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Only one-and-a-half hours drive from Cape Town, on the site of an old rambling farm, lies the peaceful town of Greyton. Named after Sir George Grey, twice Governor of the Cape Colony, Greyton has a picture-perfect patchwork of verdant gardens, pretty cottages and many beautifully restored buildings.
Twisting through the voluptuous emerald hills of the Overberg, the R406 finds its way to the secluded village of Greyton, one of the region's most peaceful and charming villages.
In the tradition of other towns in the region, Greyton was first a farm, Weltevreden, where cattle and the fat-tailed, mohair-coated sheep indigenous to the Cape grazed whatever turf of grass they found beneath the renosterbos.
In 1846 Weltevreden was bought by Herbert Vigne. Vibrant stories of passion and polygamy surrounding this Englishman did not endear him to his family, least of all his brother-in-law, Governor Sir George Grey. It is possible that when, in 1854, Vigne subdivided part of the farm into 120 plots for a village, he tried to redeem himself by calling it Greyton.
Greyton today, is a friendly, peaceful hamlet surrounded by mountains and farmlands where the crops are wheat, barley oats and lucerne. Within the village old traditions still prevail, onions and garlic stems are plaited and hung and some ploughing is still done by oxen.
Thatched cottages and restored buildings stand amidst beautiful gardens and oak lined streets. Ducks frolic in the leiwater canals and donkey carts are part of the daily scene. Summer days are hot and balmy whilst winter offers snow capped peaks and merry crackling hearths. Outdoor activities abound the year around.
The town boasts a number of historical buildings such as the Post House, Greyton Lodge, St Andrews Church, Moravian Church, Smouswinkel and many restored cottages. There is also an Old Cape highway/historic wagon route via Lindeshof to Riviersonderend, where oak and poplar trees indicate overnight stops for wagons.
The spectacular surrounding countryside comprises some of the best fynbos in the Western Cape. There are well marked walks ranging from an easy stroll to a two or three day hike.
The outdoor adventurer can also enjoy horse-riding, swimming in the river, mountain-biking and 4x4 trails. Tennis and bowls are available in the village and excellent golf courses are only 40 minutes away at Riviersonderend and Arabella at Kleinmond.
The regular Saturday morning market should not be missed. Fresh local produce, home cooked delicacies and delightful village-made crafts are all there. Various interest clubs abound and you are welcome to join us for bridge, yoga or line dancing.
Accommodation can be found in one of the many B&Bs and guesthouses in the town.
To get to Greyton, take the N2 east from Cape Town towards Caledon. About 110 km outside of Cape Town turn left into the R406 at the Genadendal/Greyton sign. After 32 km the R406 feeds into Greyton's Main Street.
Greyton Tourism Office
Telephone: +27 (0)28-254-9564
Fax: +27 0865171630
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