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Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House
Birkenhead House

About Birkenhead House

Perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean, Birkenhead House is a luxurious hotel on the outskirts of Hermanus ...

... and is an opulent base for exploring this part of the Cape Coast. Between June and November it’s also an amazing spot to view southern right whales just metres from the shore or from your room.

Birkenhead House is a top-quality all inclusive hotel with the emphasis on luxury, friendliness and good service. With all meals and drinks included, it’s the type of place where guests may prefer to hang around and enjoy the facilities, with the occasional foray out to explore the area.

Our view

Birkenhead House is a top-quality all inclusive hotel with the emphasis on luxury, friendliness and good service. With all meals and drinks included, it’s the type of place where guests may prefer to hang around and enjoy the facilities, with the occasional foray out to explore the area.

Claire Scott

Claire Scott

South Africa expert

Accommodation

11 rooms

Children

Suitable for 16+

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Dune-boarding

Dune-boarding

Fishing

Fishing

Helicopter

Helicopter

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Kayaking

Kayaking

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Private activities

Private activities

Quad-biking

Quad-biking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Traveller reviews of Birkenhead House

2 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
2 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
2
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr BfromSuffolk

Arrived 16 Oct 2011, 3 nights

"Blissful Birkenhead"

"A 2nd excellent stay here. Great room overlooking the ocean and perfect for …" Read Mr B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr T & Ms GfromKent

Arrived 29 Sep 2009, 3 nights

"Birkinhead House Review"

"Birkinhead House was a fabulous start to our honeymoon. A beautiful position …" Read Mr T & Ms G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Birkenhead House reviews

Birkenhead House: Our full report

Perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean, Birkenhead House is a luxurious hotel on the outskirts of Hermanus ...

... and is an opulent base for exploring this part of the Cape Coast. Between June and November it’s also an amazing spot to view southern right whales just metres from the shore or from your room.

Birkenhead House is built on the site of the old Birkenhead Hotel, which was named after a ship that was carrying British troops, and sank nearby in 1852.

Inside, the Birkenhead is as stunning as the views are outside. The décor, artwork and furnishings are a mix of contemporary and quirky and may be seen as some as being slightly ‘over the top’, but the staff here are professional and friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxed.

The main areas at Birkenhead House are located in three separate buildings, set on three levels sloping down towards the sea. The first building, known as the ‘back house’, is entered at street level, and is quite unimposing from the outside. Here you will find the reception and a friendly welcome, and three of the bedrooms.

Steps lead down into a courtyard with a tinkling fountain and into the ‘middle house’. Here you will find the spa and a small gym, as well as four of the bedrooms – three upstairs and one downstairs. More stairs lead down into a larger sheltered rectangular courtyard which features the main swimming pool, built over two levels with the upper pool cascading into the lower one. Cream sunloungers with matching sun umbrellas line one side of the pool, and on the other, sliding doors lead into the bar and dining area. All meals are enjoyed either here, overlooking the pool, or outside on the courtyard beside the pool, or on the patio overlooking the sea.

At the far end of the courtyard more glass sliding doors lead into the ‘front house’, where an impressive lounge has windows on three sides offering breathtaking views of the sea and the beach. A large fireplace dominates one wall, flanked by two floor-to-ceiling windows, and Persian rugs are scattered on cream marble floors. The room is divided into different seating areas, its comfortable furniture mixed with antiques. Sofas and chairs are covered in white and cream fabric, with splashes of colour introduced by individual pieces of furniture and artwork on the walls. In the centre of the lounge a stone staircase leads to the four upstairs bedrooms.

From the lounge, sliding doors lead out onto a paved patio with more sunloungers, as well as a covered veranda with comfortable lounge furniture, looking out over an infinity pool which seems to flow into the sea! Stairs from the patio lead straight onto the clifftop path and also down to the beach.

Birkenhead House has 11 individually designed rooms. All have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV, a DVD player, complimentary minibar, fresh fruit on arrival and a couple of magazines for guests to enjoy.

Four rooms are located in the front house:

  • Room one is at the front of the house with views of the ocean from its two balconies. Its décor is light and stylish with a king-size antique bed complimented with white, gold and yellow furniture and pale stone floors. Its bathroom is fitted with a bath, a separate shower and twin basins.
  • Room two is adjacent to room one. It is a bright room with pinks and reds dominating the furniture and cream walls. Its large balcony, with an ocean view, has a table and chairs for guests to relax in the sun. The bathroom has a bath, shower and twin basins.
  • Room three has a French four-poster bed from where you can enjoy the views of ocean, with character added by an antique desk and some original paintings. It also has a private balcony with uninterrupted views. A high white-painted loft-style roof accentuates the space and feeling of light. The bathroom has a Victorian bath, separate shower and twin basins.
  • Room four is decorated in soft natural tones, with a gold-framed headboard behind the queen-size bed. It is furnished with a hand-carved antique chair, leather desk and original paintings. Its bathroom includes a shell mirror, single basin, shower and a Victorian bath.
A further four rooms are in the middle house, one downstairs and three upstairs:

  • Room five, downstairs, has its own private patio and plunge pool, including a daybed and table and chairs. Inside are a king-size four-poster bed, antique English writing desk, antique French chair and original artwork. In the bathroom, cupboards with double basins surround the marble sunken bath and shower.
  • Room six, upstairs, is decorated in green and blue tones with a large king-size bed with a dark wooden headboard. It is furnished with a two-seater silk couch, zebra-skin mirror and footstool. The bathroom features a Victorian bath with twin basins. Its wraparound balcony offers views towards the ocean and mountains.
  • Room seven has two ¾-size beds, with padded headboards, which can be converted into a king-size bed on request. There is a French gold antique chair and desk, and lovely views of the sea from the balcony. The bathroom opens onto a mountain-facing balcony and is fitted with two shell mirrors above twin marble basins and a freestanding Victorian bath.
  • Room eight features two balconies, one at the back and one at the front, offering views of both the mountains and the sea. Inside, there is a king-size English antique bed, two red suede armchairs, and bright artwork on the walls. The spacious bathroom has a freestanding bath, separate shower and twin basins.
The remaining three rooms are located upstairs in the back house:

  • Room nine is decorated in red and white tones and includes a king-size bed with a leather headboard and high loft-style ceiling. A few steps lead down into the bathroom where you’ll find a freestanding bath, shower and twin basins. The room has three balconies furnished with old furniture to enjoy views of the mountains as well as partial sea views.
  • Room ten features a separate dressing room, and a nice balcony with two chairs to enjoy the views of the mountains/ocean. Alongside antique furniture and original artwork on the walls, it has a king-size bed on a stone base, with steps leading up to it and a green velvet-and-wood headboard. The bathroom has a stone floor, a stone freestanding egg-shaped bath in front of a window, a shower and twin basins.
  • .
  • Room 11 has a hand-painted king-size four-poster bed with a mirrored desk and bedside table. Its balconies offer views of the mountains, whilst its interior is furnished with black lacquered cupboards, antique Chinese vases, original paintings and antique tub chairs in yellow silk. The en suite features a freestanding bath, double basin and a walk-in shower.


  • The spa at Birkenhead house has two treatment rooms with an array of choices on the menu that include massages, aromatherapy, reflexology and various treatments. Beside the spa is also a small gym.

    Birkenhead House stands on a rocky outcrop between two beaches. To the left is Voelklip Beach (Afrikaans for ‘bird rock’) and to the right is Nannys Beach. Ask for a picnic basket and enjoy a day relaxing in the sun. Alternatively, an 8km cliff top walk will take you into Hermanus (about an hour and a half), where you can wander around the shops and enjoy the restaurants and cafés. When you are ready, you can arrange for a driver to collect you and return you to the hotel.

Geographics

Location
Hermanus, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
2-3 nights is ideal to explore this part of the coast.
Directions
Drive straight into Hermanus on the Main Road and through the city centre until you reach a roundabout (approx 6km). Take the second turn off the roundabout and continue (still Main Road) for about 1km until the first road on your right, into 7th Avenue. Continue (approx 200m ) towards Voelklip Beach. Birkenhead House is on the corner of 7th Avenue and 11th Street.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board
Food quality
Birkenhead House includes all meals and most drinks in their rates. Unfortunately we did not stay long enough here to sample any of the meals but here is an idea of what you might expect..

Breakfast is a vast buffet, laid out for guests to help themselves, followed by a cooked breakfast prepared to order.

Lunch is a light à la carte three-course menu which changes daily.

Dinner is a four-course à la carte menu, which also changes daily. Starters may include options such as seared prawns, roast duck and onion ravioli or pickled beetroot ravioli. Following this is a soup before the main course, which could be lamb shank bredie (a local South African stew), cob breyani or wild mushroom lasagne. To follow you could have a dessert such as chocolate pavlova or a cheese plate with biscuits and preserves.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is available.
Drinks included
Drinks are included at Birkenhead House, except for premium wines, champagnes and spirits.

Special interests

Luxury
Birkenhead House’s plush interior boasts a mix of contemporary and quirky décor. Opulent Persian rugs on cream marble floors, imposing chandeliers and impressive antiques are scattered around the property and provide a unique ambience that contribute to its luxurious feel.
See ideas for Luxury in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
Children of 12 years and older are welcome at Birkenhead House.
Property’s age restrictions
Children of 12 years and older are welcome at Birkenhead House.
Special activities & services
There are no special activities and services here for children, although there are two swimming pools and two beaches within walking distance. At the time of our visit the general manager was a keen surfer and he would be happy to teach children how to surf.
Notes
We feel that Birkenhead House is a very adult property and is not suitable for children under 16 years.

Communications

Communications
Each room has a direct dial telephone and the area has good cellphone reception. There is complimentary WiFi throughout the house.
TV & radio
Each room has a satellite TV and DVD player.
Water supply
Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There are doctors and a hospital nearby in Hermanus.



Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity from Birkenhead House. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Dangerous animals
Security measures
Security guards are on duty 24 hours and each room is fitted with an emergency panic button. There are perimeter alarms around the property.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers located in each house.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Dune-boarding

    Dune-boarding

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Private activities

    Private activities

  • Quad-biking

    Quad-biking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A 24 hour laundry service is available and is included in the rate. Dry cleaning is available at an additional cost.
Money
Each room has a digital safe. There is no currency exchange available here but there are a lot of banks and cash point machines in Hermanus.
Accepted payment on location
All major credit cards are accepted, as well as cash in SA rands.

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Birkenhead House's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Birkenhead House.


Excursions from Birkenhead House

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Birkenhead House. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Whale watching boat trip

Whale watching boat trip

Approximately five hours

Setting out by boat, you’ll head into the marine protected waters of Walker Bay for an exhilarating morning of whale-watching. Here you hopefully get up close and personal to the mighty southern right whale, as well as perhaps, humpbacks and the shy Brydes whale.

More about Whale watching boat trip
100% (1 reviews)

Other lodges in Hermanus

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


The Marine

The Marine

Set on the clifftop, The Marine is a luxury seafront hotel close to the centre of Hermanus, one of South Africa's top whale-watching areas.


100% (7 reviews)
Auberge Provence

Auberge Provence

Elegant yet relaxed, Auberge Provence is a comfortable guesthouse with stunning views over Walker Bay. It is an excellent place to base yourself for whale watching around Hermanus.


100% (4 reviews)
Harbour House Hotel

Harbour House Hotel

Harbour House Hotel is a modern hotel conveniently located in the centre of the old harbour town in Hermanus and offers eighteen tasteful rooms.


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Auberge Burgundy

Auberge Burgundy

Auberge Burgundy is a quaint Provençal-style guesthouse, in the centre of Hermanus, beside the old harbour.


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When to go to Hermanus

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Birkenhead House in Hermanus


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

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