Hello April! Hello Easter! Hello Riebeek Kasteel!
The Easter Weekend is around the corner and it’s the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a road trip out into the country, to enjoy an authentic village experience in the Swartland.
Just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Riebeek Kasteel valley, known for its olive groves, vineyards, and artistic community, offers magical experiences for the whole family and a chance to get to know the people of the ‘dorpie’ and gain a glimpse into the heritage of this special town and its vibrant culture. One of the town’s best kept secrets is its stylish retail experiences and there is even an Easter Hat Hunt on the Village Square on Easter Saturday.
These are 5 reasons why you should spend your Easter Weekend mini-break in this charming village –
The Setting: A feast for the senses
April in Riebeek Kasteel is a feast for the senses. With autumn in full swing, the vineyards of the surrounding Swartland turn golden, the days are warm, while the evenings are cooler and the soft autumn light creates a spectacular backdrop set against the dramatic Kasteelberg mountain range.
Best Kept Secret
The village is home to stylish shopping experiences for gents and ladies – one of its best kept secrets. Sir Winston Men’s Brutique, a proper Man’s Cave where dapper chaps can find a range of linen shirts, striking t- and golfstyle-shirts, chinos, shorts, jeans, shoes, hats, belts, books, wallets and more – and bespoke ladies boutique UPmarket on the Square where the gals can pop in to shop at their leisure for high-quality new & sourced garments and quirky hats and handbags. The warm and friendly service makes it a village fashion favourite.
The Village Square
Pop in at the vibrant Village Market on the Square on Saturday, 4th April, to support local crafters and vendors who will be offering everything from delicious Dutch Stroopkoeken, bespoke handmade bags for all occasions, and stylish fashion, to fresh herbs, and steaming hot coffee. Opening time is 09:00 and the market ends at 13:00.
Join the Upmarket on the Square Easter Hat Hunt on Saturday, 4th April at their market stand at the Riebeek Kasteel Village Market, from 09:00 onwards, where you can bring, buy or make your most fabulous, funny, or funky Easter hat and win a fabulous prize. Prize-giving is at 12:00.
Art and Culture
For a taste of local art and culture, visit the RK Contemporary (formerly Gallery Riebeek Kasteel), located at 32 Main Street, a premier art hub in Riebeek Kasteel featuring curated contemporary works, sculpture, and ceramics from local and national artists. The valley is a hub for artists, featuring spots like Fani Ceramics and Gallery 7, while prominent artists like Solly Smook, Emma Willemse, André François van Vuuren, Riaan van Zyl, Jenny Parsons, and Cathy Layzell call it home.
Dining with views
Enjoy cocktails and gorgeous valley views from the historic ‘stoep’ of The Royal Hotel a leisurely Mediterranean-inspired meal at The Barn, or a country-style breakfast in the leafy courtyard at popular Cafè Felix.
Make a weekend of it or drive through for the day just to soak up the vibe and local culture. The rustic charm and warm hospitality of this town and its people are sure to leave an imprint on your heart.
