Darling

Darling is the heartbeat of the west coast region

Darling lies tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields. Named after Charles Henry Darling who came to the Cape as Lt Governor, the town is strategically well positioned only 75km from Cape Town along the West Coast road. The sea is but 23km away at the coastal town of Yzerfontein.

Darling is the perfect weekend getaway destination. Experience warm hospitality in intimate guesthouses or self-catering cottages where you will awaken refreshed and rejuvenated with spirits restored. Here you can still expect to see a horseman cantering through the streets on a Saturday afternoon. A gaggle of geese might waddle across the street to forage in the neighbours garden.

If you want a place to eat we reccomend a visit to Karen Basson who serves dinners and lunches on her farm, Lelieblom in Darling.

A funeral procession is accompanied by the consolatory gospel sounds of a traditional brass band, the Bethlehem Crusaders.

Lovingly restored Victorian homes and ancient trees make an idyllic setting. Keeping vigil over the village is the homestead of Langfontein, the original farm on which Darling was founded in 1853. Although traditionally known for its spectacular wildflowers, Darling has so much more to offer visitors.

The mean annual rainfall of the Darling area is 600mm. Most of the rainfall occurs from April to the end of August. The mean temperature during the summer is 24 degrees C.

Darling is becoming a new discovery area of modern Cape wines and already some of the regions wines have achieved the highest critical acclaim. Lovers of good wines are invited to visit award-winning Alexanderfontein, Groote Post, Darling Cellars as well as Darling Wine & Art for tastings and sales.

‘Flower of the West Coast’

Groenkloof, the name of the area in which Darling is situated, dates back to 1682 when standard bearer Oloff Bergh, pioneer explorer, undertook a journey to the north through the heavy sands of the West Coast. Darling, named after Charles Henry Darling, who came to the Cape as Lt Governor in 1853, was founded on the farm Langfontein in 1853. Many of the historic farm names and homesteads still exist and the signal cannon that now has pride of place in front of the Municipal building, was erected on Klipberg in 1734 to warn burghers of impending danger. The small, delightful town of Darling,

Situated 75 km from Cape Town, is world famous for it’s flowers. With no less than four wild flower reserves in the area, the town boasts an annual wild flower show (during September) and with over 300 species then in full bloom, the area turns into an extravaganza of colour and beauty. Apart from it’s vineyards, wheat fields, dairy and sheep farms, Darling is also home to the largest orchid nursery in the southern hemisphere.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Cape Town 65 km

Annual Rainfall

600 mm and occurs mostly from April to the end of August

Average Temperatures:

Summer 24°c

HISTORICAL VIEW

Art Gallery

The museum houses an Art Gallery featuring the works of local artists. An ‘Art Walk’ takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month. Visitors have the opportunity to visit the homes and studios of Darling’s artist community.

Darling Museum

Also home to a Darling Publicity Association, the museum was founded to preserve the town’s butter-making industry. The museum, which is funded by the residents of the area without government support, is also open on Sundays. Visitors can browse around the various sections which contains clothing, furniture and utensils of a bygone era, complete with an old classroom, a kitchen, a sitting room and an agricultural section. The butter museum covers an entire section, detailing the beginning of butter making and the history of the Darling Creamery. There are many different types of large old wooden churns and unique wooden butter-washing machines amongst the fascinating variety of implements.

Hildebrand Monument

The memorial to Field Cornet CP Hildebrand of the Boer Forces ‘Maritz Commando. Darling was the most southerly village to which a Boer commando penetrated during the Anflo Boer War (1899-1902). The white marble gravestone has been incorporated in the memorial needles (1939).

Lime Kilns

(15 km from Darling)

The lime Kilns which are situated on the road to Yzerfontein were used to burn shells for making lime.

Mamre Route R307

Mamre Mission Station was established in 1808 by the German Moravian Mission Society. The missionaries built a church, school and watermill, which is now a museum.

NATURE

Wild Flower Reserves

Contreberg Reserve

On the Darling / Mamre Road – Renosterveld and vlei flora. Rare specimens.

Oudepost Farm

Some 3 km from Darling at the T-junction to Malmesbury Road. Road conditions permitting, you may drive into the vlei. Wonderful scenery.

Slangkop Farm Reserve / Tienie Versfeld Wild Flower Reserve

The botanical reserve, located outside Darling, is well-known for it’s spectacular display of wild flowers each spring. The reserve has no accommodation facilities. Other facilities include a network of short walkways. The reserve is open throughout the year.

Waylands Farm

Some 6 km from Darling. Road conditions permitting, you may drive into the vlei but must keep to the beaten track.

ATTRACTIONS

Arts & Crafts

Darling Art Gallery

Earth Craft Studio

Evita se Peron

Antiques (MB Furniture)

Nicholaas Maritz Studio

Jenni Jewels Studio

Baskets For All

A factory in Darling which produces a variety of hand made baskets, as well as handling gift packaging for the public and business. Visitors are welcome to visit the factory and showroom and purchase the basket of their choice.

Darling Cellars

Approximately 16 km from Darling. A large variety of quality wines are sold on the premises at very reasonable prives.

Duckitt Orchard Nursery

On the farm Oudepost, the largest in the southern hemisphere. Open to public May to November. Appointments only. An annual orchid show takes place during the 3^rd week of September.

Evita se Peron

Well known theatre in town

Through the looking glass

Coffee shop with a difference.

Wild Flower Show

The show is held during the 3^rd week of September each year (since 1917). Tractor rides to fields of wild flowers, traditional meals, flea market stalls, approximately 300 species of wild flowers on show.

ACTIVITITIES

4x4 Route

Oudepost 4x4 Route

Horse Riding

Smuts Equestrain centre

WHERE TO EAT

Through The Looking Glass

A place to hang out and meet the locals, a coffee shop with a difference – books, internet, pre-booked dinners, local art, jazz afternoons and country fare.

Accommodation in and around Western Cape