Things to Do in Somerset West

Somerset Mall offers 204 stores and everything it takes to give families from Somerset West and as far afield as Mossel Bay a safe, fun-filled entertainment environment, alongside a superior browsing and shopping experience.

With its five kilometre long stretch of white sand, Strand Beach is a perfect family beach for swimming, sunbathing and a variety of marine sports. There’s even a tidal pool for anyone who is not brave enough to plunge into the mellow surf.And if its waves you’re after, there are a number of surf spots to suit every level of surfer. Wannabee surfers can grab a lesson or two in gentle waves with Stand Surf School - 083 232 4822.Although the beach is mostly sandy, there are two rock pools frequented by rock and surf anglers at low tide.The town of Strand lies right next to the beach with a plethora of beachy restaurants and drinking spots. Access to the beach is easy and parking is never a problem.

Founded in 1682, Blaauwklippen is one of the oldest working wine farms in South Africa. This gorgeous wine farm is situated 50 km from Cape Town and 4 km south of Stellenbosch on the R44 Stellenbosch Wine Route. Visitors are welcome to taste a variety of wines from their Vineyard, Cultivar and Landau selections ranging from Bordeaux blends, varietals to unique red dessert wines. Their flagship wines are the Zinfandel Trio – Red, White and Noble Late Harvest. Open Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00, Sunday 09:00 – 16:00.

Wine, food, art, culture, nature and conservation Spier is more than an innovative and iconic destination. It is a place of hope that delivers experiences that rejuvenate mind, body and soul. Visitors to the estate are given a sensory encounter – here you can see, smell, hear, feel and taste a variety of unexpected experiences.Situated in the heart of South Africa's Cape Winelands, Spier Wines produce award-winning wines that have won global recognition. Guests and visitors can experience the art of fine wine through tasting opportunities.Spier has long believed that the arts have a crucial role to play in the African Renaissance as art, in all its forms, has the power to transform societies. As such, Spier launched the Spier Arts Summer Season 11 years ago as a way to express their passion for the arts.A fine collection of African art is showcased throughout the estate. It draws guests into exploring the vibrancy, energy and life of the diverse heritage of the Cape and the African continent, embodying multiple cultures and traditions. Visitors can absorb the power of this collection with ease as they stroll around Spier.The fabric of Spier's rich history was created out of a journey that began in 1692 and has been embroidered for over three centuries. The original Manor House and slave bell, as well as the oldest dated wine cellar in South Africa, have been impeccably restored for future generations to stay in touch with the past.Take a stroll through the lovely estate. There are walks through the rose gardens at the back of Moyo, by the riverside, by the lakeside. There is an abundance of birdlife on the estate for bird watchers and the opportunity to roam around freely. Take a walk to the Africa Centre meeting spaces on the south bank, or visit their nursery where plants are propagated to landscape the gardens or check out the Adobe brick-making works.Need to know? Spier Wine Shop is open seven days a week from 09h00 to 17h00.Tastings between 10h00 and 16h30.

Situated on the Whale Coast in the little coastal village of Gordon's Bay, the family friendly Bikini Beach is one of Cape Town's six Blue Flag Beaches, indicating a high level of water quality, facilities, cleanliness and safety. Along the False Bay coastline there are four Blue Flag Beaches, these are Mnandi Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Standfontein Beach, and of course Bikini Beach at Gordon's Bay right out on the easternmost side of False Bay. Bikini Beach is an excellent swimming beach as the water is usually warm, calm and clear. Named after the numerous bikini clad Stellies students (Stellenbosch University) who are regulars, this intimate little beach has its own particular charm. Surrounded by the craggy Hottentot's Holland mountain range on one side and the harbour breakwater on the other, Bikini Beach is a good option when the wind is howling. From Bikini Beach you have a never-ending view of the entire False Bay which curves in a huge arc from Gordon's Bay right round to Cape Point at its westernmost extremity. The shops are not far away and there are good changing room facilities. Also on the eastern shore of False Bay is Gordon's Bay Beach and Strand Beach, which are both great family beaches.

LovanE is one of the smallest wine estates near Stellenbosch, producing 20 000 bottles of wine per year. Situated in the picturesque Polkadraai Hills, its famous neighbours are Neethlingshof Wine Estate and Overgaauw Wine Estate. Vineyard plantings consist of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Their first wine was produced in 2006. Wine tasting times: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00. Closed on Public Holidays.

Situated in Stellenboschkloof and flanked by the Bottelary Hills and Papegaaiberg Mountain, Neethlingshof is just outside Stellenbosch and is well worth a visit. Driving up the imposing stone pine avenue, a stunning vista unfolds complete with pristine Cape Dutch buildings, rolling green vineyards and a cosy cellar where the full range of wines may be tasted and purchased. Wine Tasting and Sales: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 16:00. The estate closes two hours later in the summer months. Individual and group tastings are available for a fee. Charge for cellar tours – prior booking is required. For estate tours, contact Katrin Cross on +27 (0) 21 883 8988.

Situated on the slopes of the Papegaaiberg, Oude Libertas overlooks the magnificent Stellenbosch mountain range. Here you can experience three centuries of Cape hospitality under the ancient oak trees with views that stretch over the surrounding scenery and vineyards. Every Saturday morning the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market is hosted in the amphitheatre. Here truly organic suppliers and shoppers get together in a laid back atmosphere to do their trading and often share lazy breakfasts together. Facilities at Oude Libertas include an amphitheatre, restaurant, wine tasting centre, and event and conference facilities.

Step into a Victorian-era general dealer in historic Dorp Street. Yesteryear's Oom Samie se Winkel trades today in much the same way as it did back then. As you enter, the pungent aroma of dried fish, spices, tobacco and leather fills your nostrils. Rummage through the shelves to find old fashioned sticky toffees, boiled sweets, collectible books, vintage clothing and authentic old butter churns. You might even walk out armed with a rare antique along with your purchases of fruit, vegetables, wine, biltong and bokkoms. This nostalgic store also operates a wine boutique specializing in exceptional vintages and unusual releases. Here you can purchase a special gift or fine wine and they will pack and ship it to destinations across the globe. Celebrate afterwards at Oom Samie's adjoining restaurant, the Koffiehuis.

Inspired by Africa, a passion for wine and the ideas and philosophies of the world-renowned architect, Luis Barragan, Mont Destin cellar brings an exciting, innovative and fresh approach to wine and architecture in the Cape Winelands. On 10 hectares of land owners Samantha and Ernest have planted the classic varieties: Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon; and some new and exciting varieties: Grenache, Mourvedré, Cinsaut and Viognier which gives us the opportunity to create the most interesting blends. Enjoy an unforgettable experience tasting their uniquely hand-crafted wines at Mont Destin wine cellar which is definitely the first of its kind in South Africa.

Bosman’s Crossing is a picturesque blend of heritage and modernlifestyle with a trading village as the central theme. The trading village incorporatestourist shopping, community shopping and craft markets. To enhance visitor browsing,an arched village piazza, a river promenade and a cobbled arcade were addedwith an aesthetic emphasis on natural materials.This provides an area of leisure, reflecting traditional activities of theStellenbosch wine lands embraced by the ambience of a village square consistingof restaurants, coffee shops and wine bars, open square and arcade, riverfrontboardwalk and bridge, access to the nature reserve, mini museums and a place tohonour South Africa’s wine pioneers - a “third place” to meet people and makenew friends. Papegaaiberg is a stone's throw away, with the starting point of the 24-kilometre long Vineyard Hiking Trail, through a seriesof hills and ridges, through forest plantations, vineyards, olive groves andsome of the remaining small remnants of the coastal Renosterveld.

Stellies offers a lot more than just wine. Why not spend a day exploring the many historical buildings and Museums in Stellenbosch? There is something for everyone from the V.O.C Kruithuis, an old gunpowder house where war memorabilia is on display, to the Toy and Miniature Museum, where you can take a trip back to the good old days and look at what amused children before computer games and mobile phones.The Village Museum is another must during your stay in Stellenbosch, with its four lovingly restored historic homes which you can view at your leisure, Shreuderhuis, Blettermanhuis, OM Berghs House and the beautiful Grosvenor House. A visit to any of these wonderful historical buildings is sure to be a memorable one, and is a must for anyone visiting Stellenbosch!

Beautiful well-maintained and managed nature reserve approx 15km from Stellenbosch. A favourite for Stellenbosch residents and well worth the visit. Offers an amazing array of trails suitable for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers. The trails will suit the novice to the most experienced athlete. Stunning waterfalls and rivers are easily accessible and make an ideal picnic excursion for the family. Cash required to pay for entry permit at the gate.

Named after its dramatic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, the estate is ideally situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s premier wine region, 45 km east of Cape Town. Celebrating four decades of quality winemaking through innovation, Simonsig Estate, remains as dedicated about wine excellence as they are passionate about the tradition of wine enjoyment.A legendary landmark, Simonsig is one of the country’s most awarded cellars, fostering acclaimed accomplishments including South Africa’s Top Shiraz, Woman Winemaker of the Year 2005 and four ABSA Top Ten Pinotage triumphs. A visit to this unique working cellar, enhanced by daily wine tastings, its newly launched Cuvée restaurant and true Stellenbosch hospitality, make for an authentic wine experience.As founder member of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Simonsig enjoys widespread popularity, receiving thousands of visitors. In winter a cosy fire welcomes you to the tasting room, which is managed by the irrepressible Maureen Basson. A cool, shady veranda and flutes of ice cold Kaapse Vonkel await you in summer. Informative tastings, cellar tours and a ceremonial sabrage make for a memorable visit.Need to know? Tasting & Wine Sales: Monday to Friday 08h30 to 17h00, Saturdays and Public Holidays 08h30 to 16h00. Cellar tours: Monday to Friday 10h00 & 15h00, Saturdays 10h00. Closed Sunday, Easter Fri, Dec 25 & Jan 1.

Steeped in early Cape history, Muratie is one of the most authentic treasures of the Cape Winelands. This working wine farm in the Stellenbosch wine region offers an experience of farm life against a backdrop of grandiose views of Simonsberg and Table Mountain. Enormous shady old oak trees line the grounds and set the stage for what lies inside the historic buildings. The old fermentation tanks in the cellar are characterised by tartaric encrusted walls, old carpets, wooden furniture and original art. This is where you will find honest farm food, good wine and great company. Muratie’s wines, in the words of the late Ronnie Melck, are ‘humble, honest and full of integrity, with quality being the only answer’. Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 – 17:00 Closed Good Friday & Christmas Cellar tours daily at 10:30 & 14:30.

Nestled in the pristine and tranquil Kogelberg Biosphere you will find one of the best kept secrets of the Cape Overberg. The Elgin Grabouw Country Club boasts spectacular views of the surrounding Hottentots Holland, Nuweberg and Groenland Mountains. Combined with the waterfront ambiance of the Eikenhof Dam and the extensive pine forests, this venue will leave you with an overwhelming sense of tranquillity and enchantment. The surrounding mountains are immensely popular with hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers and the Country Club acts as the “gateway to the great outdoors” in that it is the ideal base for excursions into the surrounding mountains. Bring the whole family for a wonderful day out in the Overberg.

Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre is one of the most unique and awe inspiring settings for performances in the Overberg. A towering Eucalyptus forest circles the intimate 600 seater-arena which has been hewn from farm timber in its entirety. Performances are specifically chosen to match the natural acoustics of the venue.Pack a picnic basket, purchase estate wine and come enjoy an evening of entertainment with great stars, under the stars!Only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town International.Need to know? Blankets, cushions and warm jackets are recommended. Seats are unreserved on a first come, first served basis. Limited table bookings available at an additional cost. (For table bookings call 021 8440605).

The huge, sprawling Boschendal Wine Estate outside Stellenbosch is one of the oldest wine producers in the New World with a French viticulture heritage dating back to 1685. Experience Boschendal's wide range of exquisite wines by visiting the Wine Tasting Centre, situated in the oldest building on the property. Here you can taste and buy wines under the shade of the huge oak tree. Don’t miss the Exhibition Vineyard and Cellar where you can find out how the Boschendal vineyard operates and explore their state of the art cellar. The impressive Manor House is definitely worth a visit if you want to see an outstanding example of Cape Dutch architecture. Built in 1812, it is one of the few authentically furnished farmhouses open to the public at the Cape. And if all that wine tasting and exploring has given you a rumbling tummy, then choose from one of Boschendal's three world-renowned dining experiences. Visit the newly renovated Boschendal Restaurant that serves delicious, extensive Cape-French buffet luncheons, seven days a week. If the weather is fine then treat yourself to Le Pique Nique - an elegant French-style picnic beneath the fragrant pines. For light lunches and teas served under shady oak trees head straight to Le Café.

Solms-Delta offers a unique experience – far more than what you’d expect from a wine estate. Situated 15km outside Franschhoek in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this outstanding estate not only creates celebrated classical wines, it also offers a variety of highlights throughout the seasons. Visitors can picnic all year round in the enchanting forest, enjoy contemporary Cape cuisine at its renowned Fyndraai restaurant and be part of the annual harvest festival. A museum pays homage to the slaves who lived in the area and there are six special interest guided wine farm tours.Wine tasting at Solms-Delta wine estate is open seven days a week and takes place in the Museum van de Caab or under the oaks outside. The museum, which chronicles the social history of the 325-year old estate, is housed in the original wine cellar dating back to 1740.Enjoy a tasting of Solms-Delta and Solms-Astor wines and learn about the way they make their wines by taking one of the Farm Tours that include wine tasting. For more information or to book a tour call 021 874 3937.The tasting room for tasting and sales is open 9am to 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday and 9am to 5pm Sunday and Monday (closed December 25th and January 1st). Tasting is free for individuals. For groups of eight or more a R10 tasting fee per person is levied.

Bugz Family Playpark is one of the top things to do for kids in Cape Town. If you need to entertain 2- to 10-year-old kids, march them straight here. This fun family attraction is the largest play park in the Western Cape, offering an enormous outdoor playground and a wonderful indoor play area. The colourful variety of pedal cars, jumping castles, rowing boats, swing horses, mini-tractor rides and a choo-choo train is certain to tire out little pipsqueaks in no time. Older and more adventurous scamps can giddy up on the ponies or zoom up the tracks on quad bikes. On sunny days they can even go slip sliding down the inflatable waterslide. Most of the rides are kid-powered – giving small folk plenty of exercise in a fun and natural way. Bugz has two large sandpits with colourful jungle gyms, slides, swings and numerous play apparatus to crawl under or climb over. There are also delightful playhouses, a tree house and even a castle, and if there are no parties in progress, kids are free to romp around here to their heart’s content. (Bugz is also a popular birthday party venue.) Need to know? Open every day except on Christmas Day. Ticket sales close at 16:30, but rides stay open until 17:00. Token rides are only open on weekends, school holidays and public holidays. From May until mid-September, limited or no-token rides will be available. In the event of rainy weather in summer, limited or no-token rides may be available. If it happens to rain, rides will not operate for the day, but there is a great indoor section where the fun continues. www.bugzplaypark.co.za +27 (0) 21 988 8836 party@bugz.co.za