Malmesbury is the heart of the Swartland. Settled early in South Africa’s history, this tranquil town has beautiful historic buildings and Victorian homes as a backdrop to the busy business sector.
Wheat, sheep and fruit farming are still the backbone to the economy, and have been joined more recently by a successful wine and olive sector.
These farming activities, with a mountain backdrop, make for beautiful scenery that changes throughout the year. The winter quilt is emerald green wheat fields and golden canola. Spring brings on the wild flowers and after the harvest, the beige fields are dotted with rolled bundles of hay and grazing sheep.
Ideally situated for wine growing, with the cool sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, and the low-yielding bush vines, that do so well in the dry land vineyards surrounding Malmesbury, this area is part of the Swartland Wine Route. The Swartland Wine Cellar is 3km out of Malmesbury on the R45 and offers wine tasting and sales.
Taste the wines of the Swartland Wine Route, as well as regional products at the Tourism offices, at the De Bron Centre at 1 Church Street.
To enjoy the heritage of Malmesbury, you can take the “Historic walk about route”, to see the beautifully maintained and restored historic buildings. The town also boasts the country’s oldest milling company, Bokomo, which is ninety years old. The old Jewish Synagogue now houses the Malmesbury Museum.
For 4×4 enthusiasts, the Babylonstoren 4×4 Trail is most popular, with its steep ascents and descents, hairpin bends and obstacle course.
Small owner/chef-run eateries, cosy coffee shops and larger-scale restaurants offer a huge range and variety of meals, most prepared with fresh produce sourced in the area and many made to old family recipes.
AnnexKloof Padstal is situated alongside the N7 about 10 km north of Malmesbury. At AnnexKloof Padstal you will find delicious farm treats and vintage décor, lovely gifts and a variety of cheeses 7 days a week. They also offer wine tasting over weekends. There’s an enclosure with ducks, chickens, potbellied pigs and other small game; kids can experience the excitement of feeding these animals close-up with feed bought on the premises.
Malmesbury 9-hole, 71 par, Golf Course was established in 1960 and is popular among locals and Capetonians alike. This is an attractive parkland course with views over the Paardeberg and Table Mountains. +27(0)22 487 1289
The Kalbaskraal Nature Reserve, 17km south of town, offers indigenous vegetation and carpets of wild flowers in spring, and is ideal for a hike.
Annual Events include the Christmas Light Festival – Early December: Christmas Market – December: Music Marathon – January: Sugarbird Bicycle Fun Ride – March: Food & Wine Festival – June: Agricultural Show – October: Musiek Oppie Lande (MOL) – October.
Malmesbury is the largest town in the Swartland, and is only a 45 minute drive from Cape Town on the N7, or 30 minutes from Darling on the R315. It is also accessed on a scenic route on the R45 from Paarl and Wellington, only an hour away. This makes Malmesbury easy to access for a getaway weekend and a central base for an extended stay.
For more information on the Swartland, visit ShowMe Swartland.
