Things to do in Cape Town - visit Babylonstoren for the day
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Farmboy and I just got back from a whirlwind road trip around South Africa, starting in Johannesburg and making our way up close to the Botswana border, right down to Cape Town and finally ending up on the farm in Natal. We drove over 7 500 km (that's about 4500 miles for my American friends). We visited 15 towns/cities and stayed in 10 of them during our 6 week trip.
One of the highlights of this trip was our visit the Babylonstoren, a place I had seen mentioned by my favourite bloggers since it opened its doors in 2012.
Here is a little more on its's history:
"Dating back to 1692, Babylonstoren is a historic Cape Dutch farm that boasts one of the best preserved farmyards in the Cape. Beloved for its magnificent garden that is laid out over 3,5 hectares (8 acres), the garden is divided into 15 sections that comprise fruit, vegetables, berries, bees for pollinating, indigenous plants, fragrant lawns, a prickly pear maze, ducks and chickens, and more. A secluded path runs along the stream where thousands of clivias flower in spring. The garden also boasts a plethora of trees of historical and botanical import. Every aspect of Babylonstoren – including the contemporary Farm Hotel & Spa, the Farm Shop and Bakery – are led by the ever-changing tapestry and botanical diversity of the garden."
There is so much to see and do at Babylonstoren, that you can easily spend a whole day there. As well as the gardens, there is also a boutique hotel (rates starting from about R5500 per room per night), a spa, two restaurants and a number of beautiful stores to browse.
We were then at the start of Spring (hence all the pretty blossoms) but I have been told it is beautiful all year round.
Do keep in mind how busy it gets on the weekends though.
We were there on a Saturday at midday, and there was such a queue for the Greenhouse restaurant that we decided to wonder around the gardens for longer. The much more expensive, Babel Restaurant, had tables available, but it's a bit further up the scale in terms of price. I can't wait to go back again, and definitely want to experience the spa, and of course the hotel itself if the budget allows.
I could go on and on about how magical this place is, but instead, I'll let my photographs do the talking for you.
Enjoy!
The Grounds & Gardens
The Bakery, Cold Room & Farm Store
Useful Info
Entry Fee: R10
This goes towards the Babylonstoren Trust which raises funds for community projects, like the crèche where the farm workers' children are cared for while their parents are working. The Trust also helps local school children with soccer and netball kit, and with transport to sports days.
Gardens
Open everyday 09h00 - 17h00 (last entry 16h00)
+27 (0)21 863 3852
BABEL RESTAURANT:
Breakfast: 8h00–9h30 Monday - Sunday
Lunch: 12h00–15h30 Wednesday - Sunday
Dinner: 19h00–20h30 Monday - Sunday
Closed Christmas Day
Contact: +27 (0)21 863 3852
Greenhouse Restaurant
Open everyday 10h00 - 16h00
Closed Christmas Day
CONTACT INFO
+27 (0)21 863 3852
Garden Spa
Open everyday 9h00 – 17h00
Closed Christmas Day
CONTACT INFO
+27 (0)21 863 3852
spa@babylonstoren.com
Guided Tours
Garden Tour
Available every day 10h00 - 11h30
Closed Christmas Day
CONTACT INFO
+27 (0)21 863 3852
enquiries@babylonstoren.com
Cellar Tours R50 p.p
Available everyday
Starts on the hour between 11h00 and 15h00
Farm Shop
Open Every day 09h00 - 17h00
Closed Christmas Day
CONTACT INFO
+27 (0)21 863 3852
enquiries@babylonstoren.com
Address
Babylonstoren, R45, Simondium, 7670, South Africa
Website: https://www.babylonstoren.com/
