- Western Cape
- Simon's Town
Simon's Town, Western Cape
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- Gallery (21)
- Activities & Entertainment (6)
- Attractions (2)
- Shops & Services (3)
Home to the South African Navy
Simon’s Town lies on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, only 45 km outside of Cape Town. It is one of South Africa’s oldest towns and Naval Base and one of the most delightful little village, steeped in nautical history.
Simon’s Town is an attractive little coastal town with cobbled streets, alive with restored cottages and homes while St Georges Street, the towns historical mile, has 21 buildings over 150 years old which includes the local museum, the navy museum and the toy museum. This stretch also includes the Church of St. Francis, the oldest Anglican church in the country. We can also suggest passing by the Mosque built in 1926 and the Dido Valley Cemetery filled gracious headstones.
The waterfront is the fun part of the town and offers a good selection of seaside quayside restaurants, Jubilee Square, curio craft markets and local water taxis that will take you on an ocean adventure. Spend some time on the beach with the family, Boulders Beach is one of the best Simon’s Town beaches to take the children to where you can swim or picnic amongst the African penguins. Seaforth Beach is also offers safe swimming and snorkelling and the Country Club here has a great golf course with magnificent sea views!
The more adventurous can enjoy shark cage diving, submarine tours or guided kayaking excursions and don’t forget other activities such as harbour tours, whale watching and a train rode to Cape Town, one of the most scenic in the world!
Simon’s Town offers wonderful accommodation to suit every travellers pocket. Choose from self-catering apartments, B&B’s, Guesthouses, a Hotel, backpacking or camping and caravanning.
Places to Visit
Things to do and see
- Just Nuisance
- Millers Point Tidal Pool
- Roman Rock Lighthouse
- South African Naval Museum
- Simon’s Town Museum
- Simon's Town Heritage Museum
- Warrior Toy Museum
- Church of St. Francis
- Boulders Beach
- Foxy Beach
- Fishermans Beach
- Seaforth Beach
- Smitswinkel Bay Beach
- Waters Edge Beach
- Simon’s Town Waterfront
- Atlantic Rail Train Ride
- Simon’s Town Golf Course
- Westlake Golf Course
- Silvermine Reservoir Trail
- Red Hill
Climate
Simon's Town receives approximately 696 mm of rain annually with the majority of its’ rainfall occurring during the winter months.
Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 16˚C and 27˚C.
Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 7˚C and 19˚C.
Transport
There are daily flights into Cape Town International Airport, 54 km away via the M3. Car hire facilities are available at the Airport.
History
The village of Simon’s Town was given its name in 1687 when Governor, Simon van der Stel, founded the port, which was named in his honour. We imagine it remained a small, informal settlement until 1743 after which it was established as the official winter anchorage for ships of the Dutch East Indian Company. By 1768, the shore facilities included a bakery, a butchery, a carpenter's shop and a smithy, as well as a residence for the Governor.
In 1814 Simon’s Town became a naval base, the following year it was ceded to the British Admiralty as a naval station. The local economy received an enormous boost in 1899 as the result of the South African War, and by 1902 Simon’s Town had about 450 dwellings. Most residents were employed either by the military or in the town's dockyard. On 1 December 1890 the railway line from Kalk Bay reached Simon’s Town 1900 saw construction begin on a new naval dock for the port.
From our gallery
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