The tranquil dorpie known as the “Apple Valley” is about an hour’s drive from the city of Cape Town.
It has beautiful valleys and the drive to Elgin is nothing short of picture-perfect.
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1. Apples 101
The green valleys and mountains aside, Elgin is known to be apple-central, with about 150 orchards in the Overberg.
Farmers here are more than welcoming. There are places for you and the little ones to go taste and pick some apples.
As if that is not enough, visit the Apple Museum located near the banks of the Palmiet River.
The museum is one of only two museums of its kind in the world. It is situated in an old shoemaker’s cottage.
2. Explore the Elgin countryside by participating in outdoor activities.
Try tackling landscape trails in various ways. The beauty of the Western Cape is that outdoor activities are enjoyed amid lush scenery. Rugged mountains, rolling vineyards, white sand beaches – the vistas are endless.
Elgin is no exception as it offers numerous biking and hiking trails through its picturesque fruit farms and rolling hills, helping you to reconnect with nature.
Should you like to take in some fresh air on horseback, there are plenty of horseback riding options in the little country town.
3. Viticulture! Gifted with rich and fertile soil, Elgin is a great place to explore all things wine.
Should you yearn for wine tasting, wine pairings, and the like, a visit to one of Elgin’s illustrious wine farms is essential.
Elgin has a long list of wine estates to visit, and each one offers the chance to sample the region’s most popular bottles of vino while dining on perfectly paired tapas or sitting down for a full meal at the on-site restaurant.
We suggest you make a day of it and pair a trip to a wine farm with a stop at one of Elgin’s many attractions.
- Picture: Pexels
4. Perfect partners for good wine – olives! Take a tour of a farm in Elgin that grows them.
If you are interested in learning how olives are cultivated and cared for, there are plenty of opportunities to gain insight into olive farming and production in Elgin.
Even better, you can witness the production of olive oil stemming from this region.
Take advantage of the visit and purchase your favourite blend of oil or type of olive, as it is cheaper to buy directly from the farm.
- Picture: Pexels
5. Visit the award-winning Elgin Railway Market.
The market is a must-see and is located in an old apple warehouse from the 1940s.
There is a lot to see and do with local artisans displaying their art, and various stalls offering up delicious food and drinks.
Wineries and bars in the area also feature local wines, gin, coffee and tea.
The Ceres Rail Company offers a trip to the market on a steam train leaving Cape Town on Saturday morning at 8.05am.
- Picture: Elgin Railway Market
6. Peregrine Farm Stall
This 58-year-old Elgin farm, Peregrine, offers locally sourced artisanal goods and wholesome, responsibly farmed, fresh produce.
Buy pastries and juice in bulk from the wholesalers at the farm.
You can eat in or get takeaway at the cafe that churns out artisanal foods, fynbos honey to fresh cold-pressed juices and Champagne-style apple cider.
Also visit the wine shop for locally made craft beer, wine and ciders.
Shop at the characterful double-decker bus– it is packed full of beautiful leather products and unusual interior accessories.
7. Cheverells Farm Stall
Keen to escape to the hustle and bustle of the city? Cheverells Farm, located on an apple orchard in the heart of the Elgin Valley, is a working farm and countryside retreat that specialises in slow living. It’s a whole experience on its own. The farm’s newly renovated shed serves as a delightful country café that offers a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu, but the building is also home to a gift shop selling artisanal goods, a wellness studio, and a glass greenhouse nursery.
If you don’t want to leave, that’s okay! Cheverells Farm has two perfectly decorated cottages, offering guests a cosy stay with views of the apple orchards. You can also design your very own group wellness retreat, which would look something like lazy strolls among the apple trees, meditation mornings, yoga sessions and delicious farm-to-table meals.
Picture: @cheverellsfarm / Instagram
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Picture: Getty Images