Once known as Pampoenkraal (‘Pumpkincorral’), Durbanville is one of the oldest municipalities in the Western Cape, established in the early 1800’s. The town was named Durbanville in honour of Sir Benjamin D’Urban, Cape governor from 1834-1838.

HISTORICAL VIEW

Clay Museum

Set in beautiful garden surroundings, this old Cape Dutch complex (1850) has over the years served as prison, magistrate’s court, school and private residence. Today it houses an exhibition of works by prominent South African ceramicists, the Oude Meester Collection, Lynnware and ethnic pottery.

King’s Court

A Victorian house dating back to 1890.

20 Oxford Street

Possibly the oldest dwelling in Durbanville, dating back to the 18^th century and now housing a restaurant.

Onze Molen (Old Mill)

One of only two existing windmills in Cape Town.

Rust en Vrede Cultural Centre

An old Cape Dutch complex dating back to 1850. Set in a beautifully landscaped garden, it originally served as a prison, Drostdy (magistrate’s court), school, and ultimately, as private residence. Works displayed by South African ceramicists and De Oude Meester collection. Open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:30 and Saturday to Sunday 14:00 to 16:30.

NATURE

Durbanville Nature Reserve

In this reserve, located in the heart of Durbanville, nature lovers will find species of the highly endangered Renosterveld. Coastal fynbos and Mountain Fynbos side by side. Rare and endangered species like Aristea lugens (from the Iridacea family) and Serruria Brownii are found here. This is a bird watcher’s paradise, with unusual species that thrive in this combination veld habitat. Picnicking is permitted and guided walks can be organized.

ATTRACTIONS

Durbanville Rose Garden

The town is renowned for it’s world famouse rose garden, containing over 800 varieties of roses. In the flowersing season, this garden is a sea of colour with roses of all types. Some of them more interesting are hybrid teas, Floribundas, miniatures, ‘English’ roses, shrubs, climbers and old heritage roses. The garden is always open to the public and cream teas are served in the clubhouse on Sunday afternoons from October to May each year.

Durbanville Wine Route

Pampoenkraal Restaurant

Enjoy traditional seafood directly off the braai while relaxing under the large oak trees.

ACTIVITIES

Cape Turf and WP Racing Club

Racing on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as polo and gymkhana competitions and practices.

Horse Riding, Gymkhana and Polo

Durbanville is a paradise for horse lovers. The race course grounds are also home to the Cape Hunt and Polo Club. Today it is well known for national and international events in polo, polocrosse, dressage and other equestrian events.

WHERE TO STAY

29 Hartebees

Self catering 3 bedroom house. Main bedroom with en-suite bathroom. Two other rooms with two single beds each. Fam. Bathroom. Large tiled lounge leading onto a pation with built in braai. Swimming pool, attractive open plan kitchen / dining area. Fully equipped – stove, fridge / freezer and microwave oven. Lockup garage with automatic washing machine. Linen and towels provided. Satellite TV.

WHERE TO EAT

Bloemendal Restaurant & Cellar Theatre

Nestled in the hills overlooking the vineyards of Durbanville, with spectacular views stretching from Robben Island to the magnificent Hottentots-Holland mountain range. Bloemendal offers mouth watering traditional South African cuisine; a unique Cellar theatre; Conference Facilities and a Cigar Bar.

Accommodation in and around Cape Town