Looking for things to do in Stellenbosch? Look no further than its renowned wine farms and rich history. This charming town is perfect for a weekend away and offers activities for all ages.
Also read: Wine and dine at 25 of the best restaurants in Stellenbosch
If you are planning an outing to the Boland but don’t quite know where to begin, here are ten ideas to get you started.
Here is our list of 10 things to do in Stellenbosch and more:
1. Stellenbosch Village Museum
The Stellenbosch Village Museum is a must-visit if you’re looking for things to do in Stellenbosch. The Museum currently comprises four beautifully restored houses and their gardens of historical interest.
Each house represents a different period in the architectural development of Stellenbosch with the buildings furnishings and gardens designed to illustrate the particular taste and style of the time.
The first house the museum has restored is the Schreuderhuis, which was built in 1709, and survived the first great fire in Stellenbosch.
Next is Blettermanhuis, which illustrates a wealthy Stellenbosch home, and Grosvenor House, which was built in 1782 and added to by successive owners until it reached its present appearance in 1803.
Last but not least is OM Berghhuis with its thatched roof and gables.
- Location: 18 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch
- Times: Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm | Sunday: 10am to 1pm (April – August); 10am to 4pm (September – March)
- Cost: Adults: R40 | Children 2 to 17 years: R20
- Contact: 021 887 2937
2. Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden
Located in the centre of Stellenbosch, the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden is the oldest of its kind in the country. This compact Garden boasts an enormous variety of indigenous and exotic plants while the Katjiepiering Restaurant is ideal for grabbing a bite to eat in the beautiful garden setting.
A wide range of local and regional products along with beautifully cultivated plants can also be purchased.
- Location: Neethling St &, Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602
- Times: Winter (21 June to 31 August): Monday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm | Summer: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
- Cost: Adults: R15 | Seniors: R10 | University students & staff: Free
- Contact: 021 887 2937
3. Trek Jonkershoek Nature Reserve with a guide
With its refreshing waterfall and beautiful, lush vegetation, this awe-inspiring hike through the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is breathtaking at any time of year. The reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a distance range of 5 to 17km, taking between two and eight hours to explore, with 9,800 hectares of terrain.
For those looking for things to do in Stellenbosch for free, a visit to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a must-do activity for nature lovers and hikers alike. The breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Location: Jonkershoek Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Cost: Entrance fee: R50 per person | Hike with a guide: R1 500 per person (R500 deposit is required)
- Times: Summer (1 September to 30 April): 7am to 4pm | Winter (1 May to 31 August): 8am to 4pm | Gate close: 6pm
- Contact: 087 087 4118
4. Strawberry picking at Mooiberg
If you’re looking for things to do in Stellenbosch with kids, this family-friendly farm is the perfect destination.
When Sam Zetler settled near Stellenbosch in the early 1900s, the land was still somewhat untamed and wild. As time passed by, Zetler had five sons all of whom joined the farming business. Soon after, it was known as S. Zetler and Sons, and more recently, Wynland Boerdery.
Today, you can grab a basket and let the kids pick the luscious strawberries growing in the fields. They can also enjoy mini-golf, face painting, tractor rides and pony rides.
- Location: R44, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
- Contact: 021 881 3222
5. Wine farms in Stellenbosch to visit
A visit to Stellenbosch would not be complete without stopping at some of the region’s many wine farms. There are more than 200 wine and grape producers in the region.
You will find the winelands of Stellenbosch offer you a variety of wining and dining experiences in a picturesque setting. You don’t need an excuse to enjoy scenic views while sipping on some of the best wine in the world!
Some popular farms in Stellenbosch include Quoin Rock, a storied Stellenbosch wine estate in the Knorhoek Valley, the Lanzerac Wine Estate and Hidden Valley Wines, among many others.
6. Camping sites in Stellenbosch
Camping near Stellenbosch is an ever-popular pastime with few hidden gems that offer beautiful camping grounds for the whole family to enjoy.
SCAS Eiland Campsite & Training Centre is equipped to host groups, camps, events and seminars. It is located in Stellenbosch’s stunning Jonkershoek Valley.
- Location: Jonkershoek Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Contact: 021 866 1433
Orange-Ville Guesthouse is the latest addition to Orange-Ville Lodge & Guesthouse and offers a 4×4 campground for those of you who like more simple and adventurous experiences.
- Location: Swart Street, Kylemore Road, Stellenbosch, 7599
- Contact: 021 885 1575
Nestled between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, in the highlands, the Bergplaas Resort offers excellent hiking trail runs and is conveniently situated for visiting wine farms and the historic town of Stellenbosch.
- Location: Old Helshoogte Rd, Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Contact: 060 713 7905
7. Markets in Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is also renowned for its weekend markets with a multitude of options for the family to browse and enjoy.
The ever-popular Blaauwklippen Family Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays with a strong emphasis on seasonal, local, organic and sustainable food, produce and items.
The beautiful vineyards and trees surrounding the newly updated Root44 Market offers live music, fantastic food and drinks and leisurely browsing.
The Stellenbosch Dorp Street Sunday Market has a lot of goodies and startups created by local entrepreneurs every Sunday.
8. Take a stroll in the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Gardens
Boasting more than 60 exquisite sculptures by celebrated local artist Dylan Lewis, the gardens at Mulberry Farm are not to be missed. The seven-hectare gardens took 11 years to complete and contain an array of native fynbos, Buchu, and Erica in addition to a visual feast of sculptures. If you’re looking for a peaceful and scenic escape from the bustling city, a visit to the Mulberry Farm gardens should definitely be on your list of fun things to do in Stellenbosch.
Times: Tuesday to Saturday | 8:30am to 5pm
Cost: Adults: R180 | Students & seniors: R120
Location: Klein Joostenberg Farm Muldersvlei Rd, 7550
9. Dorpstraat Gallery
The Dorpstraat Gallery places an emphasis on regional artwork and its exhibits frequently vary. A wide variety of paintings, sculptures, pottery and even jewellery are on display for visitors to enjoy in the heart of Stellenbosch.
Times: Tuesday to Saturday | 8:30am to 5pm
Location: Oude Bank, 10 Church St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7599
10. Eagle Encounters at Spier
Eagle Encounters, established in 2001, is a wonderful eco-tourism project in Stellenbosch. The project is focused on the rehabilitation of rescued birds, protecting wildlife and natural habitats. What’s more, the project is self-funded, and all proceeds go directly towards supporting their conservation efforts.
If you’re planning a family-friendly trip to Stellenbosch, be sure to check out Eagle Encounters as one of the things to do in Stellenbosch with your kids.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to witness these majestic birds up close while also supporting a noble cause.
Times: Monday to Sunday | 9am to 5pm
Cost: Adults: R90 | Students & seniors with ID: R75 | Children 3 to 12: R70
Location: Eagle Encounters at Spier, Spier Estate, Lynedoch Road, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.
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Picture: Unsplash
