Brixham -England

Brixham

Before we could relax and enjoy all the delights of Brixham we had to endure the English road system. Driving around Europe I was constantly reminded how poor our road system is and the condition of our roads but not here in England as their roads are atrocious. We took about seven and a half hours to drive from Dover on the east coast to Brixham, a drive that would have taken about 3 in Germany or France. We encountered narrow windy roads that belong in the countryside along with stretches of two lanes (for only about 200 metres) merging into one where the traffic comes to a complete standstill – the British just don’t know how to merge. And of course the usual accident thrown in, an interesting trip and tiring to say the least.

Main highway across country with overhead canopy of trees

Also encountered on highway no.1- you can understand why it took so long to get to Brixham

Just managed to get this pic of a stone cottage virtually on the highway

After all that Brixham I must say was well worth the wait. We had booked a B&B months ago on line and it met all our expectations and more. It was called Samford House and attached to the main house was a cottage, which we had booked. It consisted of a downstairs lounge and kitchen and upstairs bedroom and large bathroom. The view was magic overlooking the Brixham harbour and the English Channel. And the sound of the sea gulls flying over was a sound that you hear in the movies, very different to our sea gulls and they are much bigger as well. It was a classic English coastal scene.

One of the picturesque views from cottage

Brixham working harbour

Downstairs in cottage and as you can see we have turned it into a drying room

Another of Brixham

Matthew and Rosie, the couple running the B&B were lovely and so helpful but, they did not help the waistline, as each morning they would take your order for a hot breakfast, if desired, as well there were all types of cereal, juices, local jams etc.  Not all of us had the cooked breakfast only some and of course I won’t mention who- not me.

We spent 3 days exploring the countryside and I was very happy and lucky to be able to meet up with Josh and Michelle who came down to Beer, a small town about one and a half hours from Brixham. We met them half way at the St, George and Dragon, a typical English country pub that was recommended by Matthew – very nice. It was so lovely to see them and catch up.

Catching up with Josh and Michelle at pub

We spent one day on Mez’s search for the ‘typical English country thatched roof village’.  We drove around and around the countryside coming across many villages, quaint stone bridges and mostly manicured natural hedged fields- all very interesting and well worth the experience.

manicured hedges prevailed for most of the countryside

some of the locals that we had to wait for as this is their home

typical scene from the Moors on our site seeing adventure

The only slight drawback of this day was the drive through the narrowest of roads with tall hedges bordering the road so close that at times it was hard not to scratch the sides of the car. It was like driving through a natural maze not knowing where you were and were you were going next, as you couldn’t see above or around the hedges.

These 2 pics are typical of the roads that we drove in for most of
 the day-beautiful but when you encountered an
oncoming car things did get tricky.

Another day we walked around the sites and countryside of Brixham had lunch at Brixham ‘beach’ and watched two nutters swimming in the freezing water.

View of the coastline to the north of Berry Head a few ks walk from Brixham

View across the channel from Berry Head to the north

Mez being a typical tourist at Berry Head- an army post and lookout in the past

pics above and below of Brixham Beach- not the most inviting place to swim considering also it was very chilli

The sand at the beach

Mez also had a pedicure where small fish- not sure of the type- eat the rough skin off your feet. You immerse your feet in a clear tank of water and the fish go to dinner. I couldn’t come at having fish eat my feet so I chickened out. This is extremely modern for Brixham.

Mez and the flesh eating fish

look very closely at the fish munching away(have found if you click on the pic it will enlarge, of course, all you tech heads already knew this)

All in all Brixham was a lovely part of the world to visit.

From Brixham we drove to Gatwick airport, just south of London to drop the car off and start our 8 night stay in London.

We passed this pile of rocks on our way to and from Brixham - any ideas!!!!????

love Ann