Things to Do in Claremont

Fondly called Newlands Cricket Ground by locals, Sahara Park Newlands in the Southern Suburbs is something of an institution in the Mother City. Considered one of the most stunning cricket venues on the globe, Sahara Park is home to the Cape Cobras and is a regular Test Match venue, carrying a seating capacity of 25 000. The beautiful grounds neighbour Newlands Stadium and are backed by gorgeous views of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak.

Kenilworth Center is a conveniently located shopping mall off the M5 freeway. Nestled centrally in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town it attracts shoppers from the cosmopolitan surrounding area. You can shop away with over 120 stores to visit.

Headquarters of the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province Rugby squad, the grand old Newlands Rugby Stadium is one of the three oldest rugby stadiums in the world. Set in the ultra-green suburb of Newlands, Newlands Rugby Stadium has a capacity of 51 000 with steeply elevated stands affording maximum visibility and electrifying viewpoints. Cape Town's three Premier Soccer League clubs also utilize the facilities for their inter-club matches.

The Baxter Theatre Centre provides an exciting forum for the celebration of life which is the essence of live theatre, music and dance. It is one of the major live theatre venues in Cape Town and has always been at the forefront of the performing arts both as a popular venue and as a leading producer.The Baxter Theatre Centre at the University of Cape Town endeavours to present and host the best of South African performing arts. The objective is to reflect the cultures of all the people of South Africa on our stages and in our galleries. The Baxter Theatre strives to present cutting-edge and major works from South Africa and masterpieces from the international repertoire. Since its opening in 1977 the complex has continued to provide a stage for all types of professional entertainment - music, drama, ballet, opera and intimate theatre. Even through the difficult years of racial segregation its doors remained open to everyone and it thrived, drawing on indigenous talent and creating a uniquely South African theatre tradition.

The University of Cape Town, fondly called UCT, presides over the southern suburbs and Cape Flats from its lofty position on the slopes of Devil’s Peak on Table Mountain. UCT's setting and beautiful historic buildings make it one of the most attractive universities in South Africa.Famous students who have walked its halls include Prof Christian Barnard, the heart transplant surgeon and three Nobel Prize laureates – the writer JM Coetzee, Prof Alan MacLeod Cormack and Sir Aaron Klug.Visitors often walk from UCT to Rhodes Memorial. Another popular spot is the ‘Jammie steps’ leading up to Jameson Hall. These steps used to be the hub of many heated political protests and debates during the Apartheid regime.

The multitude of Grecian-style columns and host of lion sculptures on the slope of Table Mountain is something of a curiosity. This rather grand, shrine-like structure goes way beyond being a memorial to the imperialist Cecil John Rhodes but it’s a great place to go for tea and take in the magnificent view of bustling Cape Town towards the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains. Built on the site where Rhodes liked to sit and ponder his future, it was a short ride on his horse from his home at Groote Schuur, where the famous hospital now lies. Rhodes Memorial Restaurant is open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.

World famous for its wines, Groot Constantia Estate is one of the earliest proclaimed wine farms in the Cape and also a National Monument and prospective UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still producing award-winning wines today, it is a magnificent example of South Africa's heritage. Groot Constantia Manor House is a museum that epitomises Cape Dutch architecture and a wealthy nineteenth-century homestead. Also worth a visit is the attractive Cloete Wine Cellar which has also been converted into a museum, this time with an emphasis on wine and brandy making in the Cape. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the magnificent grounds or enjoy a meal, picnic or deli food from the two restaurants, Simon's Restaurant and Jonkershuis Restaurant. Need to know? Situated in the heart of the Constantia Wine Route, Groot Constantia is open seven days a week, including public holidays. Closed only on Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The wines of the Estate may be tasted and bought every day from 09:00 – 18:00.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It comes as no surprise that Kirstenbosch has been voted one of the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic Magazine. The rolling lawns, over 7 000 plant species and indigenous plants and the rugged slopes of majestic Table Mountain all add up to an experience like no other. Picnicking on the lawns has become a national pastime, particularly when the summer sunset concert series packs the concert lawn to capacity. But even in the winter months, on a sunny day, the blankets and baskets roll out as families enjoy the heritage and beauty that makes the Garden so special. “We rank up there with the world’s top seven botanical gardens and being recognized by one of the world’s top magazines is a proud moment”. said Curator Philip le Roux. See travel.nationalgeographic.com. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. The Visitors' Centre includes an information desk and various retail outlets and a nursery. The Centre for Home Gardening has outlets for plants and other services to support the home garden. There are also several restaurants and coffee shops at Kirstenbosch. On Sundays during the summer months from December to March, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns. Craft markets are also held at the Stone Cottages (opposite Kirstenbosch) on the last Sunday of every month (except June, July and August). Physically challenged visitors should contact the information office in advance to book a wheelchair or one of the golf cart/shuttle tours. A number of trails lead through natural forest and fynbos surrounding the developed garden. A map is obtainable from the Information Office for a small fee. Open 365 days a year 08:00 – 19:00 (September to March) and 08:00 – 18:00 (April to August).

This all white minimalist space features innovative exhibitions showcasing some of South Africa's rising young talent as well as established artists. UCA Gallery regularly curates conceptual and visual artists in solo and group shows. Their dual focus is to promote Cape Town talent and bring in other vibrant artists from other parts of South Africa to the Mother City.Need to know? Gallery hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm | Sat 9am - 1pm

A shooting star in Observatory These Four Walls gallery has risen out of its humble beginnings as a series of affordable art exhibitions operating out of a small flat in Woodstock. Thanks to the overwhelming success of these exhibitions, the owners came to realise that there was indeed a gap in the Cape Town art market for a space that offers inexpensive, desirable and beautiful artworks in a semi-informal atmosphere.Our vision is to bring to the buying public a gallery that excels at exhibiting artwork that people want to live with and can afford to own.These Four Walls creates a space that is not completely defined. It is a space that can change and adapt with and to a variety of art and exhibitions in which the overwhelming sense is of honesty and integrity. Two elements which tend to be forgotten in the cut-throat world of art.It is a place to visit, be welcomed, and enjoyed, even if only for a fleeting five minutes.

The legendary Old Biscuit Mill is something of an institution in the Mother City. It has the vibe of a warm-hearted country hamlet situated in the middle of the bustling suburb of Woodstock. This vibrant spot is home to night and day markets, dynamic office spaces, workshops and designer stores, delicious farm-stalls, decadent cafes as well as an awesome line-up of festivals and events. 'The Mill' is also a place where people share, collaborate and show off their heart-felt passion. Explore the Mill and meet some of South Africa’s most talented designers, artists, photographers and connoisseurs of fine taste and décor. Where? 373 - 375 Albert Road, Woodstock

An exciting new theatre in Cape Town’s legendary District Six, The Fugard, is home to the internationally acclaimed Isango Portobello Theatre Company - an exciting example of what can transpire when local talent and vision meets committed international support.The Fugard is located in the historic Sacks Futeran building with the original decommissioned Congregational Church Hall in Caledon Street as its entrance. The theatre is named in honour of Athol Fugard, South Africa’s greatest playwright who will be present at the inauguration. The 270 seat theatre complex, including a rehearsal studio, foyer space, dressing rooms and office space, is a transformation of two warehouse spaces and the original Congregational Church Hall.

A unique combination of cultural and military history, exhibitions and military ceremonies awaits you at the Castle of Good Hope. Also experience the dungeons, dolphin pool, blacksmith, cannon fire, horse and carriage rides and above all the tranquil atmosphere of the Castle of Good Hope.Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, better known as the VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), this pentagonal fortification replaced a small clay and timber fort built in 1652 by Commander Jan van Riebeeck, founder of the maritime replenishment station at the Cape of Good Hope. The oldest building in South Africa, it is steeped in history but moving with the times.The Castle lends itself to many present day activities, such as open air concerts with Table Mountain as a backdrop, film and fashion shoots as well as a variety of venues for corporate functions and conferences.Guided tours are conducted by Castle guides from Monday to Saturdayat 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00. Traditional ceremonies take place during weekdays.The Key Ceremony was performed in the Castle from its earliest days and depicts the unlocking of the Castle of Good Hope. This ceremony takes place at 10:00 and 12:00 during weekdays.The firing of the signal cannon directly after the Key Ceremony is symbolic to indicate the significance of cannons at the Castle of Good Hope.The Castle Guard performs both these ceremonies. The Castle of Good Hope opens daily at 09:00 and closes at 16:00.

Appropriately named Buitenverwachting, which means "beyond expectations", this stunning farm is steeped in history and forms part of the original Constantia Estate which was founded by Governor Simon van der Stel. Buitenverwachting captivates with an alluring blend of the Cape, outstanding cuisine and handcrafted wines. Buitenverwachting’s internationally acclaimed wines boast great complexity with unique aromatic profiles. Overlooking the vineyards and Constantiaberg Mountains, Buitenverwachting Restaurant matches the winemaking excellence and is consistently rated amongst the top ten restaurants in South Africa. The menu changes daily and only the finest, fresh produce is procured. During the summer months visitors can indulge in a pre-booked picnic basket served under the old oak trees in the beautiful gardens. Wine tasting and sales: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 13:00.

Retro décor, spaciousness and the hippest bands have earned The Assembly its reputation as one of the hottest nightspots in the Mother City. Catch anything from live electronics, punk, rock, indie, jazz, ska, pop, comedy or the coolest new acts at The Assembly! The enormous pimped loft has a great vibe with awesome lighting, seating and a huge bar. You'll always find the hip set here and the venue is often used for big parties.

Retrieving a six may involve something of a grapple with a grape in this little corner of Constantia Uitsig where they play cricket. Situated on the Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, several hectares of lush vineyards and the Constantiaberg define the boundaries of Constantia Uitsig Cricket Oval and Pavilion.

The Mother City's 'One-Stop-Shop of Creative Excellence' is situated between Table Mountain and Table Bay. The Artscape Theatre Centre is home to the Artscape performing arts company and includes the Opera House, Theatre, Arena, Piazza and News Café. Originally established 40 years ago as the official performing arts council for the Western Cape, Artscape has today developed into a vibrant, multi-functional creative arts centre, offering exceptional venue facilities and specialist theatrical services. With its close proximity to Cape Town's central business district, the new International Convention Centre and the V&A Waterfront, Artscape is ideally situated to serve the Cape's performing arts, film, tourism, entertainment, conference and exhibition industries. Artscape Opera House auditorium is the largest theatre in the Western Cape and seats 1187 and offers a variety of productions from contemporary opera to ballet, large scale musicals to semi-staged orchestral performances. Artscape Theatre auditorium seats 540 if the pit is not utilised. The size of the orchestra pit determines the number of seats. The Artscape Arena theatre was originally the right side of Artscape Theatre. The raked auditorium can seat up to 140 people. A cosy bar at street level offers opportunities for intimate art exhibitions and private parties. DF Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town +27 (0) 21 410 9800

Originally part of Simon van der Stel’s original grant of Groot Constantia, the award winning Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate is one of Constantia’s ‘Big Five’. Not only does it produce superb wines but it is also the home of three world-renowned restaurants, a private cricket oval, spa and a small luxury hotel. Need to know? Situated at the entrance to the Estate, the Wine Shop offers informal tastings of the Constantia Uitsig Wines throughout the day, Monday to Sunday, free of charge. Opening times are Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 17:00.

Get aerial and go up in the cableway for awesome panoramic views of Cape Town - the most spectacular sights are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 10 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensure that all passengers get a 360 degree aerial view of the city. The cable cars depart every 10-15 minutes weather dependant. What to see Your ascent to the top of Table Mountain takes just under 10 minutes and offers you a 360 degree view of the city. Once on top there are over 2km of pathways leading you to views over Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island the Cape Flats and the Cape Peninsula. There are also short walks available or you can join one of free guided tours daily at 10h00 and 12h00. Walks on top of Table Mountain Dassie Walk Offers you spectacular views north, west and south. Agama Walk This popular route has been specially chosen to give you spectacular 360 degree views of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula. Klipspringer Walk This walk offers wonderful views, along the plateau edge to above Platteklip Gorge. In summer you can see the sunshine conebush in full flower. Table Mountain Café Situated right on top, Table Mountain Café offers a trendy menu that caters for the changing demands of the Cableway's visitors. Menu items include pizzas, gourmet burgers, and harvest rice bowls (meals of the day) that showcase Traditional South African cuisine. A selection of pre-packed light meals are available from the gourmet deli. Meals may be complimented with a selection of fine wines. A wide variety of pastries, speciality teas and coffees are also on offer from the coffee bar.

One of Constantia's 'Big Five' wine estates, this grand daddy of the Cape Winelands lays claim to a fascinating history. At the gate of Klein Constantia Estate is the Kramat (shrine) of Sheik Abdurachman Matebe Shah, linked in oral traditional to the last Sultanate of Malacca. Banished to the Cape after capture by the Dutch in Sumatra in 1661, he and his companion Sheikh Mahmoud, were confined to the forests of Constantia. Situated on the eastern slopes and foothills of Constantiaberg, Klein Constantia Estate has idyllic conditions for producing grapes with ample fruit flavours. Klein Constantia produces an array of varietally labelled premium wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and small quantities of Semillon, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Blends include flagship red Marlbrook and flagship white Mme Marlbrook. Try their most famous and admired wine – the Vin de Constance, a re-creation of the legendary sweet Constantia.