Berry Head National Nature Reserve is Torbay's most important wildlife site, with many rare plants dependent upon the thin soils, mild climate and exposed conditions of the headland. The high cliffs are home to large numbers of nesting seabirds and it is a good place to spot sea mammals. The walk also visits the two 'Napoleonic war' forts that dominate the headland, and Britain’s highest and smallest lighthouse.

If you are doing this walk in the summer you are likely to see a wide range of flowers, including orchids (8 species are found on the reserve). Feeding on these can be found 25 species of butterfly, with for many this being their first landfall after migrating across from France.

Behind the Guardhouse cafe is a viewpoint, with a coin-operated telescope. This is one of the best spots for looking at what is the largest guillemot colony on the south coast of England, nesting (March to the end of July) on the cliffs below the Southern Fort. These black and white birds (known locally as the ‘Brixham penguin’) spend most of their lives out at sea, and only come ashore during the nesting season. Their small wings mean that flying appears hard work, but to compensate they are excellent swimmers and will swim down to depths of 50m/160ft to catch fish. They lay a single egg which is very tapered to stop it rolling off the narrow cliff ledges. Once the chicks are about 20 days old, the chicks will jump (as they are at this stage unable to fly) from their ledge into the sea, and the male bird will then guide them out to sea.

The cliffs around the last part of the headland are unfenced, and so you are advised to keep children and dogs under close control. On the way you will pass the fort’s artillery store which has been converted into an information centre, with displays on the geology, wildlife and history of Berry Head. Just past here is the lookout station for Brixham coastguard and the Berry Head lighthouse. It came to be known as the smallest, highest and deepest light in the British Isles - the tower is only 5m/15ft high, requiring no further elevation than that given by the 58m/180ft high headland itself, and the optic was originally turned by the action of a weight falling down a 45m/150ft deep shaft, now made redundant by a small motor. Its white light flashes twice every 15 seconds and can be seen for 19 nautical miles. According to the nearby toposcope from here you can see over 2000 sq km/800 sq miles of sea, and on a clear day the Isle of Portland, 42 miles away on the other side of Lyme Bay, and most of the coast in between.

Situated high on these cliffs provides a good vantage point to spot passing sea mammals, with harbour porpoises being frequently sighted. In spring and autumn, many migrating birds will be passing Berry Head, and around 200 different species have been recorded either on the headland or seen from it.
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Brixham Hotel Guide - Berry Head Country Park hotels in Brixham, United Kingdom.

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10/10 Excellent

"Second visit, lovely apartment, great location, fantastic views, and very friendly hosts."

Beacon House

10/10 Excellent

"This is by far the best place we have stayed! It's perfectly located with stunning views of the harbour, we had an incredible balcony room with breathtaking views that made our 1st Wedding Anniversary trip really special. The private parking was such a bonus. Such attention to detail in everything, we came away with things we want to buy for our own home to make it more like Beacon House. Now the breakfast, Oh my god the breakfast, every mouthful was just exquisite, from the freshly squeezed juice to the homemade french style baked beans. We've never had yoghurt with fruit and nuts like Beacon House do yoghurt. We made food noises with each mouthful! The hosts were the friendliest we've ever known and made us so welcome. We were so sad we only had 2 nights there. Well definitely be back!"

Spacious town house with commanding views over all of Torbay.

10/10 Excellent

"The property benefits from a fantastic view across Brixham harbour which bustles all day. I personally loved watching the comings and goings from the large upper deck with a coffee or glass of wine.As has been said on many other reviews, the property is laid out over 4 floors and the stairs are quite steep. So if you have mobility problems it may be challenging to reach upper bedrooms. There are however twin and double bedrooms on the ground floor which should help mitigate the impact of too much climbing. For us it was fine and did not pose too much of a problem. The house is well equipped with all the utensils and kitchen paraphernalia needed for a weeks stay in Brixham. The location is about 750m from the main town but requires you to climb or descend about 150m, not an issue for us but some may find it hard work, particularly after a good dinner or glass of two of the local brews. So much to do in Brixham itself and with the sun out it really is a haven. Thanks to our host Paul who looked after us. Would definitely visit again. "

Smugglers Haunt Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Hello, we stayed on Saturday 6th September. Room needs a bit of updating, but apart from that an amazing hotel. The evening meal was just superb, my partner s steak was incredible, and the carrot soup starter is heavenly. Reasonably priced and great location, and the owners took time to welcome us Absolutely 10/10"

Devoncoast Seaview Apartments

8/10 Good

"Great view from balcony, everything you would need for a self catering holiday. Really good as a base as the main harbour is a short walk away and the Breakwater cafe is even nearer. If you are looking for chic designer decorated rooms forget it, if you want a comfy sensible base with a very helpful owner then this is the place. Yes you can see the building is older in places but overall it represents excellent value for money and a great place to stay."

Hotels near other Berry Head Country Park attractions

Berry Head

4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Berry Head, a lovely green space in Brixham. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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Shoalstone Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Shoalstone Beach during your trip to Brixham? Stroll along this relaxing area's waterfront or simply enjoy its bars.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Berry Head Country Park?

Berry Head Country Park is located in Brixham. Travellers like this welcoming area for its bars and seafood restaurants. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 130 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

What's the best place to stay close to Berry Head Country Park?

Devoncoast Seaview Apartments is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this apartment offers free parking and in-room kitchenettes. It's located just a short 0.6 mi (1 km) from Berry Head Country Park. Other good options close by include Sea Tang Guest House and Ranscombe House.

How many hotels are there near Berry Head Country Park?

Expedia has 130 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Berry Head Country Park.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Berry Head Country Park, will I receive a refund?

Yes, you'll find most hotel reservations are fully refundable provided that you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your arrival date. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and be given a refund within 24 hours of booking. Add your dates and click on "Search", then use the "fully refundable" filter to view the best deals available near Berry Head Country Park.

What can I see and do near Berry Head Country Park?

Study the collections at Golden Hind, Brixham Heritage Museum or Torquays Dinosaur World. Dartmouth Steam Railway, Palace Theatre and Greenway House and Garden are some of the notable landmarks to see in the area. You can enjoy live performances at Princess Theatre and Little Theatre.

Brixham Hotel Guide - Berry Head Country Park hotels in Brixham, United Kingdom.

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Our top choices for Berry Head Country Park hotels

Smugglers Haunt Hotel

3 Dolphin Court

Blue Horizon

Pebble Bay

Hearthstone East Cottage

Blue Buoy Cottage

Fishnets

The Nook

2 North Furzeham Road

Midhurst

Bay View

Ingledene

Bayview

Hilltop Haven

Bonair Hotel

Ambassador Guest House

The Goodrington Sands- Apart Hotel

St Weonards Hotel

Mercure Paignton Hotel

Beach Hotel Torbay

Top Berry Head Country Park Hotel Reviews

PANORAMIC VIEWS & OFF ROAD PARKING!

Hotels near other Berry Head Country Park attractions

Berry Head

Shoalstone Beach

Frequently asked questions