Wellington is one of the most picturesque parts of the Western Cape (and that’s saying something when there’s beauty around every corner!)
With beautiful Winelands, tranquil, yet classy accommodations,s and lovely restaurants, Wellington is great for exploring.
Add to that a plethora of wondrous outdoor adventures – from family-friendly hikes to MTB trails – and it is ideal for families who love to explore together.
Here are the top ten things to do in and around Wellington with kids.
Things to do in Wellington (with kids!)
Dine out at The Stone Kitchen at Dunstone Country Estate
Dunstone Country Estate is one of the most beautiful estates you will find anywhere. Hidden in the heart of the Wellington winelands, this veritable gem is great for families.
Not only does it offer an excellent, highly child-friendly bistro – with tasty, wholesome food and drink, a kiddies’ menu, amazing indoor and outdoor play facilities and even a party venue for memorable birthdays – but Dunstone also offers selected child- and pet-friendly accommodation.
Visit this rustic bistro for a hearty meal or enjoy an extended stay at scenic Dunstone.
Opening hours:
Saturday – Thursday, 08:30 – 17:00 and Friday, 08:30 – 21:00.
Note: Booking is strongly recommended.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0) 21 864 1504, 078 860 9721, 072 986 3597
Email: food@dunstone.co.za
Web: dunstone.co.za
Visit beautiful Bartholomeus Klip
Although Bartholomeus Klip is closer to Riebeek Valley than Wellington, it is only a short drive away and well worth it!
This working sheep and wheat farm, near the Elandsberg Nature Reserve, is an incredible travel destination for all to enjoy. Whether you are after luxurious accommodation, delicious food or great outdoor activities, this special place has it all.
During day visits, you can enjoy guided nature drives (there is an option for brunch or lunch to be included), high tea, lunch or dinner. Also, if you pre-book, you can even enjoy visiting the Quagga Breeding Programme!
On the nature drives, guests see an exciting array of fauna and flora, unique to the Cape. After a busy, fun-filled day, wind down with some excellent fare from their world-class farmhouse restaurant or relax in the beautiful accommodation.
Activity prices:
Rates vary based on the selected activity.
For accommodation bookings and additional info, please see here.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)22 448 1087
Email: info@bartholomeusklip.com
Web: bartholomeusklip.com
Read more about our visit to Bartholomeus Klip here.
Try the Welvanpas Hike
Welvanpas Family Farm is one of Wellington’s best hidden (rustic) gems. This unique, generational farm has a rich history; possesses amazing natural beauty; and offers some lovely wines, made using traditional methods.
In addition to its charming, quaint coffee shop in Die Ou Meul (rumoured to have the best carrot cake in town…), this farm invites visitors to enjoy trail runs, MTB fun and a heavenly hike, too.
In fact, one of the stand-out highlights of this working farm is the family-friendly, hugely scenic Welvanpas Hike. This 7.5 km hike starts next to the beautiful Kromme River before ascending higher into the Groenberg mountains, where one unearths vineyards and pristine fynbos stretches.
The hike is suitable for children – but both children and adults must pay an entry fee. Permits can be purchased from Die Ou Meul.
Opening hours (Die Ou Meul):
Closed on Mondays.
Tuesday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00.
Weekends: 08:00 – 15:00.
Permits can be purchased here. Guests can walk or MTB after-hours, provided they have already purchased and paid for their permits.
Activity rates:
R40 (per adult)
R20 (per child)
Indemnity forms must also be signed.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0) 21 864 1239
Email: welvanpas@gmail.com
Web: welvanpas.co.za
Have lunch at The Perfect Place
For those looking for a delicious, yet relaxing lunch or sweet treat in Wellington, look no further than the Perfect Place. This is the home of good coffee and cake in this fair part of the world.
Serving a nice selection of quality food and drink options (everything from great coffee to mouth-watering pizzas and sinfully good cake), this charming spot is a popular meeting place for coffee, cake and light lunches.
Visit them for a lovely meal or perfect pitstop with your friends and family.
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 08:00 – 15:00
Closed on Sundays.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0) 21 873 6620
Email: eat@perfectplace.co.za
Web: perfectplace.co.za
Enjoy tea and cake at Oude Wellington
With its lovely restaurant, bed and breakfast, spa and farm activities, Oude Wellington Wine and Brandy Estate Lodge is an unmissable Wellington attraction.
This beautiful farm is also known and loved for its excellent wines and brandy… These add yet another appealing element to its array of on-site attractions!
Their well-established restaurant has an excellent reputation and is known for its personalised service and good food. Whether you visit for a mouth-watering main (like fresh salmon trout, belly of pork or vegetarian plat du jour) – or order a spot of tea with some ‘cake therapy’, it’s hard to go wrong at Oude Wellington Restaurant.
If you wish to linger longer, the farm’s lodge offers a choice of luxury rooms, self-catering rooms or self-catering cottage, as desired.
Opening hours (restaurant):
Monday – Sunday, lunch.
Monday – Saturday, dinner.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)21 873 2262, (restaurant reservations) (0)21 873 1008
Email: inf@kapwein.com
Drive over Bainskloof Pass
Bainskloof Pass is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the world. Completed in 1853 by the famous Andrew Geddes Bain, this scenic, sometimes hair-raising drive is one of the most beautiful in all the Cape.
Not only does Bainskloof Pass make for breathtaking drives – but it is also a unique national monument and an important connector to places such as Wolseley, Tulbagh and Ceres.
Pack a picnic lunch or tasty padkos (snacks for the road) and enjoy the endless beauty this special drive and pass has to offer!
If you have time, you can also check out the beautiful hiking trails, rock pools and camp sites that the region has on offer.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0) 21 864 1378
Email: wellingtoninfo@dlta.co.za
Web: wellington.co.za
Delve into the past at Wellington Museum
The Wellington Museum features a fascinating selection of cultures (presenting various African ethnic groups); an extensive Egyptian collection; and a wealth of information on places of historical significance to Wellington and its surrounds.
A visit to this museum provides a handy glimpse into the past. Even as it educates one on local attractions and historical accounts, as much as more ancient Egyptian antiquities. This museum is sure to transfix children and adults alike.
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:00.
Weekends and public holidays: open by appointment only.
Activity rates:
Please contact the museum directly for applicable entry fees.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0) 21 873 4710
Email: info@wellingtonmuseum.co.za
Go horse riding with Fynbos Horse Trails
Although there are a variety of tour operators in the area, Fynbos Horse Trails is one of the best horse riding tour providers near Wellington.
With Fynbos Horse Trails, you can enjoy wonderful outrides on calm, obedient horses.
Choose between one-hour, half-day or full-day-trails and witness the wonder of Wellington on horseback.
Starting from the stables of the well-loved Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate, these special trail rides take riders of all experience levels through vineyards, olive groves, herb fields and rich fynbos into the Hawequa Mountains.
Enjoy glorious views of the valley below. There is also the option of adding a wine tasting or delicious meal at the estate into the mix.
Activity rates:
Please contact the provider for rates and time slots. Booking is essential.
Note: For novice riders, shorter trails of maximum 1 -1.5 hours’ duration are recommended.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0) 82 335 8132
Email: steytlers@mweb.co.za
Web: dirtyboots.co.za/operators/fynbos-horse-trails
Explore the various MTB trails
Wellington offers some amazing mountain bike trails that are suitable for novices, intermediate and advanced riders alike.
Whether you are a weekend warrior or nervy beginner, you will love immersing yourself in rich nature, as you traverse excellent trails.
The trails are mainly single-track and offer a choice between easier, gentler trails and more exhilarating (and therefore, challenging) rides.
The newly opened Wild Boar Trails trail centre, found at the beautiful Val Du Charron Estate, is a great place to start. There is even a lovely kids’ trail in Potbelly (3km), meaning the whole family can get in on the fun!
Activity rates:
Please contact Wild Boar Trails for rates, opening hours and rule queries.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)72 764 4015
Email: pvanwyk@ibits.co.za
Web: wildboartrails.co.za
Head on a river walk and picnic at Doolhof
Doolhof Estate – home of beautiful accommodation, fine wines and food, and memorable outing opportunities – is another excellent estate for families to enjoy together.
Perhaps one of their best attractions is the river walk and picnic offering. Created in 2007, this peaceful meander allows visitors to enjoy the best views that Doolhof has to offer.
You can walk for several kilometers (or less; you choose) and pick a designated picnic spot, ideal for feasting and enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Picnic baskets are available upon prior reservation.
The estate is also the dwelling place of many different mammals – everything from porcupines to baboons and buck – so who knows what you will see out on your riverside adventure!
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 16:00
Saturday, 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday, 10:00 – 15:00
Public Holidays, 10:00 – 17:00
Closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill and New Year’s.
Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0) 21 864 2805
Email: wine@doolhof.com
Web: doolhof.com
