Galleries and Museums
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Newlands Have you ever wondered how the Mother City got flour for her daily bread? Visit the Josephine Mill Museum for a trip back to a bygone era. This darling of the Cape Town Historical Society was restored in 1988. The fine iron waterwheel turning once again supplying the surrounding community with freshly milled, stone ground flour, just as it had done, for so many years before. Today the Mill is a fun destination that not only honours a precious piece of Cape History, but also respects the traditions of the community, an awareness of natural and organic living and responsibility to the environment.Plans to turn the museum from a small display of recovered artefacts into a stimulating exhibition of the stone milling process are well underway. A major challenge is to recreate the original watercourses to supply the waterwheel and harness the power of the Liesbeek River. Mill pundits and scholars alike will be offered a rare insight into the methods and equipment devised to industrialise the production of flour. The Mill Museum will offer an intriguing exhibition of stone milling in process, and showpiece the history of power and its evolution from water to steam to electricity - and back again.
Popular Attractions
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Newlands 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).
Spa and Wellness
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Newlands Angsana Spa is an award-winning Asian spa brand that opened its doors in South Africa in 2005.
The five double treatment rooms boast a luxurious Asian style, and the two deluxe rooms have steam and shower facilities overlooking Table mountain. In addition there are five single treatment rooms and one Rainmist treatment room.
The refreshing blend of unique treatments are done with natural products using native flowers, fruits, spices and herbs.
There are a variety of specials and pakacges available for both men and women, as well as the angsana Spa Gallery which offers exclusive spa products such as essential oils, incense sticks, and body, foot and hair toiletries.
Things to do near
Newlands
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Shopping Malls
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Claremont (1 km from Newlands) Cavendish Square Shopping Centre offers the perfect excuse to go shopping! This award-winning shopping mall is considered the premier fashion destination in the Southern Suburbs. Encompassing more than two hundred and fifty of the most elite stores in the country. Shoppers can find a wide selection of restaurants, 16 cinemas, including foreign feature films and 5 Forex Banks all conveniently situated in a safe and secure indoor shopping environment.The most recent development to the centre is Cavendish Connect. This exciting redevelopment has stores spilling out across Dreyer Street, transforming The Link into Cavendish Connect and adding many more stores. The new development now brings you international concept stores, fashion boutiques, trend-setting lifestyle emporiums and a range of mouth-watering restaurants and cafes.When its time to take a break, shoppers can now also sit beneath the maples in Dreyer Street, the green hub of Cavendish cafe culture or walk across to Connect by sky bridges linking the first floors of Cavendish Square and Cavendish Connect.Cavendish also recently launched a fully re-loadable gift card that takes the hassle out of choosing what gift to buy; shopping has just been made so much easier!Trading hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00, Sundays 10:00 – 17:00, Public Holidays 09:00 – 19:00.
Bars Nightclubs
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Claremont (1.2 km from Newlands) Tiger Tiger offers a premier night-time experience in Claremont, Cape Town.
The club comprises 7 luxurious bars in a luxurious and warm setting. The club sports a commercial and hip scene, with music variety that will keep you moving throughout the night. Probably the most popular club in the area, Tiger Tiger Claremont has been frequented by movie and sport celebrities alike. Keep an eye on the news for local events and daily specials.
Dress code : collared shirts and smart shoes (no trainers/sneakers of any sort).
Popular Attractions
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Rondebosch (2.4 km from Newlands) 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.
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (2.7 km from Newlands) Skeleton Gorge offers one of the steepest but loveliest routes to the top of Table Mountain. Starting from Kirstenbosch, the trail climbs through dense indigenous forest and passes a waterfall.
Wooden ladders have been placed at steep sections. Be prepared to do some scrambling over slippery rocks. After emerging from the forest, look back to see the knockout views across False Bay.
At the top of Skeleton Gorge, follow Smuts Track towards Table Mountain. From here, it’s jaw dropping cliff-top views all the way to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. On a clear day you’ll have 360-degree views over the entire Peninsula. From Maclear’s, the walk to the Cableway Station is flat and easy. Other options are retracing your steps or descending via Platteklip Gorge.
Duration: 4 hours (not so fit)
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 km
Warning: Avoid this hike during or after heavy rain
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (2.8 km from Newlands) From Kirstenbosch Main Entrance, head up Smuts Track until you reach a sign marking Constantia Nek to the left and Newlands Forest to the right. Keep heading up into the forest; don’t turn left onto the Constantia Nek trail.
Continue until you reach the Contour Path and Skeleton Gorge and take the Contour Path to the left. This route offers awesome views of Kirstenbosch and across the Cape Flats. You’ll see some magnificent proteas and mountain fynbos. The trail eventually ends at the Cecilia Forest entrance on Constantia Nek.
Duration: 2 hours one way
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (2.9 km from Newlands) Park at Rhodes Memorial and take the path at the top left of the parking area. Head up the hill to the King’s Block House, a 1796 stone lookout post with commanding views of False Bay and the Castle. From here, the route follows the Contour Path, a trail that extends in both directions towards Kirstenbosch or the face of Table Mountain.
Continue for 2 – 3 hours along the Contour Path through to Newlands Forest and lovely sections of indigenous forest before eventually reaching Kirstenbosch. To maximize the trail experience, continue past Skeleton Gorge waterfall until you reach the Smuts Track and Yellowwood Trail junction. Continue down to Kirstenbosch from here.
Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours one way
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 km
Photo source: en.wikipedia.org
Popular Attractions
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Devils Peak (2.9 km from Newlands) 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.
Galleries and Museums
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Rondebosch (3 km from Newlands) 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.
Galleries and Museums
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Rosebank - CT (3.2 km from Newlands) Irma Stern was a major South African artist who achieved national and international recognition in her lifetime.
Established in 1971, the museum is in fact the house of the late artist. The permanent collection at the Irma Stern Museum shows Irma Stern's development as an artist, with subject matter including exotic figures, portraits, lush landscapes and still lifes conveyed in a variety of media. Upstairs you'll find a collection of more commercial items by contemporary artists.
A temporary exhibition programme is arranged annually and visitors can enjoy the garden. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00.
Shopping Malls
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Kenilworth (3.5 km from Newlands) 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.
Wine Estates
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Constantia (3.8 km from Newlands) 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.
Racecourses
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Kenilworth (3.8 km from Newlands) Backed by the dramatic slopes of Table Mountain, Kenilworth Racecourse looks out on the spread of the Hottentots Holland range – a setting unrivalled in the country. But it has not rested on its geographical good fortune; it has done everything possible to make the racecourse physically and aesthetically more appealing.
It has built a second round course and today the two round courses, bisected by a 1 200-metre sprint course – the three converging in front of the main grandstand – make Kenilworth unique. They also offer what many consider to be the best going in the country.
The courses are complemented by the new Club Stand and the Grandstand, which is constantly being renovated. Set in park-like surroundings, each provides excellent viewing and luxurious betting and catering facilities close to the horses.
Hiking Trail
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Constantia (3.9 km from Newlands) Head out from the park area at Cecilia Forest on Rhodes Drive and follow the main jeep-track up into the forest. Stay on the path and keep right until you reach the top edge of Kirstenbosch. From here, look for the signpost to Rooikat Ravine.
Continue on Rooikat Ravine until you reach Cecilia Ravine and the pretty waterfall. From here, the trail continues around Spilhaus Ridge into Spilhaus Ravine and a path going up to the Bridal Path. Turn left and take the jeep track down to Kirstenbosch.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5 km
Nature Reserves
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Rondebosch (4 km from Newlands) This public open space has many walking paths. The ever changing landscape and pretty seasonal endemic flowers, birds, butterflies and other creatures making it a great escape from rush-rush of everyday life. Dogs, children and their accompanying adults make it a great meeting place for the neighbourhood. The sunsets are stunning and in the winter mists you may see Blue Crane,and the natural ponds abound with tadpoles. It is 5 minutes walk from the guesthouse.
Galleries and Museums
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Observatory (4.6 km from Newlands) 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