Birkenhead House

Guests can go foraging for edible Fynbos species along the coastal shoreline. Our chefs will then prepare a five-course dinner incorporating those hand-picked ingredients while each course will be paired with wines from the nearby Hemel and Aarde Valley.

There’s something about the fresh seaside air at Birkenhead House that lends itself to a relaxing massage in our newly renovated spa. Treatments include massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, body-exfoliations and body wraps as well as beauty and grooming treatments using some of South Africa’s best products. Our spa has four treatment rooms and a team of highly qualified therapists.

Waves splash into the mussel clad rocks that decorate the beaches immediately below Birkenhead House. Our executive chef will take guests down to the Voelklip beach and show them how to safely pick these delicious marine treats. Not only that, but he'll show you how to prepare the mussels with a little garlic, cream, and white wine so that you can savor the fruits of your labor with a lovely glass of locally produced Sauvignon Blanc.

Diving with Great White Sharks is an exhilarating and fascinating experience. The team at Birkenhead House will gladly arrange a shark cage diving expedition for you in nearby Gansbaai. We use a company called Marine Dynamics whose primary focus is on marine conservation and research ensuring that your shark cage diving experience will be undertaken responsibly and with minimum impact on the environment. Additional costs may apply.

The Hemel-en-Aarde is one of South Africa's premiers, cool-climate wine producing regions and is home to some of the country's finest and oldest estates. It’s no coincidence that the Afrikaans name Hemel-en-Aarde translates directly to Heaven-and-Earth. Additional costs apply.

Birkenhead House is located between two of Hermanus's best swimming beaches - Voelklip and Nanny's Beach. The mile-long Grotto Beach is just a short drive or walk away. Ask a member of our staff to suggest the perfect beach for you!

Sea kayaking is a wonderful outdoor pursuit for the more adventurous. It will get you up close to some of Hermanus's fascinating sea life and it's also great exercise. Additional costs apply.

Hermanus is a wonderful golfing destination. Hermanus Golf Club in the center of town and Arabella golf club is just a short distance away and voted amongst the Top 5 golf courses in South Africa. Additional costs apply.

Hermanus is surrounded by natural wonder. There are two incredible nature reserves in close proximity - Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Additional costs apply.

Whether you're a first-time rider or an experienced pro, Hermanus is the ideal destination to explore on horseback while savoring the champagne air. Additional costs apply.

Embark on a one or two-hour fishing expedition around Gansbaai, Bettie’s Bay or if the weather permits, on long beach also known as “Die Plaat” which is a semi-private beach, that forms part of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve. Additional costs apply.

Whale watching can be done on land (at Birkenhead House), at sea, or in the air. For those looking to get up close and personal with the Southern Right and Humpback whales we recommend heading out on the ocean with a company called Dyer Island Cruises – their primary focus is on marine conservation and research – they are part of the same company that we use for Shark Cage Diving – Marine Dynamics. Additional costs apply.