Bredasdorp: Picturesque Platteland

Rich in history like so many of these small dorpies, it’s just fair that even though we were simply just passing through, one has to at least stop and spend an hour or two in the town. 

Situated against the slopes of the Heuningberg, Bredasdorp kept its platteland feeling despite fairly rapid development in the town. Since they known for sheep farming, the town boasts agricultural activities such as wheat, canola, milk and indigenous fynbos cultivation.

Who would’ve guessed?

It’s best known for

It’s Shipwreck Museum and, it was our duty to at least pay it a visit. After all, we’re in the Overberg region.

Offering an extensive collection of artifacts and furniture from shipwrecks along the coast. I knew there were a few but so many along the shore is astonishing.

Items from cannons, delicate chinaware, coins, buoys, and ships bells, all showcased to piece together the tales of these victorious ships.

Mesmerized and taking in all the facts, we strolled around the garden bearing just as many fascinating objects of that period.

Spending a good hour, the church is an icon you can’t skip out on.

Just stand in the road and admire the architectural beauty in front of you.

Built in 1842, this Dutch Reformed Church and one of the last Cape churches built in Victorian-Gothic revival style, designed by architect Antonie de Wit is a vision to behold.

Explore Bredasdorp

It’s really a special town. Special in a sense that it maintains it’s real-life small town atmosphere yet still an economic hub.

Michiel van Breda, the first mayor of Cape Town created a town that’s so quaint it doesn’t even seem real.

All oozing that effortless Breda charm, you just have to venture off into the streets.

No need to pop into every store, restaurant or popular place. Sometimes walking around is all you need to appreciate a small town like this.

So if you happen to be in Bredasdorp, here are a few places of interest to explore:

• PE Roux Memorial Garden: It lies in the center of the town with a beautiful lush garden to walk through.
• Bredasdorp Square: Built in 1894, this double story Victorian House is situated at the back of the memorial garden, you will find many eat, sleep and shop places such as The Earl of Clarendon Guest House, Jack of Diamonds Club, Blue Parrot Restaurant and so many more.
• Julian’s Ceramic Studio: An extensive range of unique hand-painted ceramics and textiles.
• Bredasdorp Historical Walk: Starting from the Tourism Bureau, exploring everything from the museum to the Old Jail and lots more.

Travel Tips

How to get there: The N2 is the main road to use then turn onto the R316. It’s approximately a two and a half hour drive from Cape Town.

Best time to go: Anytime is the best time to explore Bredasdorp. Come during The Foot of Africa marathon which takes place in October as well as the Elim Wine festival during November.

Until the next adventure.