Head out of Cape Town and within an hour’s drive, you’ll find the perfect escape for the whole family in the rural Boland town of Wellington.
Start off your visit with an educational visit to the Wellington Museum in the heart of this quaint village before heading off to several venues that are supremely family-friendly and will entice younger visitors.
Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate boasts magnificent views of the surrounding mountains with a hearty Italian eatery, ice cream parlour, sprawling lawns, kids’ splash pad and play centre to keep the kids entertained, while the adults enjoy the customary Val du Charron hospitality and award-winning wines.
The Stone Kitchen at Dunstone Estate is another venue that dials it up for families with its bistro-style dining, informal wine tastings and a great kids’ menu. A large soft indoor play area includes a Lego table, climbing wall and mini-kitchen, while kids can enjoy the jungle gym, mini golf or soccer, swings, slides and more outside.
Imbuko Wines is also geared to keep kids busy outside, while adults enjoy palate-pleasing wine tastings. The farm is also home to the weekly Wellington Parkrun on Saturdays, when the whole family can join the 5km walk or run on this working wine farm.
Discover unspoilt nature and enjoy a leisurely picnic in Bainskloof Pass, which features the biggest rock pool in the Western Cape, hidden waterfalls and secret swimming spots and hosts the only population of Scottish trout in the country.
If you want to get the family closer to nature, visit the cuddly creatures at Quenti Alpaca or go for a game drive at Bontebok Ridge Reserve to appreciate South African wildlife in their natural habitat. This guided experience is the ultimate showcase of the rich bio-diversity of the area.
