Berry Head National Nature Reserve Reviews Summary

Scenery and Wildlife

Pros:

• "Breath taking Views..Historical interest off a 18th Fort Ruins..Bird Sanctity..Coastal Path and if your Lucky you will see Freddie the Seal and Dolphins."
• "One of the nicest coastal walks in the area. If you like wildlife there is plenty to spot, including seals, dolphins, adders and more."
• "Stunning 360 views of the channel as far as the eye can see."
• "The views across to Brixham Paignton and Torquay are breathtaking."
• "Beautiful cliffs, with amazing views over Torbay and surrounding area."
• "Fantastic cliff top walks with incredible views and so much wildlife."
• "Great natural and historic place to visit, seeing the dolphins at the point was a welcome bonus"

Cons:

• "In July very little wildlife visible."
• "Unfortunately we arrived on a wet and windswept day which gave us limited opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the area."
• "It's meant to be a nature reserve but they're slowly turning it into a groomed country park instead."
• "The high hedges along the path blocked the sea view which was a shame."
• "not sure I'd call it a nature reserve few butterfly's and seagulls with some lovely walks and views is closer to the mark unless I missed something."

Cafe and Amenities

Pros:

• "Gatehouse cafe near by (not open on Wednesdays at moment( 20/07/21) staff shortage, serves great breakfast see web site for opening times."
• "Also grab a bite to eat at the guardhouse cafe, the fish goujons are lovely."
• "Great cafe at the Guardhouse."
• "The food is Outstanding quality & very friendly service!"
• "Delicious food from the cafe!"
• "The coffee in the cafe was lovely, and the staff so helpful."
• "The Gatelodge Café is well worth the visit, with excellent food at reasonable prices."

Cons:

• "Gatehouse cafe near by (not open on Wednesdays at moment( 20/07/21) staff shortage."
• "The cafe was closed in evening but looks nice."
• "The tea rooms do very fancy food not really to our liking but the coffee was good and so was the ice cream."
• "The Guard House cafe is a bit pricey but good food and dog friendly."

Parking and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Disabled passes can be purchased to bypass the parking area."
• "Wheelchair accessible paths to beautiful cliff top views, with paths leading to the castle ruins, underground bunker and lighthouse."
• "Good private car park, only charges in 20 min slots and pay when you leave."
• "Plenty of parking with reasonable pricing in 20 minute increments."
• "There is adequate parking if you must drive here."
• "Good parking at a reasonable price."
• "Plenty of car parking (pay by phone, card or cash)."

Cons:

• "Nice place to walk around but if you have a car you have to pay to park."
• "Parking available, although it's a little expensive."
• "The main downside was the overpriced parking fees, 60p per 20mins!"
• "Parking is expensive considering its in the middle of nowhere."
• "A pain to have to watch the time because of the car park."
• "Beware the car park pay on exit."
• "Be careful when paying in the carpark as only gives 5 mins after you have paid before you need to be gone."

Safety and Dog-Friendliness

Pros:

• "Dogs are welcomed all year round at berryhead."
• "Lovely place to walk or exercise dogs. Plenty of parking and good paths if you're not as agile as you once were."
• "For those with dogs take them along they are welcome even in the cafe."
• "We always take our dogs here, as there is plenty of walking space."
• "Plenty of room to run and explore if you have kids (and dogs)."

Cons:

• "Caution for those with young children as much of the cliff edge is without and barrier."
• "This area is NOT ideal for dogs running around off leads, due to no barriers on the cliff edge."
• "Please beware though that once the path ends, around 10 feet away is an almost vertical drop straight off Berry head."
• "The cliff edges are steep with no protection to falling so stand well back."
• "Be aware that it's a sheer drop with no barrier."
• "Very nice place views fantastic, but also dangerous as no rail around edge."

Historical and Cultural Significance

Pros:

• "Interesting old battlements and ruins as well, the whole area of berry head has history."
• "Remains of Napoleonic defence Fort."
• "Not many places with these surroundings where you can see an old castle settlement and canons."
• "An old iron age fort, napoleonic wars fort, ww2 observation post and some sort of cold war bunker."
• "A place of history this was the closest that Napoleon Bonaparte got to the shores of England, on his prison ship."
• "Magnificent views across Brixham Torbay and out to sea remains of a neopolean fort shortest light house, bunker from the cold war and observation tower a good cafe."

Cons:

• "The visitors centre could do with some literature to take away giving a more in-depth history of the area and its purpose, and role, in history."
• "Needs a bit more information on the history as it's fascinating and I have unanswered questions."
• "Unfortunately there's a complete lack of information boards on any of these despite."