Once Upon a Tide

We loved Once Upon a Tide, Brixham, so much in 2023, we came back in June ‘24 for a longer break. With its proximity to the Harbour and on-site parking, we were in holiday mode within minutes of arriving at this bright and airy (and so spotlessly clean) property. Sunny daytimes saw us walking the Brixham Breakwater, a Long Island cocktail at Liberty on the harbour (or afternoon tea at The Berry Head Hotel, where the coastal view is just incredible). A short drive away saw us on the promenade at Teignmouth, or marvelling the Black Swans with their young in Dawlish - or our personal favourite, from Broadsands Beach car park in Paignton, taking the coast path round to the right and Elberry / Elbury Cove, famous for native seahorses breeding and feeding off the eelgrass. Early dinner out at a restaurant in Torquay, after a stroll around its Marina - or, as we did on our last evening - and the hottest day so far this year - dine on the freshest fish ever, on the terrace at Rock Fish, Brixham, watching the catch come in to the fish market below (their slogan being “Tomorrow’s Dinner Is Still In The Sea”). But we were never far away from our holiday home, our evenings usually spent on its decking, watching the sun changing the colours of the sky and sea out across Torbay, not really wanting the day to end. Utter bliss! ...

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Previous reviews of Once Upon a Tide have been so positive and having spent the last week of September’23 in this gorgeous holiday cottage, we can only, wholeheartedly, agree. What a fabulous location, too! We had Mum, with us, so it was important that we had easy access to almost everywhere - plus our 4 year old Lab. With the help of Mum’s wheelchair, it seemed that within minutes we were either out on the Breakwater taking in the lovely sea air, or, in what we called the “sun trap” pub, on their terrace enjoying some Light Bites, half way between the cottage and the sea. This was normally followed by cocktails adjacent to the replica Golden Hinde, with a slice of delicious Apple Cake. But what struck us most about this cottage was its cleanliness. A big shout out to Housekeeping for a job so well done. Most days we would see some seals, either in the sea or inside the harbour. And one evening whilst fishing off the Breakwater, 6 dolphins were helping themselves to fish from our line. What a beautiful sight! We did drag ourselves away from this pretty resort and once we had crossed the tiny Lower Ferry in Dartmouth, just a few miles away, we found Strete Gate Beach, with what seemed like miles of deserted sand & shingle beach; it was doggy paradise. Or maybe, just paradise. On arriving home, dear Mum, 92, reflected on her holiday at Once Upon a Tide. She said she had had the best holiday of her life - a Once Upon a Lifetime holiday, creating memories she would treasure. Thank you so much. Benz, Steve, Mum & Arthur. ...

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The best equipped kitchen of anywhere I've ever stayed - kitchen a brilliant space with the conservatory off it and a good TV it's a perfect place to chill out we barely touched the lounge. Comfy beds (back bedroom much comfier bed and quieter away from the road at the front). Great shower and spa bath. Lovely garden with different seating areas to catch the sun all day. BBQ provided which we didn't get to use this time. Your own driveway to park in and so close to town is a brilliant bonus and Brixham is a great place to stay with lots to suit all tastes. Highly recommend the view, food and watching the sunset from the Berry Head Hotel. Lovely phone call from the owner to check in too. Highly recommended...

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5* plus the property was excellent, we did not want to come away, spotlessly clean and very well appointed, can highly recommend.

A perfect pet and family friendly home-from-home, Once Upon a Tide is a clean and well equipped house with everything you need for your stay (the tumble dryer was a particular bonus during a slightly soggy week!). The location is great for exploring Brixham, with all of the attractions within a 10-15 minute walk and the off-road parking is a definite plus-point. Possibly the best holiday rental we have stayed in as a family. ...

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