Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Wellington offers beautiful landscapes, rich history, and a strong agricultural presence. It’s a town where the past and present come together in a memorable way.
Wellington is known for its award-winning wines, excellent brandy, and South Africa’s only whisky. The area, surrounded by orchards, wine farms, buchu fields, and olive groves, also produces about 85% of South Africa’s vine rootstock.
A key attraction is Bain’s Kloof Pass, built by Scottish road engineer Andrew Geddes Bain. Before Du Toitskloof Pass, it was the only route north. Now, it’s popular with hikers and fly-fishers for its great views and clear streams.
Wellington Mountain’s Backdrop
The Hawequa Mountains sit to the east, and the Berg River flows along the west. Outdoor activities include wine walks, horse riding, mountain biking, and 4×4 trails. Wellington, once a French Huguenot settlement known as Val du Charron, has a deep history. The Wellington Museum showcases the town’s heritage.
Wellington is also home to Boland College and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Local industries include leather factories and a range of arts and crafts.
North of Wellington, the villages of Saron, Gouda, and Hermon lie in farmlands under the Elandskloof and Winterhoek Mountains. Each village has its own history and charm, making them worth a visit. Whether for the history, scenery, or the friendly locals, Wellington offers a great experience.
What to do in Wellington:
Wellington Heritage Trail
If you love walking tours filled with quirky facts, hidden gems, and surprises, Wellington’s Heritage Trail is perfect for you. This self-guided tour lets you explore the charming streets of Wellington and uncover the town’s fascinating history at your own pace.
You can download the Wellington Heritage Trail as a free audio tour through the VoiceMap mobile app. As you stroll, learn about wagon makers, wine pioneers, and female educators who shaped the town’s character. The app’s virtual tour guide provides engaging commentary, bringing the town’s historic attractions and cultural diversity to life. You can access the guide in Afrikaans, English, and German to enhance your experience.
With VoiceMap, you find answers to all your questions as you walk. The app makes history come alive through your headphones, letting you explore Wellington’s remarkable landmarks, each with its own intriguing backstory.
Download the Wellington Heritage Trail (Wagonmakers, Winemakers, and Women Educators) audio guide from home before you set out. The app works offline, so you won’t need to worry about data or roaming costs. Grab your earphones, press play, and let Wellington’s history unfold as you wander its picturesque streets.Ready to explore? Download the free VoiceMap tour and immerse yourself in Wellington’s rich heritage.
Wellington Wine Route:
If you want an authentic experience away from the usual Cape Winelands crowds, the Wellington Wine Route is a hidden gem. It offers a mix of experiences that highlight the region’s agricultural heritage and traditions.
This small wine route is full of historic farms and estates, each with something unique. It stretches from the peaceful Berg River to the Swartland wheat fields and the Hawequa Mountains. Along the way, you’ll see fruit orchards, buchu fields, olive groves, and even South Africa’s first whisky distillery.
One of the best things about the Wellington Wine Route is meeting the winemakers. You don’t just taste great wines—you get to know the people behind them. Whether you try a Chenin Blanc or a Shiraz, each glass reflects their passion and Wellington’s unique environment.
Tasting experiences vary, from cellar tours to relaxed tastings with stunning views of vineyards and mountains. Each sip comes with a special view, making this region unforgettable.
Food Experiences on the Wellington Wine Route
Wellington’s food scene blends great flavours with its rich farming history. Many restaurants on scenic wine farms offer top-notch dishes paired with excellent wines. Whether you eat at a country bistro, a cosy town spot, or in the vineyards, quality and taste are the focus.
You can enjoy gourmet picnics by the river at Doolhof or try local favourites like Vygie Kitchen & Dining Room or Mila Restaurant. Each place has its own vibe and serves delicious, simple food.
Kick off your day at 55 Croissants with freshly baked croissants and coffee—no need to head to France for that!
James Sedgwick Distillery
James Sedgwick Distillery
Whisky tours and tastings are available on selected Fridays and Saturdays, by appointment only. You can book through Webtickets. The whisky shop offers the full range, including limited releases from the Three Ships Whisky Masters Collection and Bain’s Travel Retail Exclusives.
Bainskloof Pass
Parked on the side of the magnificent (though sa little bumpy) Bainskloof Pass. Photo by Tyson Jopson
Bainskloof Pass, close to Wellington, is a historic mountain route known for its breathtaking views and engineering marvel. Scottish engineer Andrew Geddes Bain built it between 1849 and 1853, linking Wellington to the Breede River Valley.
At 18 kilometres long and 595 metres high, it offers stunning views of mountains and valleys. It’s a favourite for tourists, cyclists, and nature lovers looking to enjoy its scenery and history. Bainskloof Pass adds to Wellington’s charm, making it a must-see for visitors to the region.
Breytenbach Centre
Breytenbach Kultuursentrum
The Breytenbach Centre, located in a 19th-century building in Wellington, commemorates the town’s cultural legacy. It is named after poet and activist Breyten Breytenbach and functions as a vibrant art gallery and cultural centre.
The Centre provides exhibits, literary events, and seminars for artists, authors, and the local community. With its attractive architecture, it serves to maintain Afrikaans culture while also supporting literature and the arts. Visitors may learn about Wellington’s cultural and historical heritage through a variety of activities.
Old Tannery – Wellington
The Old Tannery shows off Wellington’s industrial history and its current vibrancy. It was important for leather processing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, supporting local families and the town’s growth.
Today, the Old Tannery is a lively spot with shops, restaurants, and artisan workshops. It attracts both locals and visitors. The building retains its original brickwork and large windows, keeping the historical feel while boosting Wellington’s cultural and business landscape.
Limietberg Nature Reserve
This awaits hikers at the top of the Bobbejaanskloof trail.
Limietberg Nature Reserve is located in the Du Toitskloof Mountains near Paarl. This World Heritage Site covers an area from Franschhoek to Groot Drakenstein and north to Voëlvlei Dam. It offers stunning views and diverse landscapes.
You can hike along rugged trails that go through steep kloofs and deep valleys. Du Toits Peak, at 1,996 metres, is the highest point in the reserve. While exploring, you’ll find historical sites like ancient rock art, an old manganese mine, and the graves of convicts who worked on the Bainskloof Pass.
Fynbos masterclass with the Cape Town Fynbos Experience
South African Fynbos Tasting Masterclass
If you love plants, the Cape Town Fynbos Experience is for you. This masterclass lets you explore fynbos, one of the world’s oldest plant groups.
Fynbos has been a part of southern Africa for over 160,000 years and is tied to human creativity. During the masterclass, you’ll learn about the history of fynbos and how to use its unique flavours in your cooking. Discover new tastes to enhance your meals and the natural health benefits these plants offer.
Skydive Two Oceans
For an adrenaline rush and stunning views, visit Skydive Two Oceans. It’s located in the beautiful Cape Winelands, just under an hour from Cape Town. This spot offers one of South Africa’s most scenic skydiving experiences.
From the plane, you’ll see amazing views of rolling farmland, Table Mountain, and two oceans. The friendly team at Skydive Two Oceans focuses on safety and adventure. As the plane climbs, take in the views before jumping. Enjoy tandem skydiving and explore nearby wine farms and attractions after your jump.
Where to stay
AfriCamps at Doolhof
AfriCamps at Doolhof is located on the Doolhof Wine Estate, just a short drive from Wellington and about 50 minutes from Cape Town. It features 16 glamping tents set against the Groenberg Mountain Range and Bainskloof Pass. Six tents open to a peaceful meadow by the Kromme River, while ten tents on the hillside offer stunning mountain views. Each tent has a private wood-fired hot tub for guests to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
Visitors can participate in several activities on the estate, such as a 5 km hike through the vineyards and a river walk along the Kromme River. There are also mountain biking trails, including one for children. The tasting room offers samples of the estate’s award-winning wines along with food options. Guests can book spa treatments in their tents and explore local hiking and biking trails, horse riding, and wine farms in the area. The tasting room is a must-visit, featuring a variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and several red options, with complimentary tastings available.
From R1,500 pn
*Rates may vary according to season/number of people
Address: Doolhof Wine Estate Bovlei Rd Wellington, Cape Town
021 300 5694, africamps.com/farm/africamps-at-doolhof
5 Mountains Lodge
5 Mountains Lodge is dedicated to ensuring guests feel welcome and relaxed. The attentive team guarantees an enjoyable stay, whether for a special occasion or a simple getaway. Visitors can unwind by the pool, enjoy the sauna or jacuzzi, and savour homemade meals on the deck while taking in views of the gardens and Bovlei Valley.
The spa offers a range of wellness services, including massages and facials, provided by trained therapists. The lodge provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation.
From R1,700 pn
*Rates may vary according to season/number of people
Address: Bain’s, Kloof Road, Wellington
079 801 1554, 5mountainslodge.com
Oude Wellington Wine Estate
Oude Wellington offers guests more than just accommodation. With 31 hectares of vineyards, horse paddocks, and bamboo hideaways to explore, there are plenty of activities available. Guests can enjoy dining, wine and brandy tastings, and traditional massages at the spa.For recreation, there are options like giant chess, outdoor table tennis, badminton, and pétanque, along with a swimming pool for a refreshing dip. Visitors can also admire the beautiful exotic parrots on the property. Overall, it’s a great place for guests to relax and enjoy their stay.
From R1,400 pn
*Rates may vary according to season/number of people
Address: Bainskloof Rd, Wellington
021 873 2262, oudewellington.co.za
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