Wellington

a wine route in the vicinity where several cellars offer the opportunity for relaxed wine tasting.

Steeped in history and tradition, Wellington has a magical atmosphere that will captivate you once you discover the town, it’s people and it’s myriad attractions. Originally known as Limiet Vallei (border or frontier valley), the area became known as Val du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the wagon makers) towards the end of the 17th century when the French Huguenots settled here. After the establishment of the town in 1840, the name was changed to Wellington in honour of the renowned soldier and conqueror of Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the town lies in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic Hawekwa Mountains silent sentimels on it’s eastern border. Wellington is,of course, known for it’s educational institutions. Huguenot College, an institution of the Dutch Reformed Church offers training to students in social, youth and missionary work. The Boland College of Education is the only college in the Western Cape to offer educational training in the medium of Afrikaans. Apart from fine cuisine and pleasant accommodation, Wellington offers a magnificent legacy of historical buildings, fine hiking trails, and a wine route in the vicinity where several cellars offer the opportunity for relaxed wine tasting.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Paarl 16 km, Wolseley 23 km

Altitude: 120 m above sea level

Average Temperatures

Summer (Nov – Apr) maximum 27,8°c and minimum 14,6°; Winter (May – Oct) maximum 20,6°c and minimum 7,7°c

Rainfall: 57,20 mm per annum

Rainfall Months: May to October

Dams (near vicinity)

Van Blerk, Danie van der Merwe (concrete dam), Erica Street Reservoir (concrete dam), Berg-en-Dal Reservoir (concrete dam), Welvanpas Dam, Withoogte Dam

Banks

Boland (2 ATM’s), FNB (1 ATM), Nedbank (1 ATM), Standard (1ATM), Absa (1 ATM)

HISTORICAL VIEW

Blockhouse

The most southerly blockhouse built by the British during the Anglo-Boer War (1899 – 1902).

Clairvaux, Murray Jubilee Hall and Samual House

Residence of Dr Andrew Murray and the institute where Dutch Reformed Church missionaries were trained. Now the property of the Huguenot College.

Coronation Arch and Victoria Park

The park, with it’s beautiful garden and shady trees, form the backdrop to the arch erected in commemoration of the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.

Dutch Reformed Church

Dating back to 1840 features a statue of Dr Andrew Murray.

Ferguson Hall

Home of Bible Media, well known publishers of religious literature and videos. Tours through the complex are available.

Groenberg School

CP Hoogenhout, one of the founders and first chairman of the ‘Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners’, taught at this school for more than 40 years.

Historical Walking Route

Old Huguenot Seminary and College

Murray, Cummings, Bliss and Goodnow Halls all represent unique architectural styles that link up with the educational institutions established in Wellington’s early stages of development.

Ouma Granny’s House Museum

A beautiful Victorian House containing a unique and priceless collection from yesteryear.

Stucki School

Quite a number of well known South Africans attended this little school which was opened in 1860.

Wellington Museum

Houses a large archaeological / ethnological collection, as well as exhibits giving an overview of the town’s history.

NATURE

Bain’s Kloof Pass

Linking Wellington to Ceres and Worcester, this 30 km pass is one of the most spectacular in the Western Cape. Designed and built by engineer Andrew Geddes Bain in 1853. The area offers various hiking and camping opportunities.

ATTRACTIONS

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Grandpa Jasper’s clay pigeon shooting range.

Colibri Towel Factory

De Slang Rivier Berry Farm

(seasonal) Strawberries, raspberries, youngberries and Cape gooseberries are grown here. Delicious jams and berry vinegar can be purchased. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, as well as their own berry picking. Refreshments are also offered.

Leeurivier Art Gallery

Nature’s Own Herb Nursery & Health Shoppe

Oasis Padstal

Worth a visit, this renowned farmstall is located at the foot of the Bain’s Kloof Pass. It is also the starting point for the Patatskloof Hiking Trails.

Redemption Leather Shoes

Produces an exclusive line of shoes in the Italian Style. Sold on premises.

South African Dried Fruit Co-op (SAD)

Home to the country’s largest packer and marketer of dried fruit. A cash shop on the premises sells a variety of dried fruit and related products.

Wellington Wine Route

Western Tanning

Second largest tannery in the country. Tours can be arranged.

ACTIVITIES

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Oupa Jasper’s Clay Pigeon Shooting Range

Hiking

Bainskloof Hiking Trails

Cape Nature Conservation.

Various trails and picnic places in this mountainous area, offering some of the most exquisite wild flower species at certain times of the year. Also see Limietberg Nature Reserve

Patatskloof Hiking Trails

A choice of several trails with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Western Cape.

Horse Riding

Fynbos Horse Trails – Diemersfontein, Olyvenhout

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Wellington Mountain Bike Trail

Up to 30 km of spectacular mountain scenery. Suitable for both novices and experts. Permits from the Wellington Tourism Bureau.

Scenic Drives

The area around Wellington is known for it’s scenic drives and Bain’s Kloof offers unsurpassed views. The Horseshoe, a favourite route with joggers and bikers, takes one past many of the Old Huguenot farms with their magnificent Cape Dutch homesteads.