Malmesbury

Malmesbury is situated in the Cederberg in the Western Cape

Malmesbury is known as the Swartland (black land) from the rich black soil which becomes visible when the vast golden wheat fields are ploughed. Settlers were encouraged to make their home in Malmesbury because of a tepid sulphur chloride mineral spring, renowned for curing rheumatism. Malmesbury no longer attracts the ailing, perhaps because more pleasant, hotter springs are found elsewhere in the region. Still Malmesbury is a beautiful place to pass through.

With it’s extensive wheat fiels and vineyards, Malmesbury is the largest town in the Swartland. The town originally developed around a hot, sulphur spring in the valley of the Diep River (1742). Until the end of the 19^th century, Malmesbury’s hot spring drew many visitors seeking relief from a variety of ailments. Over time the baths fell in disuse, and today forms part of the De Bron shopping complex. Originally called Zwartlandskerk (the 5^th Dutch Reformed congregation in the Cape was established here in June 1745), the town was later renamed Malemesbury by the British Governor, Sir Lowry Cole, in honour of his father in law, Sir James Harris, First Earl of Malmesbury (21 May 1829). Wild flowers present a breathtaking sight during spring and attract visitors from all over the world to nature reserves in the region.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Tourism Bureau is located in the De Bron Centre, in an authentic mill building, near the town square where the mineral water feature can be found.

How to get there

Cape Town 65 km, Stellenbosch 60 km, Paarl 50 km, Atlantis 30 km, Melkbos 50 km, yzerfontein 60 km, Langebaan 90 km.

Altitude: 122 m

Average Temperatures

Summer 15,2°c – 28,4°c; winter 9,4°c – 19,5°c

Average Rainfall - 512 mm per annum

Mountains

Kasteel Berg, near Riebeek Kasteel

Rivers

Diep River

Banks

FNB, ABSA, Standard, Boland, ATM’s 4

HISTORICAL VIEW

Malmesbury Museum

Houses a photographic history of the town

Communion Well

(1750) A series of wells, around the Dutch Reformed Church, supplied water to members of the congregation who gathered here for holy communion on Sundays.

NATURE

Kalbaskraal and Riverlands Nature Reserve

Both these reserves are carpented with wild flowers during spring.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Christmas Light Festival – December

Christmas Market – December

Food & Wine Festival – June

Music Marathon – January

Agricultural Show – October

Sugarbird Bicycle Fun Ride – March

Bokomo Mills

The headquarters of the oldest milling company in South Africa, established in 1919, is situated in Malmesbury. Guided tours can be arranged to view the milling process.

Suikerbekkie Glazed Fruit Factory

The only fruit processing plant in the country to produce glazed fruit products. A small outlet on the premises sells gift packs and products direct to the public.

Visit the Swartland Agri Tourism Centre for a food and wine tasting experience – taste the wines of the Swartland Wine Route, as well as regional products at the Tourism Centre at the De Bron Centre

Swartland Wine Cellar

Situated on the R45, 3 km outside Malmesbury. Visit them for wine tasting and sales.

ACTIVITIES

Sport Malmesbury Golf Club

Nine hole course with grass fairways and bentgrass greens. One of the characteristics of this tree rich golf course is the beautiful view of Table Mountain. Visitors are welcome to make use of the facilities any day of the week.

Sporting Events

Riebeeck West PPC Marathon – August

Inter Cellar Marathon – April

WHERE TO STAY

Almond Bridge Country House

Droërug Guest House

A warm welcome awaits you on this farm in the heart of the Swartland, situated 6 km from Malmesbury. This comfortable getaway offers you the beauty and tranquility of the country, only 45 minutes from Cape Town. Enjoy the the comfort of the self catering, 4 bedroomed farmhouse,fully equipped with braai facilities. Ideal stopover on the way to the West Coast’s Flower Routes.

Accommodation in and around Western Cape