Top Reasons To Visit Swellendam

If you have been following me on Instagram, you will know about my recent trip to Swellendam. I also wrote about my remarkable discovery of a wonderful hidden gem, Stonehill River Lodge. Today I am expanding on the area a bit more and sharing my Top Reasons To Visit Swellendam.

For me, Swellendam was always merely a pitstop en route to Knysna but no longer! After spending more time there {but still not enough I might add} I have changed my opinion! There are so many things to do in Swellendam, which is why I intend to return soon. I will, however, share a few things, which you need to add to your “must-do-list” when you next visit Swellendam.

Top Reasons To Visit Swellendam

The quaint town of Swellendam is situated on the Garden Route, in the Western Cape and is approximately 218km from Cape Town, which makes it a journey of just under 3 hours by car. The area forms part of the beautiful Overberg Region and is extremely photogenic!

As I mentioned previously, Swellendam is a great stop-over if you are travelling up the Garden Route and would like to break up the trip. It is, however, so much more than that though, so do yourself a favour and stay long enough to explore the area properly!

These are a few of my top reasons to visit Swellendam:

Explore

Naturally, the best way to find out more about a new place is to explore, explore, explore! There are many fun experiences to be had in Swellendam and the surrounding areas.

Bukkenburg Pottery Studio and Showroom.

On my recent trip to the area, I had a creative and very inspiring visit to the Bukkenburg Pottery Studio and Showroom. Run by David Schlapobersky and Felicity Potter, the studio, situated in the heart of the town, has the most beautiful garden setting. David and Felicity have been making pots together since 1973, which in my mind is pretty darn impressive! In 1996, seeking a change of pace, they re-located to Swellendam, from the bustling city of Johannesburg.

We are the sum of our experience and all who have preceded us, and our commitment embraces an approach implying that life and work are indivisible” ~ Bukkenberg 

The peace and tranquillity of the environment in which they now live are reflected in their craft. Their more recent work has benefited from technical innovations, such as the move from a gas to an oil-fired kiln, which has allowed them to introduce subtle and exciting effects into their pottery. After having a turn at the potter’s wheel, it is clear that pottery is a skill which requires both patience and focus – both areas I need to work on!

The Drostdy Museum

If it is history, you are after then a visit to the Drostdy Museum should be on your agenda. The Museum is a collection of historical buildings, set on extensive grounds and includes a typically nineteenth-century Cape garden. It is considered to be one of South Africa’s finest museums.

Built in 1747, the Drostdy served as the official residence and seat of the magistrate of Swellendam – the most important building in town for years. In 1846 the government sold the Drostdy, and the property was subdivided. In 1855 the former Drostdy was bought by the Steyn family, and it remained in the hands of this family until 1939, when it was purchased by the government of the Union of South Africa to establish a museum.

This collection of charming buildings is of great architectural value, making the Drostdy Museum a leading historical museum. It is renowned for its excellent collection of late 18th and early 19th century Cape furniture.

Wildebraam Berry Estate

A visit to Wildebraam Berry Estate is a definite must! Wildebraam is a Youngberry farm, nestled in the Hermitage Valley, approximately 2km from Swellendam. Not only are you able to taste some “blow-your-head-off” chilli products but the farm also produces delicious relishes, chutneys, atchars, olives and mustard. Their cellar also produces a range of liqueurs, which we had the opportunity of tasting. Among them, my two favourites were the Youngberry and Lemon liqueurs. Other than liqueur and deli tastings, offered from Mondays to Saturdays, Wildebraam also offers accommodation in the form of several lovely, fully equipped farm cottages.

The Rain Forest Day Spa

If you need a bit of pampering, then a visit to The Rain Forest Day Spa is vital. The spa menu offers relaxing and de-stressing treatments, catering for amongst others, couples, brides and pregnant moms. There is a comprehensive menu featuring wraps, masks, scrubs and delectable oils. The day spa is located next door to the Rain Swellendam store and will transport you to an imaginary rainforest. Rain Africa are also renowned for their fantastic bath and beauty products, produced in a small rural factory in the village of Swellendam. This well-known brand is internationally accredited with Fair Trade and Beauty without Cruelty status. 

Other activities in the area include Felix River Adventures, the Sulina Faerie Sanctuary, the Bontebok National Park and Viljoensdrift Fine Wines and River Cruises, to name but a few.

Eat

The area has a wonderful variety of places to eat out – yet another great reason to Visit Swellendam!

Woodpecker Deli Pizzeria

We had a wonderful lunch at Woodpecker Deli Pizzeria in Swellendam! The restaurant’s architecture (Cape Dutch style) is in keeping with the heritage of the original building (Woodpecker Cottage) circa 1835. Woodpecker Pizzadeli was carefully planned to blend in with the historical surroundings aesthetically. The restaurant opened its doors in December 2004 and has become well known in the business of making excellent pizzas! Woodpecker Pizzadeli offers a relaxed and vibey dining experience and is famous for it’s thin based pizzas, delicious chicken and pork schnitzels, a variety of pasta dishes, salad selection and kiddies menu.

Our lunch included a selection of the delicious dishes on offer – the pizzas were indeed excellent, but my favourite dish was the Salmone Pasta! Woodpeckers Pizzadeli offers both indoor and outdoor seating. They make great cappuccinos and espresso coffees and have a good selection of Overberg wines. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and is fully licensed.

Tredici

One of our regular stops for lunch en route to Knysna has often been Tredici, which is situated just as you enter Swellendam off the N2. The interiors, inspired by local cape Dutch elements, are a combination of chic French and homely Italian. You will find great coffee, sumptuous breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as a delicatessen stocked with delicious baked goods. Tredici is open 7 am – 6 pm Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesdays.

Drostdy

Another restaurant which caught my attention was Drostdy. The main draw for me would be the magnificent view of the Langeberg mountain range. It looks like the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious Cheese & Meat platter, tapas and a glass of bubbly! Hosted in the historic Zanddrift building at the Drostdy museum in Swellendam, it boasts a unique display of an impressive private Coca-Cola memorabilia collection, which is indeed worth viewing!

Also on my list is the Old Mill Restaurant, which also has a guest house. The restaurant offers a diverse a la carte menu which is inspired by traditional Afrikaans cuisine, as well as international recipes. They offer a selection of imported Belgian Beer and some of the best local wines. The Old Mill Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Last but not least, I would have to mention The Conservatory Restaurant at Schoone Oordt and Restaurant 1723 at Jan Harmsgat!

Sleep

There are a vast number of boutique hotels, guest houses and self-catering options to choose from in Swellendam. As I mentioned, we stayed at the Stonehill River Lodge, which is just outside of Swellendam.

Shoone Oordt Country House

My family and I also spent one night at Shoone Oordt Country House on a previous trip up the Garden Route. Schoone Oordt Country House is one of the top boutique hotels in Swellendam! They offer guests a choice of 10 luxury bedrooms set in lush gardens, an intimate Conservatory Restaurant and a sparkling saltwater pool. Their passion for people, family, food, wine and the environment, is most apparent and you are instantly made to feel at home! The charming hotel offers romantic & intimate, as well as family-friendly accommodation – our girls really enjoyed their stay and especially loved the company of the resident dogs. My only wish is that we could have stayed longer.

African Shades B&B

On my most recent trip, we stopped in at African Shades B&B for breakfast. The B&B located in the heart of the historic town is opposite the Drostdy Museum complex. Breakfast was a wonderful feast, and the service was warm and friendly! B&B guests can choose from six spacious, en-suite rooms, which are all set back from the main road. You can expect super comfortable beds, separate entrances and private patios. In the heat of summer, you can relax by the secluded saltwater swimming pool, with views of the Langeberg Mountains. African Shades coffee shop is fully licensed and perfectly situated under the shade of the large oak trees. I can well imagine lingering for a glass or two of wine! They are open for breakfast and lunch.

Jan Harmsgat Country House

A spot which has been on my radar for a while now,  which I have recently stayed at is Jan Harmsgat Country House. This charming country house, promises to indulge guests with an unprecedented experience in an authentic country setting. The original meter-thick walls, yellowwood detail, and authentic “Overberg” style are in keeping with the history of the building, while every modern convenience is made available to guests. This exclusive country house is on a historical, working wine, fruit and game farm, situated between the towns of Swellendam and Ashton on the R60, at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. Accommodation housed in three separate buildings, being The Original Wine Cellar (main house), The Slave Quarters and Van Eeden House. Each has its own distinctive style and history.

Another motivation for visiting Jan Harmsgat would be to enjoy lunch or dinner at Restaurant 1723! The lunch and dinner menu frequently changes, as the kitchen utilises fresh produce grown in their garden. All overnight guests can indulge in a delicious Jan Harmsgat Breakfast, which includes fresh fruit parfait topped with homemade muesli and yoghurt, followed by a hot breakfast of their choice, freshly squeezed juice and fresh brewed coffee or tea.

I certainly hope I have motivated you to spend time exploring this wonderful area and given you a few compelling reasons to Visit Swellendam soon!

Information source: Swellendam Tourism

Images: ©Inspired Living

Disclaimer: I enjoyed some of the experiences mentioned in this post as part of a media trip, as a guest of Swellendam Tourism. This post is not sponsored, and all the opinions are my own. To see more read my full PR & Disclosure Policy below.