Wellington, quite accessible to Cape Town International Airport, is conveniently central to many places of interest across all points of the compass. There are five dramatic and scenic mountain passes nearby. All the Cape's various wine and brandy routes, not to mention the fruit routes, are an easy day trip. Spring sees the grand displays of wild flowers of the Cape West Coast, a pleasant few hours journey by car. The sophisticated delights of Cape Town City, and the sunny golden beaches of the Cape Peninsula as well as the whales of False Bay are within an hour's reach. Historic Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Tulbagh and Paarl are neighbouring towns, each full of attractions of their own.   

The first inhabitants of the Berg River Valley go back as far as the Stone Age. This period stretches over thousands of years to the San and Khoi groups of the 18th & 19th century. Artifacts from these early ages have been found around the Bainskloof Mountains and hills surrounding Wellington and can be seen in the local museum.

Originally known as Limiet Valley (border or frontier valley), the area became known as Val Du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the Wagonmaker) towards the end of the 17th century when the French Huguenots settled here.

After the eventual establishment of the town in 1840, the name was changed to Wellington in honour of the Duke of Wellington, renowned soldier and conqueror of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

Wellington is well known for its educational character and institutions, which stemmed from Scottish and American influence and was initiated by Dr. Andrew Murray.  Huguenot College offers training to students in social, youth and missionary work. The Cape Technikon : Wellington Campus is the only institution in the Western Cape to offer educational training for teachers in the medium of Afrikaans.

Apart from fine cuisine and pleasant accommodation, visitors to the town can discover a magnificent legacy of historic buildings and architectural treasures, they may also venture into fynbos rich hikes, horse riding, mountain biking or visit some of the cellars on the wine route for a relaxed winetasting.

Wellington Museum
Wellington Museum features not only the cultures of various African ethnic groups but also prides itself in having ties with countries as far afield as America, England, Scotland, France and the Netherlands. The museum also exhibits Stone-Age artifacts, a major collection of Egyptian artifacts and exhibits of various pioneers who made their mark on the history of Wellington and South Africa .

Anglo-Boer War Block House
This is the most southerly relic of the Anglo-Boer war. It was one of a number of fortified Block Houses built by the British to protect the railway line from boer commandos.

Clairvaux, Murray Jubilee hall & Samuel House
The residence of Dr Andrew Murray and the institute where Dutch Reformed Church missionaries were trained. It is now the property of the Huguenot College .

Old Huguenot Seminary & College	Anglo-Boer War Block House	Huguenot Musem

Ferguson Hall
The home of Bible Media, well known publishers of religious literature and videos. Tours through the complex are available.

Old Huguenot Seminary & College
Murray , Cummings, Bliss and Goodnow Hall all represent unique architectural styles that link up with the educational institutions established in Wellington 's early stages of development.

Coronation Arch & Victoria park
The park with its shady trees, forms a backdrop to the arch erected in commemoration of the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.

Lady Loch steel bridge
The very first all steel bridge built in South Africa and is still in use today.

Ouma Granny's House
A beautiful little Victorian house with a unique and priceless collection that will take you back to days of yore.

The fact that the majority of South Africa 's vine-cutting nurseries (better known as "stokkies kwekerye") are found in the Wellington area, is due to the excellent soils and climate of the region.

The Wellington wine route is small and compact and the cellars within easy driving distance of each other. Only 45 minutes from Cape Town , the area is known as the heart of the Boland .

Founded in 1907, Bovlei is the second oldest co-operative winery in South Africa . The spectacular view from the tasting center of the Hawequa Mountain range will convince you why this is a visit not to be missed

Farming and viniculture has been practiced on De Compagnie for almost three centuries. In 1705 the Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie granted the farm Rustenburg to Jan Laurense Van Rostock. According to the conditions issued by the VOC, Von Rostok had to plant wheat and oak trees, and raise cattle.

Situated just south of Wellington with superb views down the Paarl valley, Diemersfontein has recently opened its own cellar and in just a few short years is already producing award winning red wines.

Nestled between Groenberg Mountain and the lovely Bain's Kloof Mountains in the land locked valley hence the name Doolhof "The Maze Valley ". Only the best quality grapes are handpicked to be made into wine that can be enjoyed under the Doolhof lable.

Based on Klein Rhebokskloof, Hilderbrand boutique wine and olive estate will delight you with its atmosphere and fine wines.

Oude Wellington Wine Estate	Hilderbrand Wine and Olive Farm	Wamakersvallei

A visit to Jacaranda , the smallest wine estate in the Cape with its unique Cellaronda, is a must if you're looking for something different.  Let winemaker Jan Tromp show you his ingenious cellar built around an irrigation reservoir and taste his selection of interesting wines.

The Kleinbosch range of varietal wines features the very best from four of the leading wine cellars in the Paarl Wine Region. Wamakers Wine Cellar, Wellington Wine Cellar, Bovlei Winery and Boland Wine Cellar, each a producer of fine wines in its own right, have joined forces to form Cape Wine Cellars , producers of Kleinbosch wines.

Build and used from 1740 until 1940 this recently refurbished historical old cellar is now producing high quality premium wines , mostly for export

The history of Wamakersvallei Wine cellar dates back to 1941, when a group of grape-growers in the area founded this central cellar for the pressing of their grapes. Each wine in this range tells a proud story of specially selected grapes and meticulous wine-making methods. You can taste the rewards in every bottle

Welgegund Farm, once owned by Cecil John Rhodes Fruit Farms, possesses optimum terroir for noble red wine. Situated at the foot of the Limietberg the farm offers beautiful mountain views and vineyard walks.

Welvanpas with its picturesque setting, dates back to 1705 and has been the home of the Retief family for 7 generations - amongst them Voortrekker leader Piet Retief. Location, soil and climate all contributes to the fine wines produced in the cellar which has played host to more than 100 harvests.

Guided horse trails in the foothills of the majestic Hawequa Mountains allow you to experience the local fynbos, olive orchards and vineyards, while stopping to taste some of the local produce en-route.

An exciting mountain bike trail which runs past five guest facilities through the foothills of the Hawequa Mountains and offers spectacular views over the Berg River Valley . Up to 30km and suitable for both novice and experts. Permits required, contact Wellington Tourism Bureau.

Hiking Trails
There are a number of hiking trails and picnic places in the mountains and some of the most exquisite species of wildflowers can be seen at certain times of the year.

Local Gardens
The scenery in the Berg River Valley and the Hawequa Mountains are absolutely magnificent. This coupled with the green fingers of some of the long term Wellington residents have resulted in some superb award winning gardens.

Die Vonds Snake Park
A centre for the breeding and conservation of snakes with 40 different types of snakes as well as tortoises, lizards, leguan and more reptiles and animals. On the R45 between Paarl and Wellington , three km from the R45/R44 four way stop

Bartholomews Klip Farmhouse
Situated at the foot of the Elandskloof Mountains where rolling wheatfields meet pristine fynbos, eland graze in timeless peace and the fish eagle calls overhead while shepherds and their dogs herd flocks of sheep across the wide open farmlands and tractors plough the fertile soil.