Worcester

Travel Guide
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Visit museums and galleries, admire Dutch-inspired architecture and embark on a wine trail in this former farming town east of Cape Town.

Take a walk around the streets of Worcester and admire the range of stylish architecture left by the town’s early Dutch and British residents. Tour the nearby wine and brandy distilleries or spend a day hiking in the surrounding mountains. Visit a museum to learn about the lives of farmers who first worked here or spend a day browsing art galleries.

The farming town of Worcester dates back to 1819 and is the capital of the Breede River Valley area. Located on the main route between Cape Town, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, its wine trails and relaxed atmosphere make it a major draw for visitors from around the world.

Spend a few hours exploring the compact town center on foot. Church Street is where you’ll find the majority of the town’s old buildings. Stop in at the Congregational Church to see typical Dutch wooden architecture. It’s hard to miss the Dutch Reformed Church, with its towering Gothic revival steeple. 

Worcester and the surrounding region offer many opportunities for those who like to get active in the outdoors. Visit the Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens where a large array of semi-desert plants are exhibited in 381 acres (154 hectares) of land. The smaller Garden of Remembrance is also worth a visit and was designed by local artist Hugo Naude. You can see more of his work and other local artists at the Hugo Naude and Jean Welz Gallery. 

Go on a tour around the local wineries and brandy distilleries. There are dozens of vineyards in the area so you’ll be sure to try a variety of wines. If you like brandy then a visit to the KWV Brandy Cellar is a must. This is one of the largest brandy distilleries under one roof in the world.

Worcester’s inland location makes the temperatures more extreme than nearby Cape Town. Summers are generally hot and dry while in winter snow is common in the mountains. The diversity of attractions make Worcester a pleasant place to visit any time of year, either as a stopover on the way to Cape Town or for a longer, relaxing stay.

Cumberland Hotel Worcester
Cumberland Hotel Worcester
3 out of 5
10 Stockenstrom St, Worcester, Western Cape
The price is P3,903 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
P3,903
P4,488 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Worcester. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kleinplasie Farm Museum and Karoo National Botanic ...
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
Book with caution in winter
"Old beatiful hotel in urgent need of a rescue. Hotel tried to down grade the 2nd room i paid for. From a Delux Double room to a Studio.Lucky i saw the attempt when booking in? Disapointing a Hotel would do this and when the client sees it,blames the computer. Aircon in Room 227 did not work and was ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2024

Cumberland Hotel Worcester
Boschendal Farm Estate
Boschendal Farm Estate
4.5 out of 5
Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek, Western Cape
The price is P26,066 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
P26,066
P30,361 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Franschhoek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (105 reviews)
"Wow - Unbelievable! Room, staff, service- all incredible. Lovely experiences- wine tasting and horse riding both brilliant. The Deli and kitchen facilities were an added bonus."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2024

Boschendal Farm Estate
Clouds Estate
Clouds Estate
5 out of 5
Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
The price is P15,892 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
P15,892
P18,350 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stellenbosch. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Delaire Graff Estate and Alluvia ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (228 reviews)
"We had a really lovely stay here for part of our honeymoon! The views are breathtaking, and the room was clean, large, and modern, and it was easy to get to both Stellenbosch and Franschoek as needed. The team was really helpful, even providing breakfast packs for our extremely early departure, which ..."

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2024

Clouds Estate
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Ivy Apartments
The Ivy Apartments
4 out of 5
1 Kruger Street, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star luxury apartment in Franschhoek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a health club. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (158 reviews)
"Excellent service, staff was friendly and helpful. Great location"

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2024

The Ivy Apartments
La Cotte Forest Cottages
La Cotte Forest Cottages
3 out of 5
Plot 550, Upper Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Franschhoek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Dutch Reformed Church and Franschhoek ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Quaint with a great sunset view
"We had a wonderful stay at the Sunset Cottage. The home was quaint, romantic, and had a great view. The restaurant was great (we ate breakfast there). Close walk to town. Everything was perfect!"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2023

La Cotte Forest Cottages
Le Petit Bijou Boutique Apartments
Le Petit Bijou Boutique Apartments
5 out of 5
58 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, Western Cape
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Franschhoek. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Dutch Reformed Church and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"Great property. Super friendly. Nothing left to be desired"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2019

Le Petit Bijou Boutique Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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