The Guardhouse Cafe

Superb locally sourced food, amazing views and history. The Guardhouse Cafe at Berry Head is a great destination to explore on your Brixham holiday

Berry Head, an impressive headland located in Torbay, is a renowned National Nature Reserve that boasts a striking lighthouse and a historic Napoleonic Fort. This headland is surrounded by water on three sides, providing breathtaking views of Torbay and beyond. Berry Head is a hub of cultural and natural significance, as it is Torbay's most recognised heritage site, designated as a Special Area of Conservation, National Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is within the historic Berry Head fort that you will find The Guardhouse Cafe where a visit completes a great day of exploration and fun.

The Guardhouse full English breakfast, one of my favorites at The Guardhouse Cafe Brixham

The award-winning cafe serves a range of local, home-made hot and cold food, quality coffee and Teapigs tea, alcoholic and soft drinks. Lunch, breakfasts and brunch with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available with a specials board that changes seasonally and features unusual but delicious home-made food. A great way to refuel after exploring the Berry Head nature reserve. It’s a lovely venue, very welcoming and the staff are very accommodating and friendly.

We often walk from Brixham town up to Berry Head, absorb the spectacular views and then head to the cafe, which is a great way to pacify the kids on a walk! The walk is very manageable but parking is available for the less able, or if the weather is looking a little unpredictable - which is where the cafe helps out again being a fantastic and delicious shelter from the elements.

Historic forts, walks, scenery and wildlife

At an elevation of 200 feet above the English Channel stands the headland, safeguarding a crucial naval anchorage that played a significant role during the Napoleonic War. The headland is home to two well-fortified garrisons dating back to 1795, which were built to safeguard Brixham Harbour against the anticipated French invasion. Limestone extraction took place in the region from as early as 1780 until the 1970s, with Berry Head being one of the primary sources. In more recent times, limestone from this area was utilized in the production of steel for the manufacture of Ford automobiles in Dagenham.

There’s something for the entire family at Berry Head and we highly recommend a visit whilst staying in Brixham.