Location: South Africa » Western Cape » Cape Winelands » Sommerset WestSomerset WestSomerset West is situated in the Western Cape on the edge ofSomerset West is a residential town on the edge of the Cape Winelands dominated by vineyards and the craggy folds of the beautiful Helderberg mountains. At Vergelegen, one of the oldest and most imposing wine estates in the country, the camphor trees have been declared a national monument and the extensive grounds are delightful. Somerset West is a restful area of much greenery and close enough to sea and mountains to allow enjoyment of both. In 1817 the British Governor, Lord Charles Somerset, granted permission to four farmers, owning different parts of a divided Vergelegen, at the foot of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains, to build a church and a lay out a village around it. In 1819 he also allowed them to name the new village ’Somerset” in his hornour. In 1850 the ‘West’ was added to Somerset to distinguish it from Somerset East in the Eastern Cape. GENERAL INFORMATION How to get there Cape Town 48 km HISTORICAL VIEW National Monuments The Old Bridge Over the Lourens River (1845) and the NG Church (1820), burial site to ‘Onze Jan’ Hofmeyer and other well known South Africans. NATURE Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary Large variety of aquatic birds Helderberg Nature Reserve Situated on the outskirts of town, popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Helderberg Nature Reserve, primarily a botanical reserve, is famous for it’s beautiful proteas and disas. Facilities The 100 year old oak trees provide shade for several picnic sites. The reserve has a restaurant, called the Duck Inn. ATTRACTIONS Country Club Market A range of quality hand-crafted goods. September to May. Spookhill Often generates discussion on whether the fact that cars roll uphill here is an optical illusion or one of the world’s unsolved mysteries. ACTIVITIES Hiking The Helderberg Nature Reserve offers a network of day trails, ranging from 3 km to 8 km in length (3-6 hours). Graded easy to difficult. Guides available. Helderbergplaas Hiking Trail One or two circular routes. Graded moderate to difficult. Overnight huts available. Taaibos Day Walks One day, 11 km circular route. Grading moderate to very difficult. Overnight hut and campsite. Mountain Biking Helderbergplaas Mountain Bike Trail An 11 km cycling trail graded as average to very difficult. Overnight facilities available.
Accommodation in and around Cape Winelands Mimosa Lodge accommodation in Cape Winelands
Situated in Montagu, the heart of Route 62, and just two hours from Cape Town, Mimosa Lodge is the perfect stop on the scenic route between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn and the Garden Route. The Lodge is a delightful retreat with an enviable reputation for ... More
 20 on Church accommodation in Cape Winelands
20 on Church have 4 Rooms all en-suite. This historic house has been carefully renovated to combine old world charm with today's modern luxuries. All rates include Breakfast which is served at Mimosa Lodge. The rooms are all individually decorate... More
 Dankbaarheid Self-catering Guest Apartment accommodation in Cape Winelands
Each apartment has M-net, satellite, private patio and barbeque and is spotlessly clean as well as fully equipped including linen and towels. Voted one of SA's best farm stays in the latest AA ... More
 Jonkershuis Guesthouse accommodation in Cape Winelands
We are centrally located to visit all the important sites in the Western Cape:* In the heart of the Winelands.* 1 km from the historic town centre and the University.* 5 km from the Stellenbosch, Spier and Devonvale golf course and many others* 20 km... More
 Oak Tree Lodge accommodation in Cape Winelands
Oak Tree Lodge is centrally situated in the historic winelands town of Paarl.Spacious en suite bedrooms designed for comfort and privacy offer TV with satellite and german satellite channels, telephone, airconditioning, underfloor heating, bar fridge... More
 Beyerhof B&B accommodation in Cape Winelands
In residential area Stylish Cape Dutch B&B where leisurely days and peaceful nights will be remembered as home from home.Have a wonderful stay in a cosy Cape Dutch house tucked away in a quiet street of a tranquil neighbourhood with breatht... More
 Lady Loch Guest House accommodation in Cape Winelands
The Lady Loch Guest House is conveniently situated on the outskirts of Wellington, a beautiful and historic town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, in the heart of South Africa's winelands.Set in extensive private grounds, which slope gently d... More
 Villa Strandzicht accommodation in Cape Winelands
Situated in leafy Somerset West-part of the world-renowned Wine Route- , Strandzicht is the ideal base from which to venture further afield too; The Garden Route perhaps, or the Route 62. And, should you wish to take a break from traveling, our spaci... More
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