. The English Riviera (Torquay, Paignton, Brixham) is at its busiest in July and August — book marina berths well in advance if needed. The autumn trawling season (September–November) makes the harbour atmospheric but more congested with commercial traffic.

Navigation Hazards

• Commercial fishing fleet — large trawlers operate continuously and have priority in harbour approaches; keep well clear at all times; monitor VHF Ch 14
• SW swell wraps into Torbay in southwesterly conditions — the anchorage becomes uncomfortable in any SW above F4; Dartmouth (8nm SW) offers much better shelter
• Ferry traffic between Brixham and Torquay crosses the outer anchorage area — keep clear of the ferry lane
• Tidal range 4.5m springs — plan rode for HW spring depth; the outer roads can be tidal-stream affected on spring tides
• Berry Head rocks extend E from the headland — give at least 200m clearance when rounding Berry Head from seaward

Rules & Regulations

• Permit: No special permit required
• Anchoring fee: Free to anchor in the outer roads. Brixham Marina berths: contact VHF Ch 14 for berth allocation and rates (approx £30–45/night 2025).
• Restrictions: Commercial fishing vessels have priority in all harbour approaches — keep well clear of the trawler channel and the fish quay approaches. Contact Brixham Harbour on VHF Ch 14 on arrival. Speed limit 5 knots within the harbour limits. Do not anchor in the designated ferry lane.
• Tidal predictions: UKHO Admiralty TotalTide / EasyTide (ukho.gov.uk) for Chart Datum tidal heights at this port.
• Coastguard: HMCG Falmouth MRCC — VHF Ch 16 at all times; safety broadcasts every 4 hours on Ch 16.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Available
• Restaurant: Excellent fish and chip shops on the quay — Brixham Plaice and Rockfish are outstanding. Full provisions from Brixham town supermarkets. Several waterfront pubs and restaurants.
• Provisions: Available nearby
• Wi-Fi: Available

Skipper's Tips

1. Contact Brixham Harbour on VHF Ch 14 before anchoring — they are helpful and will confirm the best position for the outer roads
2. Rockfish restaurant on the harbourside is arguably the best fish restaurant in Devon — book ahead and arrive by dinghy from anchor
3. The replica of the Golden Hind (Francis Drake's circumnavigation vessel) is permanently berthed in the harbour — a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts
4. Berry Head lighthouse and nature reserve is accessible by a short walk from the harbour — puffins nest in the sea cliffs in spring; outstanding coastal views
5. In strong SW conditions, Dartmouth (8nm) is the correct alternative — Brixham is exposed to the SW and the marina can be full; call ahead on VHF