Barrydale: Your Next Must-Visit Getaway on Route 62

Barrydale, nestled in the Klein Karoo, remains one of my favourite small towns. Every chance I get to explore it again fills me with excitement.

A few years ago, my then-boyfriend, now-husband, and I took a trip to Barrydale. He wrote a post about the 7 things to do in Barrydale, and to this day, it remains one of the most-read articles on my website.

I’m not entirely sure why, but I love that so many of you enjoy it. I should probably update it, but this trip felt so different that it deserves its own space on the internet. Let’s begin.

Located in the heart of the Tradouw Valley, Barrydale sits near the northern exit of the Tradouw Pass, a winding route through the mountains that meets Route 62 – the world’s longest wine route. Just three hours from Cape Town, the journey demands that you appreciate the magnificent scenery.

Upon arrival at The Blue Cow Barn, we immediately relaxed and unpacked. This charming Karoo-style open-concept space accommodates three guests and includes everything needed for a comfortable stay. The kitchen features a bar fridge, mini-oven, stove, and microwave, while the en-suite bathroom provides a bath or shower, depending on the unit.

I chose this place for its uniquely eccentric Karoo décor, inviting stoep where I could relax with a book and the sounds of nature, and the fact that it sits on a working farm. The Cooke family has owned Altona and Tradouwshoek farms for over a century, growing onions, peaches, nectarines, plums, and more.

The highlight of my stay? The wood-fired hot tub takes four hours to heat up. I brought my bathing suit, and I wasn’t going to let winter stop me from using it. Soaking under a blanket of stars in a steaming tin tub felt like a true Karoo adventure.

When loadshedding hit, we raced to find dinner, and the Karoo Art Hotel saved the day. This beautifully designed dining hall welcomes both hotel guests and visitors. I ordered the lamb curry with rice and veggies, while Courtney opted for a beef fillet with seasonal vegetables.

The warm, comforting meal accurately suited the rainy evening. We decided to share an apple and pear crumble for dessert, simply because it sounded delicious. One of the bartenders later approached our table, offering Courtney a local liqueur, which he described as “potent.”

The next morning, I made coffee and watched the sunrise while listening to the peaceful countryside before heading out to explore.

Driving along the famous Route 62, we passed countless restaurants, trading posts, and quirky local shops. CNN Travel voted Route 62 the best scenic route in South Africa for its breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and rich cultural heritage.

For breakfast, we stopped at Camel Horse Café, a cozy eatery with a deck perfect for enjoying the fresh air. We ordered sourdough, bacon, smoortjie (sautéed onions in tomato sauce), pork sausages, eggs, and a hot cup of coffee.

To walk off breakfast, we explored Made for Africa and then spent time at Papa Joe’s Collectibles. This carefully curated store overflows with vintage treasures, antiques, and memorabilia.

Courtney and I browsed for so long that we left with frames, a small vase, and an Oka pipe. The shop’s nostalgic atmosphere blends history and storytelling in the best way possible.

After our treasure hunt, we headed to Ranger & Sons to grab some locally made biltong because no road trip is complete without it.

By lunchtime, we made our way to the famous Diesel & Crème. This vintage roadside diner exudes charm with its quirky décor, retro signage, and lively outdoor seating. We ordered burgers and fries, and people-watching while enjoying our meal.

Back at the cottage, we spent the afternoon soaking up the sun on the stoep with our hosts’ dogs and taking a walk around the farm to admire the vineyards.

For dinner, we found Bistro Blues, a cozy pub with a fireplace that kept us warm while we enjoyed a plate of ribs and chips. The relaxed, pub-style atmosphere made for a perfect end to the day.

Our host had spent all day warming up the wood-fired hot tub, so we couldn’t resist one last soak under the Karoo’s star-filled sky. That night became one of our most treasured outdoor memories.

Early the next day, we left The Blue Cow Barn, stopping at The Country Pumpkin for breakfast before departing Barrydale. This bright yellow and orange building, impossible to miss on Route 62, features a massive carriage out front.

We ordered a hearty farm breakfast: baked beans, eggs, bacon, mushrooms, fries, toast, and hot chocolate while enjoying panoramic views of the charming town.

Barrydale once again proved why it remains one of my favourite small towns.

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Till the next small town.