10 Things to Do and See in Worcester

Nestled in the picturesque Breede River Valley, the historic town of Worcester is the best-kept secret in the Boland. Set at the foot of majestic mountains against a backdrop of luscious vineyards and sweeping green valleys, Worcester plays host to an exciting array of activities. Whether it’s outdoor escapades, food and wine pairings, or bygone architecture that tickles your travel fancy, Worcester has something for everyone to enjoy.

And there’s no better place from which to launch your adventures into the Boland than the family-friendly Golden Valley Casino. This inviting Sun International destination feels like a home away from home, and you’ll be forgiven for wanting to spend the day poolside with a good book while the kids have fun at Harry’s Corner Crèche.

When you’re done trying your luck big at one of the casino’s many slot machines or poker tables, head out into Worcester for these 10 touristy highlights:

1. Go on safari

Tucked away at the foot of the world famous Brandwacht Mountains, the Fairy Glen Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s “Big 5”. You needn’t be an overnight guest to enjoy a full course buffet breakfast at the lodge before heading off on a three-hour game drive. Alternatively, swap the 4x4 vehicle for a horse, and enjoy a galloping good game viewing experience.

Don’t miss a chance to visit the reserve’s Khoisan Bushmen rock art heritage site, which dates back some 6,000 years.

2. Visit the desert gardens

Worcester falls within the transition habitat of the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo, and enjoys the best of both biomes. Here you’ll find the Karoo Desert National Botanical Gardens, which are famous for being the only true succulent gardens in the Southern Hemisphere.

These gloriously colourful gardens are home to a wide variety of desert and semi-desert plants. Enjoy a hike along one of the many trails, play hide and seek with the kids in the plant maze, and shop for indigenous species at the nursery.

3. Go back in time

A short drive from the Golden Valley Casino, the Kleinplasie Living Open-Air Museum is a must-see. Step back in time and experience the lifestyle of the early Cape pioneer farmers. The kids will love the donkey cart rides while mom and dad enjoy griddlecakes and milktart at the tearoom.

You won't be able to leave without stocking up on home-made rusks, jams and liqueurs from the shop.

4. Go river rafting

Xama Adventures offers a day trip river rafting experience on the Breede River. This is a rafting trail that is suitable for all ages, however there’s a minimum group size of 10.

Surrounded by wine farms and tranquility, the Breede River hosts a wide variety of bird life such as fish eagles, black eagles, jackal buzzards, herons, cormorants and king fishers.

5. Play golf

The Worcester Golf Club has an 18-hole course designed by Gary Player. Surrounded by mountains and the breathtaking scenery of the Breede River Valley, this is a golfing experience second to none.

6. Go wine tasting

The Worcester Wine Route, which forms part of Cape Route 62 (the longest wine route in the world), represents a winemaking tradition spanning 250 years. The cellars along the route are famous for winning national wine awards, as well as their excellent value-for-money wines and fantastic cuisine. Make a day of it.

7. Enjoy a river cruise

De Breede Otter, situated on the scenic Route 43 (15 minutes from Worcester), runs one-hour cruises on a comfortable riverboat. Enjoy mouthwatering boerekos and a selection of local wines, while you cruise the Breede River and appreciate its beautiful surroundings.

8. Visit Willow Creek Olive Estate

Olive addicts and connoisseurs will love a visit to the tasting room and deli at the Willow Creek Olive Estate, just outside of Worcester. Taste olives, extra virgin olive oils, infused olive oils, and more. You can even ask to be taken through the steps to sample various olive oils in the traditional Italian fashion.

9. Take a drive

Enjoy an afternoon drive through the vineyards. A slow meander through the Breede River Valley countryside is a great way to get a feel for the rich natural beauty of the area. Follow the Breedekloof Wine Route through Rawsonville and stop at some great wine cellars and restaurants along the way.

10. Peruse Worcester architecture on a self-guided tour

Take a leisurely stroll down the tree-lined avenues of picture-perfect Worcester, and marvel at historic buildings of interest, from national monuments to gabled Cape Dutch houses.

Here’s a handy guide to download for a self-guided architecture tour.