Things to do in Cape Town Babylonstoren, winelands hotel, winelands spa, places to stay in cape town, Babylonstoren gardens

Farmboy and I just got back from a whirlwind road trip around South Africa, starting in Johannesburg and making our way up close to the Botswana border, right down to Cape Town and finally ending up on the farm in Natal. We drove over 7 500 km (that's about 4500 miles for my American friends). We visited 15 towns/cities and stayed in 10 of them during our 6 week trip.

One of the highlights of this trip was our visit the Babylonstoren, a place I had seen mentioned by my favourite bloggers since it opened its doors in 2012.

Here is a little more on its's history:

"Dating back to 1692, Babylonstoren is a historic Cape Dutch farm that boasts one of the best preserved farmyards in the Cape. Beloved for its magnificent garden that is laid out over 3,5 hectares (8 acres), the garden is divided into 15 sections that comprise fruit, vegetables, berries, bees for pollinating, indigenous plants, fragrant lawns, a prickly pear maze, ducks and chickens, and more. A secluded path runs along the stream where thousands of clivias flower in spring. The garden also boasts a plethora of trees of historical and botanical import. Every aspect of Babylonstoren – including the contemporary Farm Hotel & Spa, the Farm Shop and Bakery – are led by the ever-changing tapestry and botanical diversity of the garden."

There is so much to see and do at Babylonstoren, that you can easily spend a whole day there. As well as the gardens, there is also a boutique hotel (rates starting from about R5500 per room per night), a spa, two restaurants and a number of beautiful stores to browse.

We were then at the start of Spring (hence all the pretty blossoms) but I have been told it is beautiful all year round.

Do keep in mind how busy it gets on the weekends though.

We were there on a Saturday at midday, and there was such a queue for the Greenhouse restaurant that we decided to wonder around the gardens for longer. The much more expensive, Babel Restaurant, had tables available, but it's a bit further up the scale in terms of price. I can't wait to go back again, and definitely want to experience the spa, and of course the hotel itself if the budget allows.

I could go on and on about how magical this place is, but instead, I'll let my photographs do the talking for you.

Enjoy!

The Grounds & Gardens

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (223 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (273 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (276 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (277 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (279 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (282 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (285 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (281 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (300 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (301 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (303 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (305 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (306 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (307 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (315 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (322 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (352 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (349 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (357 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (360 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (366 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (373 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (380 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (392 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (384 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (399 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (395 of 205).JPG

The Bakery, Cold Room & Farm Store

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (235 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (240 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (244 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (248 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (253 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (251 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (257 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (259 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (271 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (401 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (406 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (404 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (412 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (410 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (416 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (409 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (419 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (267 of 205).JPG

Babylonstoren Things to do in Cape Town by CGScreative Roxy Hutton (420 of 205).JPG

Useful Info

Entry Fee: R10

This goes towards the Babylonstoren Trust which raises funds for community projects, like the crèche where the farm workers' children are cared for while their parents are working. The Trust also helps local school children with soccer and netball kit, and with transport to sports days.