Things to Do in Jutland

Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre is one of the most unique and awe inspiring settings for performances in the Overberg. A towering Eucalyptus forest circles the intimate 600 seater-arena which has been hewn from farm timber in its entirety. Performances are specifically chosen to match the natural acoustics of the venue.Pack a picnic basket, purchase estate wine and come enjoy an evening of entertainment with great stars, under the stars!Only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town International.Need to know? Blankets, cushions and warm jackets are recommended. Seats are unreserved on a first come, first served basis. Limited table bookings available at an additional cost. (For table bookings call 021 8440605).

Nestled in the pristine and tranquil Kogelberg Biosphere you will find one of the best kept secrets of the Cape Overberg. The Elgin Grabouw Country Club boasts spectacular views of the surrounding Hottentots Holland, Nuweberg and Groenland Mountains. Combined with the waterfront ambiance of the Eikenhof Dam and the extensive pine forests, this venue will leave you with an overwhelming sense of tranquillity and enchantment. The surrounding mountains are immensely popular with hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers and the Country Club acts as the “gateway to the great outdoors” in that it is the ideal base for excursions into the surrounding mountains. Bring the whole family for a wonderful day out in the Overberg.

Harbour Road Village offers interesting shops including pottery, bric-a-brac, shabby chic furniture and clothing, restaurants and a view of the sea.

Tee off on one of the top golf courses in the Western Cape. Arabella is a classic parkland course with spectacular views across the Bot River Lagoon and the Kogelberg Mountain Range. It is also home to the annual Nelson Mandela Invitational Tournament. The Arabella Golf Course in South Africa is ranked by Compleat Golfer magazine as the number one golf course in the Western Cape. It is also featured in Golf Digest’s USA’s Top 60 courses outside of America in 2007. A round of golf here is truly an exceptional experience.

The incredibly scenic Harold Porter Botanical Garden is situated between the coast and the mountainside. The garden is renowned for its waterfalls, amber pools, deep gorges and abundant birdlife. Deep in the heart of the fynbos region, it is one of the best places to explore coastal fynbos. And its vast – there are 10 hectares of cultivated fynbos as well as 190 hectares of natural fynbos! Keen hikers should lace up their boots and hit the Leopard Kloof Trail. The 3 km round trip leads through fern forests and up to a waterfall. You’ll need to get a permit and pay a key deposit. Need to know? Opens at 08:00, closes at 16:30 on weekdays and at 17:00 on weekends and public holidays. The parking area closes at 18:00 in winter and 19:00 in summer. Keen gardeners can purchase plants from the indigenous plant nursery.

Situated on the Whale Coast in the little coastal village of Gordon's Bay, the family friendly Bikini Beach is one of Cape Town's six Blue Flag Beaches, indicating a high level of water quality, facilities, cleanliness and safety. Along the False Bay coastline there are four Blue Flag Beaches, these are Mnandi Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Standfontein Beach, and of course Bikini Beach at Gordon's Bay right out on the easternmost side of False Bay. Bikini Beach is an excellent swimming beach as the water is usually warm, calm and clear. Named after the numerous bikini clad Stellies students (Stellenbosch University) who are regulars, this intimate little beach has its own particular charm. Surrounded by the craggy Hottentot's Holland mountain range on one side and the harbour breakwater on the other, Bikini Beach is a good option when the wind is howling. From Bikini Beach you have a never-ending view of the entire False Bay which curves in a huge arc from Gordon's Bay right round to Cape Point at its westernmost extremity. The shops are not far away and there are good changing room facilities. Also on the eastern shore of False Bay is Gordon's Bay Beach and Strand Beach, which are both great family beaches.

Walk through an original historic migrant labour hostel. The only preserved hostel in the Wesrtern Cape, Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum is a memorial to the system of migrant labour, single sex hostels and the control of black workers through the identity document which controlled the lives of black South Africans under apartheid - the infamous pass book.The museum reminds residents and visitors of the horrific living conditions that the migrant labour system imposed. Lwandle was established in 1958 with hostel type accommodation for workers in the nearby fruit and canning industry. These hostels were only intended for single men. Hostels provided very basic accommodation with four to six men occupying a small confined space, with an entire block sharing rudimentary ablution facilities. In the 1980s, as the control of the flow of people from rural areas was eased, these hostels became even more overcrowded. Facilities were not provided to sustain the increased population.With the onset of democracy in South Africa, the ANC led government turned the hostels of Lwandle into family type accommodation. Residents of the area felt that at least one hostel should be preserved to sustain a memory of how the system of apartheid had operated and decided to establish a museum. On Workers Day (1 May) 2000 the museum was officially opened by the poet and ex-Lwandle resident, Sandile Dikeni. The museum's exhibits commemorate the trials, tribulations and triumphs of migrant workers and hostel life in Southern Africa. Here you can learn more about the migrant labour system, walk through an original historic hostel, meet members of the community and view the whole township on a guided walk.

Morgenster Estate is a thriving olive and wine farm, producing Bordeaux-style wines and award-winning extra virgin olive oil and olive products. The vineyard specialises in four red wine cultivars and our forte is blending. More recently, this winery has also planted small quantities of Italian varieties Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. Morgenster has a host of olive products from the olives themselves to extra virgin olive oil and olive pastes for sale. The olive farm was named "Mill of the Year 2007" – the highest credential for olive producers.

Officially part of the Helderberg Wine Route, Vergelegen is undeniably the best reason to visit the town of Somerset West. Not only are the Cape Dutch buildings national treasures, but the estate produces a range of South Africa's best wines.A notorious history precedes the grandiose estate, primarily built by Dutch East India Company slaves brought by the governor Simon van der Stel. Today the farm is owned by a subsidiary of the large mining company Anglo American, who restored the farmhouse to its original magnificence.Stroll through the massive grounds planted with chestnut and camphor trees. Beautiful ponds and streams make this one of the most tranquil places to picnic or chill out in. The interpretative centre provides an interesting overview of the history and environment of Vergelegen.Open daily 9:30am – 4pmLady Phillips Restaurant: 021 847 1346.

Lourensford Estate offers a lot more than just wine – you can embark on a unique sensory and tasting experience. Nibble delicious nougat, chomp truffles and over 40 different types of chocolates or eyeball, sniff and sip at the wine tasting and more. There’s also a world class cheesery, coffee roastery, charming River Garden Deli & Eatery as well as an art gallery. At Lourensford there’s something for every connoisseur.

Host of the World Cup 1996 and South African Airways Open 2003 and 2004, Erinvale is considered one of the best residential golf courses in South Africa. Designed by legendary course designer and golfer Gary Player, the course features many of his distinctive immaculate challenges.Stunning views, well established shade trees and the substantial attention to maintenance of the fairways elevate this course to world-class standards.The first nine holes are on the low lying part of the estate and the second nine are on higher, rolling ground. The standard of the gorgeous shaped greens and beautifully consistent putting surfaces remains throughout.All in all Erinvale promises a superb experience when you play a round of 18 on this outstanding layout in the Winelands.

Initially a wild flower garden, the 407-hectare Helderberg Nature Reserve was proclaimed a reserve in 1960 to preserve an important enclave of Mesic Mountain Fynbos.Along with the incredible plant diversity, the reserve has a rich fauna. Visitors can experience bontebok grazing at any time of the day and some 169 species of birds have been recorded. Look out for three types of tortoise – the mountain tortoise, the angulate tortoise and the padloper.There are several lovely walking trails, of which only the Brown Route is non-circular. Facilities in the reserve include an information centre, plant herbarium, gift shop, indigenous nursery, resource centre, walking paths and benches, Oak Café restaurant, picnic area, facilities for the disabled and ablutions.

With its five kilometre long stretch of white sand, Strand Beach is a perfect family beach for swimming, sunbathing and a variety of marine sports. There’s even a tidal pool for anyone who is not brave enough to plunge into the mellow surf.And if its waves you’re after, there are a number of surf spots to suit every level of surfer. Wannabee surfers can grab a lesson or two in gentle waves with Stand Surf School - 083 232 4822.Although the beach is mostly sandy, there are two rock pools frequented by rock and surf anglers at low tide.The town of Strand lies right next to the beach with a plethora of beachy restaurants and drinking spots. Access to the beach is easy and parking is never a problem.

Pringle Bay beach is a stunning long and wide beach with sugar white fine sand. This beautiful sandy beach is surrounded by sand dunes on the one side and the ocean on the other. It is set against a backdrop of mountains covered by unique fynbos. It's a great place to watch the sun set over the distant Table Mountain.

Somerset Mall offers 204 stores and everything it takes to give families from Somerset West and as far afield as Mossel Bay a safe, fun-filled entertainment environment, alongside a superior browsing and shopping experience.

Ogle hundreds of sensual stone effigies made by Zimbabwe’s talented Shona artists. Art Creations Africa is one of southern Africa’s largest exhibitors and exporters of the famous “Hard Rock" stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. Regular exhibitions are held at top hotels, art galleries, wine estates and botanical gardens around the world. See the Art Creations Africa collection at their gallery in 43 Almond Drive, Helderberg Estate, Somerset West. Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:30 and weekends by appointment only. + 27 (0) 21 855 0131 www.artcreationsafrica.com

The Bouchard Finlayson Boutique Winery remains a leader in producing world class Pinot noir wines from South Africa. Growing on the slopes of Galpin Peak in the Walker Bay region, with Hermanus being the nearest town, repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to reflect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting, endorsing the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (Heaven and Earth) as a jewel in the terroir search for excellence with this illusive grape. Peter Finlayson was the first modern day winemaker in this valley. With his accumulated wine making knowledge he has been instrumental in the primary effort of putting the Walker Bay wine region on the map. Apart from their Pinot noir, they produce outstanding Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnays, a zesty, fresh white blend (Blanc de Mer) and an Italian, French red blend (Hannibal).Visit the estate for a wine tasting experience in their old world cellar and take a wander around the winery bragging exceptional views of both valley and ocean.Need to know? Tasting Room Hours: Mon - Fri 09:30 - 17:00, Sat: 09:30 - 12:30, closed Sundays and public holidays.AwardsGalpin Peak Pinot Noir 2008 - Decanter South African Pinot Noir trophy 2009Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 - 91 points Wine Spectator Jan 2009Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2007 - Class Winner at Winemakers' Choice Diamond awards 2008Tête de Cuvée 2006 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - Trophy Winner at Old Mutual Trophy Awards 2008Tête de Cuvée 2005 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 'Wine of the Year' John Platter 2008Tête de Cuvée 2005 Galpin Peak Pinot Noir - 5 stars John Platter 2008Hannibal 2006 - Gold Medal (class winner) at Michelangelo International Wine Awards 2008

Beautiful well-maintained and managed nature reserve approx 15km from Stellenbosch. A favourite for Stellenbosch residents and well worth the visit. Offers an amazing array of trails suitable for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers. The trails will suit the novice to the most experienced athlete. Stunning waterfalls and rivers are easily accessible and make an ideal picnic excursion for the family. Cash required to pay for entry permit at the gate.

Situated in the Kleinrivier Mountains on the northern side of Hermanus, Fernkloof Nature Reserve incorporates mountain fynbos as well as a pocket of evergreen forest. A 60 kilometre network of trails provides the opportunity for people to go out and enjoy some exercise and fresh air. These trails offer stunning panoramic views of Walker Bay, the Hemel en Aarde Valley and Maanskynbaai.The reserve is a haven of biodiversity with 1474 species of plants recorded. Parts of the coastal area including the Cliff Path Nature Area, the Mossel River valley and the area from De Mond to Kettle Point, including the mouth of the Vogelgat River and part of the Klein River lagoon have recently been incorporated. This means that the coastal area with its unique fynbos, the mountain fynbos as well as the sensitive lagoon area is now linked.Keep your eyes open to spot grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, klipspringer, baboon, mongoose and dassie. Birds that you are most likely to see are Cape sugar birds, sunbirds, rock thrush and rock jumpers. Raptors include the jackal buzzard and black eagle. You can also spot seed and insect-eating species such as Rameron pigeons, canaries, flycatchers and white-eyes in the patches of forest alongside streams.Need to know? Fernkloof Nature Reserve is open from 7am to 7pm.

The sleepy little coastal town of Hermanus hides a treasure trove of quality gemstones and pearls, sterling silver and a dash of gold. All handcrafted pieces are made in Franschhoek, South Africa.Need to know? Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm; Sunday, 10am - 5pm ; Saturday, closed.