Greyton

Description

Greyton is a small, peaceful town in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, just one and a half hour’s drive from Cape Town. The picture perfect town is characterised by a patchwork of landscaped gardens, quaint thatched cottages, and beautifully restored historic buildings. Make the most of your visit to Greyton by booking one of the charming accommodations listed below.

Greyton, named after Sir George Grey who was twice Governor of the Cape Colony, is a charismatic town lined by mighty oak trees and gravel roads, with a backdrop of magnificent mountains. Greyton has a truly romantic feel, which makes it popular among visitors who seek the beauty of the area as a wedding or honeymoon destination.

Before Greyton was established in 1854, the area was home to the Hassequas khoi-khoi tribe who had their kraals situated near the Gobos River. Upon learning of their thousands of cattle and sheep, Ensign Schriver of the Castle of Good Hope was sent to Greyton in the late 1600s to barter. After the deals were done, the tribe was so rich that they moved to the Boschmanskloof and built mud brick houses, the foundations of which still lie under the old houses of Boschmanskloof today.

Greyton owes much of its charm to the Cape Vernacular architecture that is still mainly intact. Some of the original structures include two old churches, cottages built between 1854 and 1860, an old shepherd’s cottage built before 1840, the irrigation system of street troughs, the town kraal and dipping tank, a blacksmith’s house and forge, the school’s boarding house, and the extensive public commonage intersected by walking, hiking, and cycling paths that surround Greyton. A number of historical buildings in Greyton include The Post House, Greyton Lodge, St Andrew’s Church, and The Moravian Church. There is also the old Cape wagon route to Riviersonderend where oak and poplar trees indicate overnight stops for wagons.

Greyton is a popular weekend and holiday destination for visitors who enjoy the combination of old world charm and modern convenience. Greyton is an arts and crafts lover’s dream with number of talented persons operating on an open house policy. A craft market is held in Greyton every Sunday, offering everything from local and home grown produce to creative arts and crafts. The Greyton annual Rose Festival held in October/Nov is not to be missed.

There are a number of exciting attractions and activities in Greyton. There are numerous coffee shops where one can enjoy tea and scones, and traditional pubs and restaurants where one can grab a home cooked meal. Adventurous visitors will love the mountain bike routes, 4x4 rides, and well-marked hiking trails in Greyton, while almost everyone can enjoy tennis, horse riding, bowls, or golf at the nearby Arabella and Caledon Golf Courses. For more leisurely activities in Greyton, why not book a rejuvenating treatment at a spa, or take a drive to Caledon Spa and Casino. Greyton also features the famous Von Geusau Chocolates, where a tour of the factory may be arranged.

Make the most of your stay in Greyton by booking one of our fantastic accommodations from the list below.