The hotel has just ten rooms, which have views of the ocean or the mountains. A sheltered courtyard houses a dual-level swimming pool, and there is a gym, and a massage and beauty treatment centre. The dining room serves excellent cuisine and is exclusively for guests. Next door to Birkenhead House is Birkenhead Villa, which has a further six bedrooms and can be booked on an exclusive basis.

From May to December the Southern Right whale graces Walker Bay and the resident Bryde's whales are amongst the other species found here. Cape fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and African penguins are also found on this stretch of coast. There is also great walking in the Hermanus area, either along the cliff paths or in the beautiful fynbos-covered mountains. There are good swimming beaches within easy walking distance of the hotel, and other activities available locally include sea kayaking, boat fishing, diving, golf, horse riding and visits to the vineyards of the Hemel n'Aarde valley. Nearby Hermanus has a variety of shops, restaurants and cafés, easily reached on foot or by bicycle.