If you’re a Capetonian on staycation or a visitor to the Mother City, you won’t be bored in the Northern suburbs. Durbanville, Bellville and the surrounding areas has got everything and more. The area is known for the delectable wine produced in its rolling hills, but you’d be surprised how many other activities there are to do.
Here is our mix of top things to do and places to visit when hitting up the northern part of Cape Town.
1. Experience art at Rust en Vrede Gallery
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For a sophisticated cultural experience, you can’t skip this gallery. Rust en Vrede boasts an array of studios featuring a variety of work in addition to the art gallery. There is a clay museum, leather studio, jewellery studio and a fabulous eatery, among other things. There are three exhibition spaces, featuring works that have won numerous prestigious awards.
Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday until 1pm. The exhibitions change monthly and are freely open to the public. Note: Rust en Vrede will reopen on January 6.
Visit the website for more information.
2. Bobsled at Cool Runnings
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For a day of fun in the sun with the kids, visit the Cool Runnings toboganning slopes. The first downhill tobogganing track in Africa, this fun park has a 1.25 km track that carries visitors down on a bobsled.
“Cruise through the 17 corners, S-bends and even a tunnel, before the sled automatically slows down at the bottom of the course, safe and sound,” Cool Runnings say on their website.
Prices start at R70 per person and R60 per child under 13 for one ride, but online tickets get a 10% discount.
Opening hours are Monday to Fridays from 11am to 6pm and weekends and public and school holidays from 9am to 6pm.
Visit the website for more information or buy tickets here.
3. Stroll through Majik Forest
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Durbanville has no shortage of spaces to enjoy Mother Nature. Visit this lovely park for a family picnic, some quiet reading time or just a stroll through the leafy woods. There are popular mountain bike trails and the park allows dogs, so there is ample space for your furry friends. Admire several plant species, or see if you can spot a fish in one of the reservoirs. Many a family-,engagement- and wedding shoot has also been known to take place in this beautiful forest.
Find the upper entrance at 20 Van Riebeeckshof Road or the lower entrance off Jip de Jager next to the Protea Hotel. Entry is free.
4. Un-wined at one of the many wine farms
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Nothing says “Cape Town” like a good glass of wine. The Durbanville area is prime wine country, and world-class drinks are produced right here on our doorstep. Go for a tasting, pairing or simply while away the hours over a bottle of your favourite vino, overlooking stunning views. Some of the most popular farms include Meerendal, Durbanville Hills, Diemersdal, Nitida, Bloemendal and Hillcrest. If you’ve ticked them all off your list, look up some smaller boutique wineries like Klein Roosboom and Kronendal.
5. Watch a show at the Barnyard Theatre
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The show must go on. Get your entertainment fix at The Barnyard Theatre Tygervalley, with some of the best performers in the country tearing up the stage. Book a night out with the ladies or go on a romantic date to watch a musical performance that will blow your socks off. Upcoming shows include Prime Circle and Thank You for the Music – a celebration of ABBA, Queen and Elton John.
Pensioners and children under 12 get 50% Off (telephonic bookings only, Barnyard productions only). Prices vary depending on show.
Visit their website for more information or email [email protected]
6. Explore the Rose Garden
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This iconic part of Durbanville is one of only three trial rose gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Stroll through the more than 500 varietals of roses, have a picnic with your loved ones, or enjoy Sunday afternoon tea in the clubhouse from October through to May between 2.30pm and 5.30pm. The full time council gardeners are assisted by volunteers from the Friends of the Rose Garden.
The garden is open daily from 7am to 6pm. Entry is free.
If you would like more information or get involved, visit the Western Cape Rose Society.
7. Play a round of putt-putt
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Practice your golfing skills at this fun African-themed mini-golf course at The Golf Village in Bellville. The whole course consists of 27 holes which will have players crossing bridges, putting uphill and over ponds. The putt-putt course is right next to the driving range, so golfers can drop off their young ones with complete peace of mind. This facility is sure to inspire some laughter, excitement and tough competition.
The course is open daily from 8am to 6pm and prices are R40 for kids and R50 for adults.
Visit the website for more information.
Picture: Twitter/ruthbowersprimo