St. Mary's Bay Beach in 360º

Enjoy a 360º virtual tour of St. Mary’s Bay Beach a large sandy beach on the outskirts of Brixham with panoramic views.

Location/Facts Potential Hazards History Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Getting Around Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Water Quality Sunrise & Sunset Tide Times Nearby Destinations

It’s a little bit of a trek getting down to this beach as you have to negotiate around 100 steep steps from the coastal path above. However its worth it as the panoramic views and water quality are excellent. It’s perfect for swimming, paddle boarding or snorkeling. We enjoying a BBQ and my girlfriend went for a swim while I sat back and watched, it was bloody cold in there and I think she’s mad for going in 😮

If you have some rubbish there are some bags at the bottom of the steps that have been left by volunteers to collect, but if they’re all full then please carry your rubbish to the nearest bin or home.

There is an easy circular walk around Sharkham Point and if you want to go a little further you can carry on to the south towards Kingswear. Heading north will take you to Berry Head and Brixham itself.

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Location/Facts

St. Mary’s Bay is a sand and shingle beach located near the fishing town of Brixham, Devon, UK. It has footpath access from a car park and can be reached as a detour from a walk along the South West Coastal Path and can be seen from a viewpoint on Sharkham Point above the beach.

Fossils can be found here.

Potential Hazards

Deep shelving beach
Strong winds
Tidal cut-off
Unstable Cliffs

History

St Mary’s Beach was once known as Mudstone Beach, probably because of the soft, crumbly nature of the cliffs and rocks, but the name was dropped once tourism become important to the area.

Things To Do

Fishing
Kayaking
Paddle boarding
Rock pooling
Swimming

Where To Eat & Drink

There are no facilities, so bring a picnic or bbq. Just remember to clean up after yourself and take your rubbish with you. You could walk to Berry Head National Nature Reserve, where you can find toilets and refreshments at the Guardhouse Cafe.

Getting Around

Beach access is via a steep set of around 100 steps making disabled access quite difficult.

The far end of the beach gets cut off at high tide.

Getting There

Brixham TQ5 9QH. The beach can reached from the car park at Sharkham Point, at the end of St Mary’s Road along a path and some steep steps. This can make disabled access quite difficult.

Car, There is free parking available for around 50 cars at Sharkham Point.
Bus, from Brixham town centre to St Mary’s Holiday camp then a short 10 minute walk.
Train, There is a mainline station at nearby Paignton and bus services from here to Brixham.
Walking, Right on the South West Coastal Path and is a fairly easy walk from either Mansands or Berry Head

Helpful Tips

High cliffs tower over the beach giving some protection from the worst winds, but also cast a shadow later in the afternoon so it is not always the best place for sunbathing.
The far end of the beach gets cut off at high tide.
If you have some rubbish there are some bags at the bottom of the steps that have been left by volunteers to collect, but if they’re all full then please carry your rubbish to the nearest bin or home.
Fossils can be found here.
Disabled access quite difficult.
Lifeguards: None.
Potential Hazards: Strong currents, Tidal cut-off, Strong winds, falling rocks.
Dogs, are welcome on the beach 365 days a year.
Toilets: there are no toilets on the beach.
Type: Sand and shingle
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