Your Guide to Berry Head National Nature Reserve in Brixham

Located in South Devon, Berry Head National Nature Reserve is an internationally-renowned heritage site and a flourishing National Nature Reserve. Situated at the gateway of the stunning English Riviera, this striking headland is a well-known destination amongst visitors and locals alike for its fascinating heritage, rare wildlife, and far-reaching ocean views. Spend time exploring its Napoleonic forts, snapping pictures of its miniature lighthouse, and looking out for some of the beautiful species of wildlife that call the headland home…

History

Composed of 400-million-year-old limestone, the origins of Berry Head National Nature Reserve in Brixham extend back even further than the dinosaurs. As well as its limestone quarry, some of the headland’s most famous historical chapters can still be seen atop its cliffs, making it a fascinating destination to retrace the footsteps of time. Notably, Berry Head is the site of two defensive forts – designed by Lt Col Alexander Mercer during the Napoleonic Wars.

Built in the late 1700s, these forts made the most of the headland’s striking vantage point overlooking the English Channel, and were used to protect neighbouring Brixham Harbour from potential French invasion. Though today the reconstructed forts occupy peaceful positions nestled into the headland, they once housed hundreds of men – with space for a 600-strong garrison – and were surrounded by a magazine, guardhouse, artillery store, sentry box, barracks and more. Both forts are open to the public to explore and provide a great introduction to some of the area’s rich history.

Lighthouse

As well as Berry Head National Nature Reserve’s Napoleonic forts, one of the headland’s most famous features is its lighthouse. Built in 1906, it was constructed as part of a series of beacons along the south coast. Playing a vital role in safely guiding ships and seafaring vessels, it has illuminated the coastline and provided safe passage to mariners for over a hundred years.

Interestingly, Berry Head Lighthouse claims the title of the shortest lighthouse in Great Britain. This is because the cliffs upon which it sits are so high that little was to be gained by heightening the lighthouse’s own elevation. At just 16ft tall itself, it reaches 190ft above sea level atop its rocky perch. Since 1994, the lighthouse has been powered by mains electricity, and it is today monitored by Trinity House. Though you can’t actually enter the lighthouse or its buildings, it still makes for a photogenic picture opportunity while you’re wandering around the headland.

Wildlife

Covering more than 170 acres and rising to 200ft tall, the cliffs and coastal swathes of Berry Head National Nature Reserve are home to unique wilderness and promise a magical place to visit. A dedicated nature reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Special Conservation Area, the headland’s diverse habitats include coastal grasslands, sheer cliffs, and rich woodland. Featuring an abundance of rare and beautiful wildlife, it also shelters some of the UK’s most delicate flora and endangered fauna, including rare greater horseshoe bats and a protected colony of guillemots.

Should you be seeking moments in nature, head over to Berry Head National Nature Reserve and absorb its serene atmosphere. As well as its beautiful guillemots, birdwatchers can hope to see peregrine falcons, sparrowhawks, fulmars, shearwaters, kittiwakes and much more. Adding to the excitement is the chance to see beautiful marine life in the water below the cliffs, such as seals, dolphins, and even whales.

Things to Do

Whether you are looking forward to leisurely strolls, photo opportunities, or the chance to admire beautiful wildlife, there is a plethora of things to see and do at Berry Head National Nature Reserve in Brixham. That said, if you’re seeking further inspiration, you can find even more ideas and information at the reserve’s visitor centre. As well as great hikes along the South West Coast Path, the super adventurous can pursue activities like rock climbing and kayaking too and the centre’s staff are always happy to offer advice.

Meanwhile, if you’re after somewhere to simply relax and refuel after hours in the open air, you can also venture straight to Berry Head’s award-winning Guardhouse Café. Situated on the cliffs overlooking far-reaching views over the sea, this welcoming café is open during select hours each day and is a wonderful spot to pass the time. Treat yourself to a plate of delicious food and a refreshing drink and bask in the views and ambience as you sit back. For a sweet touch, there’s also a selection of fresh cakes and bakes if you would like to skip straight to your favourite course.