Somerset West is ideally situated and it’s just a short drive from a very upmarket mall. It’s close to the Winelands with beaches nearby, excellent restaurants to chose from including family restaurants. Lush and green, there’s also abundant birdlife.

A short business strip took us back to one of our favourite destinations. Unfortunately, we spent our time in meetings this time, but we are familiar with the area and have spent many memorable trips in the Stellenbosch/Somerset West area - our son studied at the university for 7years. It is a relaxed version of Cape Town - and if need be , Cape Town is only 40 min away. I would like to retire in Somerset West one day ! Ted and Wilna Burden - East London

We only stopped for one night, getting out early for our trip. So no comment on Somerset West is reasonable.

Somerset West is perfectly placed on the edge of the winelands, within easy reach of Cape Town and all the tourist areas. Many fantastic places to eat and enjoy the local produce.

We love Somerset, it is such a neat town.

Close to Cape Town and Stellenbosch and other towns. In general lovely place to stay.

I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the suburb where our guest house was

The shopping centre has a great vibe! and we love to go to the shopping Mall for wonderful restaurants and shops that have lots to offer the shoppers, then after that there are the movies to choose from, Somerset West is my favourite place!

Somerset West has every thing that is offered in Capetown and still has that rural feeling with friendly helpful people Beautiful shops and boutiques for that special occasion as well as good restaurants with still South African prices. For the handy man everything that he can wish for The keen seamstresses can buy all materials and accessories they need All specialist medical services are available and there is no need to travel to Capetown any longer

A good clean area, a very nice place to be. I enjoyed my little holiday during the easter weekend very much. Johnny Oor

Somerset West is a beautiful holiday destination only a 30 minute drive from Cape Town International Airport toward the Helderberg Basin. Surrounded by the Hottentots Holland and Helderberg Mountain ranges creating a majestic backdrop that make you appreciate creation and the true beauty of the Cape. It is only a few minutes away from the very popular Strand / Gordon's Bay area, with its family friendly beach and swim area.

somerset west is a beautiful part of cape town,i went for holidays with my family in 2011 december.We had fun with my family because Somerset West is within easy reach of several beaches,we experienced the warmth of strand beach which is popular with families.Somerset West Mall is big and have a lot of shops to shop around,really is most fun-filled entertainment environment.I'll recommed others to come spend holidays with their families,it is a very welcoming warm place.

This is a must have experience where old meets new and where you can still find Charm mixed with eligence, down the street where a night market is just happening. Yet the piece and quite is all around you with the most beautiful Mountain ranges surrounding you where respect of each other is a fundimental must be.

Somerset West, in itself, has many attractions for the visitor, be they single or a family, looking for upmarket luxury or a budget holiday. Should these attractions wane, the visitor can easily explore different areas of the Western Cape every day, by choosing a new direction out of town, so centrally located is Somerset West!

A most exciting and adventurous town I visited in the Western Cape, South Africa. Located between the Helderberg Mountains and the ocean and surrounded by vineyards, olive and fruit orchards, golf courses, a nature reserve, craft markets and many varied other attractions like an animal sanctuary and hiking trails. It is a picturesque town steeped in historic significance, yet modern and appealing to every taste and provides excitement and adventure for all ages. A mall which caters for a shopper’s paradise and the area’s numerous restaurants that satisfies and delights every culinary interest. Never a dull moment. I will always return. Simply stated, Somerset West provides excitement and adventure, every day of your stay!

Somerset West is overlooked by the imposing Helderberg (meaning "clear mountain"), a part of the Hottentots-Holland range of mountains. The land was initially bought from local people and a cattle post was established here by Dutch soldiers in 1672. The town developed around the Lourens River and the farm of Vergelegen (Dutch: "remotely situated"), an 18th-century farmhouse built in the historic Cape Dutch style by governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel and his son Simon. It was named Somerset after an English governor of the Cape Colony during the 1800s, Lord Charles Henry Somerset Somerset West is ideally located for any kind of holiday or visit. From here you can start fascinating day trips and have fun, be active or relax in nature. Travel along the coast to the direction of Hermanus and watch the whales in season. Go to the th enearby beaches in Strand or Gordon’s Bay for sunbathing, walking or water sports (kite surfing, angling, swimming….). Take a trip in a boat or go cable water skiing and knee boarding. Ride a horse or walk or hike through spectacular countryside. The Helderberg Nature Reserve, a 363 hectare natural wildlife preserve opened in 1964, contains a wide variety of smaller fauna (birds, buck, tortoises, and other reptiles) and outstanding specimens of indigenous flora such as protea and fynbos. Take a blanket and have a picnic at the lawns or read a book. Go cycling, mountain biking or on a tour with the motorbike. Visit the Cheetah Outreach Program or go wild in Monkey Town. Taste wine at renowned wine estates with Vergelegen, Lourensford and Morgenster situated next to each other. The area between Somerset West and Stellenbosch also encompasses many vineyards and wineries Take your clubs and hit some balls either at the driving range or one of the many golf courses in the area. Somerset West contains a number of sporting facilities indoors and outdoors. Dress up and go to the local theatre for an awesome show. Swipe your credit card and go endless shopping at the Somerset Mall until your feet hurt and then you sip a delicious cup of coffee. Indulge at top of the range restaurants available for different tastes and budgets. The Helderberg Lights Festival (aka the Strawberry Festival) is drawing people in December into Main Road with its decorative display of Christmas lights. These are just a number of things to do and there is always more.

A lovely area to visit, 35 minutes from Cape Town, away from the hustle and bustle, close to Gordon's Bay and Stellenbosch.

Situated ideally in the center between the historic Stellenbosch Winelands and Mountains and the beautiful view over the Beach and the ocean, you will find Somerset West! Come and enjoy our Helderberg Nature Reserve for long walks, scenic views and pure nature feeling. Pamper yourself with the Heart of Helderberg Wine Tasting experience, that takes you to 3 of our famous Wine Estates to enjoy Wine, Cheese, Chocolate and Olives. Want to go shopping? Somerset Mall with nearly 200 Shops is right here! Want to go to beach? Only 10 Minutes away! Looking for the closest airport or City? Only 30 minutes to CA Airport and 40 min. to CA City. Small Cafe's and various Restaurants with multi cultural cuisines giving you choices for each day! Somerset West - the place to be!

Why go to the Karoo for a holiday of peace, tranquility, activities, ocean, restaurants, etc. when you have it all in and around Somerset West! Hiking, Horse riding, farm life, Bird watching, Game parks, lovely restaurants, nightlife, shopping centres, the ocean, restaurants at the beach... Somerset West is an all in one destination which is not to be missed!

Originally known as Somerset Village, Somerset West offers residents a peaceful community feeling in a pristine natural setting. While the town is steadily growing and becoming increasingly commercial, it has retained the charm that it had when it was first established. Somerset West and in general the False Bay coastal area was inhabited by indigenous people, named the Strandlopers (beach combers). Most of the land was claimed by the then Governor of the Cape Willem Adrian van der Stel, appointed by the Dutch East India Co who were in control of the Cape, and he created the farm Vergelegen on which he lived until 1708. The farm was later sub divided. During the time the Cape was under British control the farmers working Vergelegen farms requested permission to build a church from the then Governor of the Cape, Sir Charles Somerset. This was granted and with the subsequent buildings going up around the church a village was created and this was named after the Governor Lord Charles Somerset as Somerset, later to be renamed Somerset West so as not clash with a similarly named town in the Eastern Cape, Somerset East. Today, Somerset West is the commercial and residential capital of the Helderberg area The Erinvale Course in Somerset West, designed by Gary Player, South Africa's famous Grand Slam champion, is very special. Here, the Golf World Championship took place in 1996. Well-known South African landscape architects - sensitive to the golfers' needs - created the right mixture of culture and nature. The views across to the Hottentots Mountains are breathtaking. The first nine holes in the valley of the Lourens River close to the old wine estates are comparatively easy to play, although a lot of water and several bunkers require an accurate drive. The second nine holes go up the slopes of the Helderberg, form a wide curve and come down again. On the whole one of the most beautiful course in Somerset West. Somerset West Golf Club. The origins of the Somerset West Club date back to 1903, when a piece of railway line drawn by 4 oxen, cleared enough bush and mole-runs to allow for a 9 hole 'course' which eventually gloried in the name of Paarde Vlei Golf Club. Our greens are fairly large, and under bent grass they are always in very good condition (weather permitting). The course is currently 5166 metres long, and while it appears flat and easy, it is deceptive. Seven of the holes have water perils and most greens are guarded by bunkers or hillocks. A wide range of accommodation is offered in Somerset West, from five star hotels to guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, self-catering chalets and camping facilities. All the major banks are represented in the Somerset West with foreign exchange credit card and travellers cheque facilities. A large modern shopping mall is within easy reach with over 190 shops ranging from large departmental stores to exclusive boutiques, restaurants, hairdressers, cinemas etc. Somerset West boasts two well equipped hospitals, one being a private clinic, plus several retirement villages with their own frail care facilities. Wine Route: Situated directly on the wine route, the Helderberg surroundings have a lot to offer. The personalities of the wines produced in the Helderberg area are influenced by the proximity to the ocean and the cooling summer sea breezes. The soils too, which are amongst the finest in the region, has a marked effect on the growing and the nurturing of these vines. The distinction and uniqueness of the wines are mirrored by the viticulturists and winemakers, who craft their vines and wines in the Helderberg. Their dedication to their craft is reflected in the numerous awards bestowed upon the members of the Helderberg Wine Route in recent years. World-famous wine farms like Vergelegen, Morgenster, Helderbrau Brewery, Eikendal, Cordoba, and Somerbosch are in close proximity. These farms produce top quality wines that visitors must savour on their visit to our beautiful region. One of the reasons that real estate buyers choose Somerset West property is its incredible natural surroundings. Activities in the area are plentiful and allow visitors to take full advantage of this beautiful area. Somerset West property owners will never be at a loss for activities to while away the hours. The Cape Winelands are renowned for offering gourmet food and some of the best wines in the world. In Somerset West, there are several opportunities for property owners to enjoy wine tastings at some of the town’s surrounding wine farms. Nearby are Strand and Gordon’s Bay, both of which offer powder white beaches. The water off the shore is warm and safe for swimming and families regularly spend the day soaking up the sun. The Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West: Directly at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain is a huge nature reserve inviting guests for walks. The Reserve extends from the lower slopes of the Helderberg at 80 metres above sea level to the West Peak at an elevation of 1003 metres. Fynbos, the indigenous Cape flora, makes up the greater part of the Reserve's vegetation. The area is rich in bird life and visitors can also get a closer look at the bontebok grazing in one of the Reserve's lower camps. Sir Lowry's Pass: Constructed at a cost of 7 011 English Pounds, the pass was opened on 6 July 1930. A viewing point offers panoramic views of the entire Helderberg basin. The viewing point offers amazing views of False Bay and large parts of the Cape Peninsula. The summit of the pass is also a popular launching spot for paragliders.

Somerset West, which is close enough to the center of Cape Town to be convenient and far enough to be away from the hustle of the big city. Somerset West is in the middle of some of the most beautiful landscape I've ever seen. Mountains surround the town and the vineyards are only a few miles away, as is a beautiful white sand beach. Enjoying the wonderful S. African wines from Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl is absolutely a daily routine while staying in Somerset West.

Somerset West has always been popular as a residential area. Life is quieter here at the foot of the Helderberg, away from the rat race of the city, bordering on the beautiful winelands and close to the warm waters of the False Bay. Somerset West has thrived and is now the commercial and residential capital of the Helderberg Basin whilst maintaining its village atmosphere. Lying on the slopes of the Helderberg, the town has a panoramic view of the False Bay coast and the resort towns of Strand and Gordon’s Bay. It forms an integral part of the Winelands Region as it is close to Stellenbosch and its wine route and also a short drive to Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek.

A place of outstanding beauty with sea and mountains all around. There is great shopping, wonderful restaurants, wonderful wine routes, historical homesteads, hikes, an amazing craft market, art aplenty, and yet the area radiates peace.

Lovely area to explore the winelands, Strand and Gordon's Bay and the coast. Lots of activities like good hikes, mountain biking and more. Good restaurants in the area.

So lovely and clean, will be back to recapture the tranquility and piece.

A great base from which to explore the whole Cape and Overberg.

Somerset West is a great location for a holiday as it is close to all other areas for you to explore, such as Stellenbosch, Strand and Gordon’s Bay. Look out onto the Helderberg mountains draped in wine farms, or out onto the Indian Ocean. A beautiful escape for those that enjoy wine tasting.

Beautiful town. Close to all scenery like Cape Town, wine farms, airport and the sea!

Baie lekker omgewing om vakansie te hou, en skoon. Very nice place to have a holiday, and clean.