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Province: Western Cape
Region: Winelands
Town: Wellington
Drive up Bain's kloof for a panoramic view across the Valley of Wellington. Visit the South African Dried Fruit shop, picturesque wine estates where wine as well as olive tastes is offered, enjoy hiking and horse trails from where breathtaking views unfold along paths with the most exquisite species of wild flower and see for yourself what excellent products are available at our well-known leather factories.
Wellington Tourism Bureau / Wine Route
PO Box 695 / 104 Main Road
Wellington, 7654 / 7655
Tel: +27 (0)21-873 4604
Fax: +27 (0)21-873 4607
E-mail: welltour@cis.co.za
Web Site: www.visitwellington.com
Major Attractions
Dried Fruit
South Africa's biggest packers and marketers of dried fruit. A wide variety of dried fruit and related products are for sale at their cash shop.
Leather factories (more than one)
Modelled on the Italian style, these small factories produces an exclusive range of shoes that can be purchased on the premises. A large selection of leather items is offered for sale. Browse and select anything from a key-ring to a brief-case.
National Monument: Bain's Kloof Pass
Wellington nestles at the foothills of the Hawequa Mountains and is also part of the route over Bain's Kloof Pass - a breathtaking winding pass through to the North. This pass was surveyed and built by Andrew Geddes Bain.
Wine Route
The fact that the majority of South Africa's vine-cutting nurseries are found in the Wellington area is due to the excellent soils and climate of the region. The Wellington Wine Route is small and compact and the members are within easy driving distance of one another. The Wine Route is known for its top quality red wines as well as old favourites like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.
Historical buildings
Originally known as Limiet Valley (border or frontier valley) the area became known as Val du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the Wagon Maker) towards the end of the 17th century when the French Huguenots settled here. The Old Market Building (where the tour starts), Dutch Reformed Church, Clairvaux and the Woudberg House (it ends) are just four of the 32 historical buildings that can be visited.
Outdoors and Sport
Mountain Bike Trials
Exciting mountain bike trail which run past 5 guest facilities through the foothills of the Hawequa Mountains and offers spectacular views over the Berg River Valley.
Horse Trails
On guided horse rides in the foothills of the Hawequa Mountains you can experience the fynbos, orchards and vineyards of the magnificent Wellington countryside.
Bainskloof Hiking Trails
There are a number of hiking trails and picnic places in the mountain and some of the most exquisite species of wild flowers can be seen at certain times of the year.
Rugby
Wellington offers ample sporting facilities. Apart from the Boland Stadium, administrative headquarters of the Boland Rugby Union, there is also an excellent golf course and swimming pools.
Sports
Other facilities also include those for tennis, cricket, squash, bowls, and hockey
History and Culture
Most of the historical buildings in town formed part of the Huguenot Seminary that Rev Andrew Murray started in Wellington. Through his influence Wellington became a well-known centre for education and missionary work in South Africa. The buildings are still in use today and their beautiful architecture can be viewed on the historical walking route through town. (Brochures available at Wellington Tourism Bureau)
Other interesting buildings not to be missed are the Dutch Reformed Church with Andrew Murray's statue and grave, the Huguenot fountain in Joubert Park, Wellington Museum, Ouma/Granny's House museum and the Anglo Boer Block House.
Another must for the tourist is a visit to Ouma/Granny's House Museum which houses a unique and priceless collection of days gone by. The most recent exhibition is that of the Anglo-Boer War with voorlaaiers, pictures, war discharge certificates, etc. Dating from the same war is the most southerly Blockhouse built to protect the railway line outside Wellington.
Eco/Wildlife
Limietberg Nature Reserve
The Nature Reserve streches over a part of the Boland Mountain range and contains 9 different hiking trails through fynbos rich areas. Bookings for hiking, picnics and camping to be made at Nature Conservation at (021) 945 4570/1.
ATTRACTIONS
Annabell / Lemon Tree clothing & gift shop - an ineresting range of clothes & gifts when you're looking for that something special.
Bainskloof Pass (1853) - National monument -Built by Andrew G Bain using convict labour & primitive tools. The Friends of Bain'skloof keep a watchful eye over its preservation. Cell. 082 728 0184 Welltour@mweb.co.za
Block House - Most southerly relic of the Anglo Boer war, built to protect the railway line.Tel 021-873 4604 Welltour@mweb.co.za
Colibri Towel Factory Shop - a range of towels at factory prices.Tel 021 864 3640. Fax- 864 1918. enquiries@industex.co.za. www.colibri.co.za
Continental China Factory Shop - a variety of china, glassware and gifts at factory prices. Berry farm products such as jams vinegar & preserves also on sale.
Die Vonds Snake Park - Centre for breeding of snakes 40 varieties & other reptiles .
Fynbos Horsetrails - Obiqualand tours offer specialised tours such as guided horse trails through the foothills of Hawekwa mountains. Beautiful fynbos, visits to vine-cutting nurseries , cultural tours and much
more.
Hildenbrand Wine & Olive Estate - Experience the ambiance of country life here - extra virgin olive oil made by hand on the cold press methode. Restaurant on
premises
Historical Walking Route - 1-2hour walk about town with a short description of some of our historical buildings. Brochure available at Wellington Tourism bureau.Tel: 021 873 4604. Fax- 873 4607
Ikhwezi Community Centre - supporting the crafts of the local community including hand woven carpets & tapestries, quiltwork, handcrafted textile prints with an African theme ie table cloths.Tel /Fax: 021-868 1707 . Ikhwezi@worldonline.co.za
Leeuwrivier Art Gallery - works of art by prominent SA artists displayed in a historical cape dutch homestead.
Limietberg Nature Resort - A number of day hikes, overnight trails and a camping site in the mountains. Permits for day hikes available at Wellington Tourism Tel: 021-945 4570. Fax: 021-873 4604
Ouma/Granny's House Museum - A beautiful little Victorian house with a unique and priceless collection of articles from days gone by. Open Fridays 9:00 - 12:30 otherwise by
appointment.
Redemption Fine Leathers - An exclusive range of shoes, handbags, belts & furniture modelled on the Italian style.
SAD (Dried Fruit) - Sa's biggest packers & marketers of dried fruit all for sale at the cash
shop.
Wellington Leather Novelties - A factory shop selling a variety of leather articles ie purses, belts, shoes, handbags.
Wellington Mountain Bike Trail - a 30 km mountain bike trail with spectacular mountain scenery. Suitable for experts and novices. Start at Diemersfontein Guest Farm. Permits available at the Tourism Bureau. Tel: 021 873 4604. Fax - 873 4607. welltour@mweb.co.za. www.visitwellington.com
Wellington Museum - Interesting exhibits & archaeological discoveries as well as other historical infoTel/fax: 021- 873 4710welmus@mweb.co.zawww.museums.org.za/welmus
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