|
Wellington, steeped in history
and tradition, has a magical atmosphere that will captivate you once you
discover the town, its people and its myriad of attractions. Originally
known as Limiet Vallei (border or frontier valley), the area became known as
Val du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the Wagon Maker) towards the
end of the 17th century when the French Huguenots settled here.
After the eventual establishment of the town in 1840, the name was changed
to Wellington in honour of the renowned soldier and conqueror of Napoleon at
the battle of Waterloo. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the town lies
in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic
Hawequa mountains, silent sentinels on its eastern border. The town is a
mere 45 minutes' drive from Cape Town and within easy reach of all the other
Boland towns. |
 |
Wellington is, of course, known for its
educational institutions. Huguenot College, an institution of the Dutch Reformed
Church, offers training to students in social, youth and missionary work. The
Wellington Campus of the Cape Technikon is the only college in the Cape Province
to offer teacher training in the medium of Afrikaans. Apart from fine cuisine
and pleasant accommodation, visitors to the town can discover a magnificent
legacy of historic buildings, may venture into breathtaking hikes or visit one
of the cellars on the wine route for a relaxed wine tasting. Just a few of the
reasons why a visit to Wellington should not be missed!
The Wellington Information Centre is housed in the Old Market Building which
dates back to 1847. The bell in the adjoining clock tower dating from the same
year, used to announce to the town's inhabitants that the day's marketing
activities were about to start.
In later years the building was used by the first town council and eventually it
served as a court room. After the Red Cross had used it as a storage depot for
many years, the building was restored in 1993 and, once again, as in days gone
by, town dwellers and visitors alike, gather to share in its warm and hospitable
atmosphere.
Accommodation
To stay over in Wellington is to experience true hospitality. Apart from the
caravan parks and hotels, a wide variety of accommodation is available from
double space elegant guest houses to self-catering flats and intimate little
farm cottages where personal attention ensures a memorable stay.
There are a number of restaurants in the area, which are worth trying out.
A visit to Wellington's berry farm is an absolute must. Strawberries,
raspberries, youngberries as well as Cape gooseberries are grown here. Visitors
can enjoy guided tours as well as their own berry picking. Delicious jams and
berry vinegar can be purchased. Refreshments are also availahle.
The fact that the majority of South Africa's vine cutting nurseries are found in
the Wellington area, is due to the excellent soils and climate of the region. Of
course the town is also the home of the Wellington Wine Route and the seven
wineries are all open for wine-tasting and sales.
Wellington also has a few hiking trails and scenic drives to be enjoyed. You get
the Patatskloof Trail: A choice of several walking trails with some of the most
spectacular scenery imaginable, the Bainskoof Hiking Trails: There are a number
of hiking trails and picnic places in the mountain and some of the most
exquisite species of wild flowers can be seen at certain times of the year and
Bains Kloof Pass offers an unsurpassed kaleidoscopic view. The Horseshoe, a
favourite route with joggers and bikers, takes one past many of the old Huguenot
farms with their magnificent Cape Dutch homesteads.
Wellington offers ample sporting facilities. Apart from the Boland Stadium,
administrative headquarters of the Boland Rugby Union, there is also an
excellent golf course and swimming pool.
The founding and development of Wellington was largely due to the establishment
of a separate church for the farmers who first settled in the valley. With the
formation of a municipality and many of the well-known religious and educational
institutions, the town grew steadily. An opportunity to visit some of the
magnificent buildings reflicting the early history of this town should not be
missed. Each has a story to tell.
Wellington Info: 873-4604
873-4607 (faks)
welltour@mweb.co.za
www.visitwellington.co.za
|
