Greyton is about 90 minutes from Cape Town. The small town which is also known as South Africa’s “Little England” is located in the Overberg area of the Western Cape. Greyton is one of the best small towns in South Africa. Below are the best things to do in Greyton.
Go for a bike ride in Greyton
This can be a serious MTB ride on around the 70 km of dirt tracks that are maintained by the Greyton MTB club. The tracks range in difficulty and some routes should suit all types of riders. Facilities and permits are available from the Hub and Spoke in West Street where the cyclists tend to congregate, and the locals will help you map out your route. Alternatively, hire a bike from Retro Rides and cruise the leafy lanes of the village. This is one of the best things to do in Greyton as the streets are fairly flat and suit all riders.
Go for a walk or hike
Again because of Greyton’s location this can be a gentle historic walk around the village or a serious hill climb. Greyton lies on the steep southern slopes of the Sonderend Mountains and the Cape Nature reserve of approximately 2200 hectares is the third-largest in the Western Cape. The rugged peaks and deep ravines have never been properly explored but contain over 3000 different plant species. The Greyton Conservation Society maintains all the local walking trails and advice can be had at the Greyton Tourism office on the main road. The Reserve can be entered via the Park Street entrance.
Go to a Festival
There are lots of them. The Brew run, the Greyton MTB Tour, the Pie Run, and Gravel grinders MTB, the Art Walk (November), The Rose Fair (October), the Classics Festival (May), The Beer Festival (April ) and the Apple Festival are newly planned foe 2021 possibly in February or March. Accommodation can fill up on these festival days so book early via the Greyton Tourism office
Go-Wine Tasting in Greyton
There are three wineries in Greyton namely Lismore, Swallow Hill, Andy Mitchell, and many more within thirty minutes at Hemel and Aarde valley. Lismore maintains an intimate tasting room in Geyton at the Oak and Vigne courtyard, DS Botha Street. Its wines are highly rated by the world’s best critics and often rated on a par with the best French wines in the world.
Swim in a mountain pool
You can find a hidden waterfall or rock pool and dangle your feet in its cool but compelling waters. Ask the Tourism office where to find these gems which are often hidden in ravines or a good walk away. There is a spectacular pool on the Greyton McGregor walk that has soothed the feet of many on the trail.
Greyton Market
The Greyton market is a lovely country market with coffee, music, bread, etc. Buy pancakes and biltong from 10:00 – 12:00 on the main street opposite the DRC Church. Have a breakfast roll and look out for preserves, lemon cordials, olives, cheeses, organic veggies leather goods, door stops, and books. If it is not homemade – it is not there at Greyton market.
Greyton Restaurants
There are a lot of Greyton restaurants in Greyton, so you will always be spoilt for choice. Many of the Greyton restaurants serve local vegetables that are homegrown nearby. There is food for all even vegetarians. Pure Cafe is vegan and there is a good range at other eateries. Lots of places like Ambience, Abbey Rose, Via’s, Old Potters, Rupert’s, Fiore, Oak and Vigne, 1854, Silvano’s, the Hub & Spoke, and Blain on Main for breakfast lunch, and dinner.
One exceptional lunchtime venue is a pop-up restaurant that appears once a month in the forest at Hemelsbreed Farm ( near Lismore) on the R406 towards Riviersonderend. If you can book yourself into the Sunday lunch which only takes place only once a month be prepared for a meal at a venue you will never forget. Times and days vary. Enquire about the Tourism office. Don’t miss a beer at the bar at the Post House at the weekend. One of the finest bars in South Africa was made famous as the location in the advert “ Give that man a Bells.”. Also, try a beer at the local brewery- The Old Potters Inn. Award-winning beer.
Eat Chocolate in Greyton
Try the world-class chocolate shop of Von Geusau run by Richard “ Von Choc” himself. The ebullient chocolate enthusiast who sometimes sees his chocolate on the pillows of the best hotels in the country and top wineries organizing tastings around his awesome chocolates. His shop is like something from Madison Avenue. Just go, eat and buy.
Animal sanctuary and rescue
There are two main ones. The Greyton Farm animal Sanctuary on the Krige Road offers a home to rescued farm animals. Every animal is named, and children are very welcome. The second rescue is on the Villiersdorp road and looks after the donkeys. It is called EARS. It is possible to visit but wise to book ahead.
Genadendal residence
Dating back to 1738 Genadendal residence is the oldest mission station in Africa. The most historic set of buildings was built by the Moravian Church and visitors can see a large museum, a water mill, and some evidence of the printing that took place there. Genadendal residence is a place steeped in history like no other in South Africa.
For more information about what to do in Greyston check out the Greyton Tourism website here
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