Birkenhead House

Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking the whale watchers' paradise of Walker Bay, is the regal Birkenhead House. Accommodating guests in the utmost luxury, this is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living.

Only an hour and a half from Cape Town, Birkenhead House is named after a British troop ship that sank in Walker Bay in 1852. Decorated to reflect the beauty of its coastal setting, it is adorned with rare maritime antiques. No expense has been spared in making this the ultimate coastal retreat.

Spectacular mountain trails and breathtaking cliff path walks are also in easy reach from Birkenhead House. Guests can explore the thriving floral kingdom, which has a higher diversity of species than anywhere else in the world.

At Birkenhead House world-class cuisine is a matter of course. Lavish meals and seafood delicacies are served up daily, and room service will be happy to oblige guests with a sumptuous breakfast in bed.

Each of the opulently appointed sea-facing suites offers expansive vistas of Walker Bay. From the comfort of the residence, guests can look forward to sighting the majestic Southern Right whales that enter the sheltered waters of Walker Bay every year to calve. Some suites are also non-sea facing.

Other attractions include a gym and treatment centre, and a dual-level swimming pool located in a sheltered courtyard. Not forgetting, of course, Hermanus' 2 best swimming beaches which are just a stones throw away.

Rates Include

All meals; snacks; local branded beverages and house wines; and a laundry service are included.

Children Policy

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply.

Directions For Drivers

From Cape Town/Stellenbosch: Follow the N2 to George/Mossel Bay over 2 mountain passes (Sir Lowry's Pass and Houwhoek Pass).

After the 2nd pass, turn right onto R43 to Kleinmond/Hermanus. You will pass suburbs called Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai. Continue to follow this road into Hermanus town centre. You are now on Main Road (Hoof Weg). Drive straight through the town until you reach a roundabout (you will pass The Marine Hotel on your right). Take the 2nd turn-off and continue (still Main Road) until the first road on your right - this will be 7th Avenue. Continue towards Volklip Beach. Birkenhead House is situated on the corner of 7th Avenue and 11th Street.

From Franschhoek: Take the R45 towards Villiersdorp. Turn left and drive to Villersdorp, then take the R43 towards Botriver. (You will turn onto the N2 for a short while). Take the R43 in the direction of Hermanus. You will pass the Kleinmond turn and then the suburbs of Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai. Follow the directions as above.

From the Garden Route: The N2 brings you west past Swellendam and Riviersonderend. 10 km past Riviersonderend turn on to the R326 to Stanford and then follow the signs to Hermanus. You will enter Hermanus on the Main Road. Continue for 1.5km, and take the last turning off to the left (just before the roundabout) into 7th Avenue. 200m down the road 7th Avenue will cross with 11th Street. Birkenhead House on the corner 7th Avenue and 11th Street.

From Bushmans Kloof: Keave the reserve and head back towards Clanwilliam where you join the N7 heading South towards Cape Town. Stay on the N7 for approx 220km until you reach the turnoff for the N2 (signposted Cape Town Imternational & Summerset West). Continue on the N2 for approx 74km until you reach the junction with the R43 to Kleinmond/Hermanus.  Take the R43 in the direction of Hermanus. You will pass the Kleinmond turn and then the suburbs of Hawston, Fisherhaven, Vermont, Onrus and Sandbaai. Follow the directions as above.

General Information For Guests

All rooms have air conditioning, a mini bar, a safe, tea/coffee making facilities, a hair dryer, and satellite/cable TV.

For the comfort of others guests are requested not to smoke in their rooms.

The main guest facilities include a pool, spa, gym, bar, restaurant and library.  There is also a boutique which is stocked with unique pieces of art, clothing and jewellery as well as 'seaside' accessories.

There is secure parking.

Popular Alternatives to Birkenhead House

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Birkenhead House, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Birkenhead House was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.