Stellenbosch and the surrounding areas of Botlery, Somerset West, Strand and Gordon's Bay have so many places to visit and things to do - maybe you're looking for outings during your stay at San Gabriel Homestead, so here are a few of our favourite family oriented and kid friendly places to visit in the Stellenbosch Winelands area.
1. The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
Take a wander through this incredible sculpture garden at the base of the Stellenbosch mountains. The space showcases more than 60 pieces by Dylan Lewis, an iconic South African sculptor. A must visit for any art lover but also if you enjoy a slow walk. Best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoons in peak summer. Pack a hat, sunscreen and water bottle just in case.
Contact details for the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
www.dylanlewis.com +27 (0) 21 880-0054
2. Stellenbosch Univesity Botanical Gardens
The oldest university botanical garden in South Africa. The Garden is beautifully maintained and in some areas serves to preserve rare and endangered species as close to their natural look and feel as possible. There are 3 glass green houses (tropical-, succulent- and karoo houses), Lotus lily Koi fish pond, Japanese Garden, Herb Garden and arboretum and a little coffee shop. Sometimes they host art exhibitions and in Spring their Oxalis Collection (largest in the world) is in flower - a truly magical and unmissable spectacle. Most Saturdays, weather permitting, there is a craft / food market set up throughout the garden, so you can walk and enjoy the garden and shop for gifts and treats too.
09:00 - 16:00 during winter (21 June - 31 August), every day (Monday to Sunday)
08:00 - 17:00 during summer every day (Monday to Sunday), including public holidays except New Year's Day and Easter Friday.
3. Vergelegen Estate
Pensioners free of charge on Mondays
Cape Town, WC, South Africa
4. Helderberg Farm
Just a quick walk from the San Gabriel front gates this is one of the most spectacular walking/ running/ MTB routes we know of. Enjoy up to 12 kms of trails for the experienced as well as the novice adventurer. You can get the access bands from us, please inquire at reception, we can also advise you on the best routes and what to take with you on your outing. There is a child friendly, family oriented tea garden and play park too if you are feeling a bit peckish after your walk.
During Strawberry Season - Helderberg Farm offer strawberry picking - we love their organic strawberries so much!
Admission: R40-R100 adults/ R25 - R50 children
Open daily 08:00 - 17:00 Tel: 021 855 4308
Email: helderbergplaas@mweb.co.za
5. A burger and hips picnic on Strand Beach
One of our favourite things to do when the weather is good is to grab a burger and chips from Stud Burger in Somerset West and head down to the beach with our picnic blanket and towels in hand. the kids love dipping their feet in the sea and we can enjoy a simple meal and not worry about the mess.
Check the weather before visiting as it can sometimes be quite windy.
6. Soetmelksvlei at Babylonstoren
The 5-hectare garden, modeled on the famous gardens of the Prieuré d' Orsan in the centre of France, offers 3 km of spectacular walking pleasure. With 2 restaurants and a delicious deli, make this destination part of your daytrip to the Franschhoek Valley,
www.babylonstoren.com
Open daily 9h00 to 17h00
There's an admission fee to Soetmelksvlei and you do need to book in advance.
7. Strawberry Picking at Polkadraai Farm
Pick your own strawberries in Stellenbosch during the summer. Such a cute way to show kids how food is grown. We love cooking with fresh produce and these hand picked strawberries just last so much longer and taste so much better than the store bought ones. Off season, Poladraai Farm has loads of other activities to enjoy too.
It will take about 20 – 30 minutes to pick your strawberries. Pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
From R65 per person September to January daily, 9am – 4.00pm*
Find out more about Polkadraai Farm Strawberry Picking
M12 Stellenbosch Arterial Road Telephone: +27 (0)21 881 3303
We love exploring the area and have many more recommendations for you and your family to enjoy from Stellenbosch Wine Farms to longer Cape Town Day Trips, let us know what you love doing and we can help you decide when, where and how to get there.
