Worcester lies in the heart of the Boland. It is the capital of the Breede Valley and the Care Capital of South Africa. It is a must-visit, for the town has a rich cultural heritage, spectacular views of mountain ranges, vineyards and orchards, Mediterranean summers and true Boland winters.
Here is a list of ten of the best places to stay if you decide to make your next trip to this neck of the woods:
Also read: Explore local cuisine and crafts at these markets in Worcester
Damas Guest Farm
At the foot of the Brandwacht Mountains, among picturesque vineyards, is Damas Guest Farm. The venue was established in 1996. Since then, the establishment has grown from a 70-seater restaurant to a multi-functional, family-run business. The Damas Guest House is a three-star accommodation, with ten en-suite units and one family unit. All units offer amazing views of the mountains, with private patios that lead into the garden.
- Cost: From R645 per person sharing
- Location: Kildana, Brandwacht Rd, Worcester
- Contact: 023 342 1477 | [email protected]
The Beckhuis
This iconic piece of the town’s history and heritage was originally bought in 1840 by local shopkeeper Daniel Laquerenne for R30. The building was erected in 1841. In 1970, the house was restored and turned into a museum. Then, in 1971, The Beckhuis was officially declared a national monument. Today, the property features a cafe and guesthouse. All the rooms are equipped with modern amenities, while guests can still experience the 1940s architectural style, such as thick walls, wooden shutters and original wooden floors.
- Cost: From R700 per person sharing
- Location: 21 Baring Street, Worcester
- Contact: 082 784 4395
Summerhill Guest Farm
Ideal for a family weekend getaway or even a business trip, this relaxing, peaceful and child-friendly farm is ideally situated for the exploration of the Breede River Valley. Summerhill is located about 5km outside Worcester. All units feature en-suite bathrooms, air conditioners, fridges, televisions and tea and coffee-making facilities. Three of the units are self-catering. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation facilities, including single, twin, double and family suites.
- Cost: From R675 per person sharing
- Location: C6 Brandwacht Road, Brandwacht, Worcester
- Contact: 023 347 3615 | 082 441 8029 | summerhillguestfarm@telkomsa
19th Hole Golf Villa
This large house is located just 3km outside Worcester. Guests can choose from seven bedrooms, each with a unique look and feel. The 19th Hole Golf Villa comprises four rooms on the top and three on the bottom. Guests also have the option of booking the entire house on a self-catering basis for family getaways or friends’ retreats.
- Cost: Starting from R520 per person sharing
- Location: 2 St Andrews Drive, Fairway Heights, Worcester
- Contact: 023 347 7726 | 072 906 3922 | [email protected]
Leipzig Country House
Leipzig Country House offers luxury accommodations in the heart of the Nuy Valley. Dine in the 1893 wine cellar and sip on wines produced on the farm. Experience country living like never before with a delicious farm-style breakfast, explore the valley on a mountain bike, take a dip in the pool or visit the tortoise garden. Either way, there is lots to do, see and experience.
- Cost: From R1 120 per person | From R1 670 for two adults | Children under two years: Free | Children aged three to 12 R370
- Location: Nuy Valley, between Worcester and Robertson
- Contact: 023 347 8422 | [email protected]
Kuruma Farm Cottages
Nestled among the Brandwacht Valley vineyards, just 7km outside Worcester, is Kuruma Farm, a 52-hectare piece of land that features permaculture. Owners Willem and Celeste moved to the farm in 2009 from Cape Town and now also offer a few introductory permaculture courses. Accommodation includes six cottages: one with two bedrooms and a lounge and kitchenette; two cottages with a queen/king bedroom; one loft cottage above the main house and two smaller studio-type cottages with one bedroom and a lounge and kitchenette. All cottages have en-suite bathrooms.
- Cost: From R700 per person | From R1 000 for two people sharing | R200 per extra person
- Location: Brandwacht, Worcester
- Contact: 079 504 9512 | [email protected]
The Habit Guesthouse
This tranquil getaway is a historical building that forms part of the Worcester Heritage Walking Route. The graceful architecture and design feature high-pressed ceilings and wooden floors, and each self-catering cottage adds to the overall serenity of The Habit. All the bed and breakfast accommodations feature en-suite bathrooms with private entrances and secure parking.
- Cost: Self-catering from R400 per person sharing for three people. Contact for pricing for occupancy for more than three people.
- Location: 6 Porter Street, Worcester
- Contact: 079 491 3586 | [email protected]
Protea Hotel Worcester Cumberland
This hotel has 55 guest rooms, including spacious family rooms and a presidential suite. Its ideal location offers guests easy access to many of the Breede River Valley’s attractions. The Protea Hotel Worcester Cumberland’s newly renovated De Breede Restaurant offers guests on-site dining, and patrons can also enjoy several of the hotel’s other amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, jacuzzi, sauna and squash court.
- Cost: From R 1216 per night
- Location: 2 Stocketstrom Street, Worcester
- Contact: 086 111 9000 | 023 347 2641
Fairy Glen Nature Reserve
Set at the foot of the famous Brandwacht Mountains and about an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Fairy Glen Nature Reserve is a tranquil getaway surrounded by fynbos vegetation. Its name is derived from the dragonfly, which used to fly over the Glen Valley, and it was reportedly so big that it resembled a fairy. Guests can get in touch with nature with scenic day trips, nature walks or even a picnic.
- Cost: Contact for prices
- Location: 56 Brandwacht Road, Worcester West, Worcester
- Contact: 082 220 2415
The Prime Spot Guesthouse
The Prime Spot Guesthouse is just that – the prime spot. Located on Church Street, the guesthouse is within walking distance from shopping centres, hospitals and restaurants in the Worcester CBD. Patrons can take in all the Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture of the town. The venue features six stylish en-suite bedrooms, each with private entrances and secure off-street parking or electric garages.
- Cost: From R650 per person sharing
- Location: 54 Church Street, Worcester
- Contact: 071 572 8609 | [email protected]
Also read:
Picture: Screenshot / Google Maps
