Compelling Reasons To Visit Villiersdorp
Posted by The Cape Country Meander on Thursday, January 30, 2014 with No comments
You really do need to see for yourself why Villiersdorp is more than a convenient stop en route to somewhere else. Historically dwarfed by the mega pull of it’s more famous neighbour, Franschhoek, this quietly humming country gem has all kinds of stop and stay curiosities for jaded travellers. It’s practically spilling over with fascinating history and there are plenty of nature and outdoor activities for the whole family, including cosying up to an Alpaca.
Hitting the water
VIlliersdorp is conveniently close to the Theewaterskloof Dam, South Africa’s seventh largest, which means the town is fast becoming a homing signal for water sport enthusiasts. Public visitors are welcome to come and do some keel boat, multi hull and dinghy sailing. You can also do some power boating, jet skiing, water skiing, kite surfing, and windsurfing. The dam’s water expanse is so large that anglers won’t suffer wayward sailors, skiers or surfers. In any case, the Theewater Sports Club (link to website) firmly believes in enjoyment for all while conserving the natural environment and respecting the individual rights of its users.
Back in the day
Some of the residents are descendant of French Huguenots who escaped persecution in France in 1685. The town owes it’s name to a chap called Pieter de Villiers (not the Springbok rugby coach) on whose original farm, Radyn, one of the original water mills still exists today. Villiersdorp Cellars boasts the oldest cellar in the Cape Overberg and it’s well worth booking a guided tour. The old stone Anglican Church in Union Street has its very own burial vault. You certainly won’t want to be creeping around at night. These are just a handful of the town’s historic highlights.
So much to do so little time
Browse the craft shops and art galleries or purchase some wine. Venture out and do some wine tasting in the surrounding area and stay on for some lunch. Try the Akkedis mountain biking and hiking trails. Make friends with an Alpaca at the Heldestroom Alpaca Farm (link to website) just outside Villiersdorp. Pop in to local eateries for some bistro style or home made country food or just meander around and pop in somewhere for a coffee. Villiersdorp is the kind of place you can just sit and admire the gorgeous tree lined street and watch the world go by.
Where to lay your hat
This is not the place to come and have the duplicitous charming, country town experience with a Vegas stay over. There is an array of accommodation options and you’re bound to find one that suits your expectations of comfort and budget. Villiersdorp offers everything from camping and self-catering cottages to B&B’s, country lodges and luxury guesthouses. Regardless of where you opt to stay, you’ll get a warm welcome from your hosts. Villiersdorp is that kind of friendly town.
For more information visit www.villiersdorptourism.co.za or www.capecountrymeander.co.za.
 |
| Old stone Anglican Church |
Hitting the water
VIlliersdorp is conveniently close to the Theewaterskloof Dam, South Africa’s seventh largest, which means the town is fast becoming a homing signal for water sport enthusiasts. Public visitors are welcome to come and do some keel boat, multi hull and dinghy sailing. You can also do some power boating, jet skiing, water skiing, kite surfing, and windsurfing. The dam’s water expanse is so large that anglers won’t suffer wayward sailors, skiers or surfers. In any case, the Theewater Sports Club (link to website) firmly believes in enjoyment for all while conserving the natural environment and respecting the individual rights of its users.
 |
| Theewaterskloof Dam: Seventh largest in South Africa |
Back in the day
Some of the residents are descendant of French Huguenots who escaped persecution in France in 1685. The town owes it’s name to a chap called Pieter de Villiers (not the Springbok rugby coach) on whose original farm, Radyn, one of the original water mills still exists today. Villiersdorp Cellars boasts the oldest cellar in the Cape Overberg and it’s well worth booking a guided tour. The old stone Anglican Church in Union Street has its very own burial vault. You certainly won’t want to be creeping around at night. These are just a handful of the town’s historic highlights.
 |
| Oude Radyn (1844) with original wooden gutters |
So much to do so little time
Browse the craft shops and art galleries or purchase some wine. Venture out and do some wine tasting in the surrounding area and stay on for some lunch. Try the Akkedis mountain biking and hiking trails. Make friends with an Alpaca at the Heldestroom Alpaca Farm (link to website) just outside Villiersdorp. Pop in to local eateries for some bistro style or home made country food or just meander around and pop in somewhere for a coffee. Villiersdorp is the kind of place you can just sit and admire the gorgeous tree lined street and watch the world go by.
 |
| Tree lined streets |
Where to lay your hat
This is not the place to come and have the duplicitous charming, country town experience with a Vegas stay over. There is an array of accommodation options and you’re bound to find one that suits your expectations of comfort and budget. Villiersdorp offers everything from camping and self-catering cottages to B&B’s, country lodges and luxury guesthouses. Regardless of where you opt to stay, you’ll get a warm welcome from your hosts. Villiersdorp is that kind of friendly town.
For more information visit www.villiersdorptourism.co.za or www.capecountrymeander.co.za.
Categories: All, Villiersdorp
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