The History
Birkenhead House is named after the Royal Navy vessel HMS Birkenhead.
She was the largest iron ship of the navy in 1852, carrying one hundred and thirty crew members and four hundred and eighty seven soldiers on their way to the Frontier war, then in progress.
Her glory was short lived. On the 25th of February 1852, just before 2 a.m., the Birkenhead struck a rock off Danger Point, bringing her to a shuddering halt.
With the first shock, the rock tore through the bow plates of the vessel and the water poured into the forward troop deck, trapping the sleeping soldiers in their hammocks.
With the water inside the ship rising at the rate of a meter a minute, the end was in sight. Within half an hour of striking, the Birkenhead broke up and sank. Four hundred and fifty four people died on that fateful day.

The Land
The land has a wonderful history. On the 25th of October 1952 the Birkenhead Hotel was opened. Voëlklip was known world wide for the fabulous bathing and rolling lawns. Due to pressure from the hotels the golf course was developed.
Hermanus became “the place to be” with hotels competing for the overseas market. Many provided balls and dances, importing “big-name bands” for the events.
In 1969, one wing of the Birkenhead Hotel burnt to the ground. Due to many of the visitors falling in love with the area the property market boomed, which had a detrimental effect on the hotel industry. In 1989 the Birkenhead Hotel was demolished to make way for the demand for prime property. Three years later Phil and Liz Biden bought and built a holiday home on the property. After the huge success of developing their other two holiday homes, La Residence and Royal Malewane, into exclusive holiday destinations, they decided to follow suit with Birkenhead House.

The Whales
From May to December the Southern Right whale (Eubalaena australis) graces Walker Bay with its massive presence. The whales spend the balance of the year in the Antarctic feeding. August is the height of the birthing season. Many calves, that are literally a couple of hours old, with their very protective mothers, are seen from the wonderful vantage points at Birkenhead House. These magnificent mammals are called the “right” whale because they were commercially viable to hunt. They are rich in oil and baleen and floated on the surface as apposed to sinking after been slaughtered. Close to extermination, international protection was granted to the species in 1935.
Several species of whales use the bay. The Southern Right Whale predominates and can be identified by its characteristic blow; two V shaped streams of heated water vapour about five meters long. When the whale sounds it is an awe-inspiring sight. Eighteen meters long and 54000kg creates an enormous splash! The resident species of whale that is often spotted in Walker Bay is the Bryde’s Whale. These fish and krill feeders weigh in at a hefty 12-20 tons. They swim in a style similar to dolphins and porpoises when feeding, and are known to suddenly change direction. Inquisitive, they often approach boats. Keep your eyes skimmed to spot this amazing animal.
There are other marine mammals that inhabit our local ocean, the Cape Fur Seal and Bottlenose Dolphins are often seen.

The Beaches
Looking out from the terrace, the beach on the left is Voëlklip, (translated from Afrikaans means bird stone). This beach lends itself to great bathing. We are always willing to pack a picnic basket to accompany you with a couple of beach bats and balls if you are feeling energetic! The currents can get strong so do watch your positioning in relation to other bathers.
The beach on the right is called Nanny’s or Kamma Bay Beach. Beware of the above mentioned currents.
Grotto beach is the largest and longest in Hermanus. This beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Status. This award follows the following criteria: Cleanliness, environmental protection and rehabilitation, full time life-guards and security. This beach is to the left of Birkenhead House, a ten minute walk will take you there. The endangered Black Oyster Catcher is one of the many bird species that can be seen.
Feel free to make use of the various beach equipment that we have! Remember lots of Suntan Lotion!!

The Walks
Nestled in a narrow coastal plain between the mountains and the ocean, Hermanus offers walkers several options, all of which feature spectacular views of the coastline or the beautiful fynbos-covered mountains. Fernkloof Nature Reserve boasts unrivalled birds-eye views of Walker Bay for those with high energy levels. Over 1100 different plant species have been collected and identified within the reserve, an area of only 15 square kilometers. It compares well with the UK’s total number of 1500 species! This makes part of the 6 floral kingdoms it encompasses. For a more sedate walk, the relatively flat cliff paths that trace the coastline of Hermanus from one end to the other afford enjoyment of rugged scenery and some excellent whale watching.
An 8km walk from Birkenhead House into the centre of town is a perfect afternoon stroll. We can arrange for you to be picked up after a refreshing drink in one of the cafés overlooking the sea. This walk will take you an hour and a half. Truly magical! 

                                             

Birkenhead House
7th Avenue
Voelklip
7200
South Africa

Telephone: +27 (0)28 314 8000
Fax: +27 (0)28 314 1208