Darling

Situated between vineyards and golden wheat fields, Darling famous for artisanal products from toffee, cheese, olives, wine and beer plus iconic theatre packaged in a quaint village on Cape Town’s doorstep.

Located on the West Coast Way Culture and Scenic RoutesDarling

West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature

West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.

Road-Trip-Southern-Africa-West-Coast-Way-Routes Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way: Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve. For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777.  Follow us on  on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.

Originally known as Groene Kloof, the town was renamed in 1853 after Charles Darling who was the Lieutenant-Governor of the Cape at the time. Darling is located on the West Coast Way Culture and Scenic Routes and offers a mix between modern craft beer and trendy art experiences fused with history and culture.

In spring every field around the small town blossoms into a tapestry of flowers and tourists come from near and far to experience the beauty and to enjoy small town hospitality. Darling forms part of the West Coast flower region and is part of the Cape Floristic Region.
It boasts more than 1 200 species of flowering plants, 80 of which are endemic to the West Coast. The Darling Wildflower Show is held every third weekend in September at the Darling Club.

While it is also known for its dairy produce (notably butter), wine from the region is becoming increasingly popular and there are four celebrated wine estates in the vicinity. There are also olive farms which produce all manner of olive products and offer tastings as well as a popular craft beer tap house brewery.

An artists’ haven, Darling West Coast is the home to two renowned cultural events, namely of the Voorkamer Fest arts festival, a unique house-to-house theatrical extravaganza and the eco-themed Rocking the Daisies music festival in springtime. It is also home to Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout aka well-known political satirist Pieter Dirk Uys and his theater, Evita se Perron.

Situated in the town hall, the Darling Museum plays homage to the town’s butter-making and creamery history and gives an insight into life in the town in the 19th century.

Travel tip: 

 

Road tripping is thirsty work so be sure to stop at the Darling Brew Tap Room – a craft beer haven which embodies the slow pace of life on the Cape West Coast. Pair each of the Darling Brew craft beers with a selection of light meals produced from locally sourced, free range and organic produce. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays and also open on Sundays in September (Darling’s Flower Season 1 Sept – end Sept ). Visit Groote Post Wines (just outside the town)  to add to your Darling wine and hops taste experience.

Darling West Coast is the perfect weekend getaway destination, offering myriad activities, both in the town and surrounds. Take in the show at Evita se Perron, spend a day at the beach in nearby Yzerfontein, sample fine wines and olive products and explore the charming shops and cafes.

Find Darling on the West Coast Way Culture and Scenic Routes

Distance from Cape Town: 76km

Interesting things to do and see in Darling:

Darling Tourism Bureau: Hello Darling
The Museum recreates life in a bygone era with fascinating displays of Victorian clothing, china, and household furniture, rooms partitioned depicting daily life such as a shop, a laundry room, school and buttery. From the museum you can take a self-guided historic walking tour – maps can be purchased for a mere R2 at the museum. Should you want a little more excitement than on your walk, then ask for the Darling Mystery Tour instead and challenge your mind on this innovative treasure hunt.
• Child-Friendly  • Info •  Walking Tours • Wildflower Society
Open 7 Days a week | Booking Not Essential
Where: Pastorie Street, Darling
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.hellodarling.co.za

Groote Post

Groote Post is a historic 18th century farm on the Cape’s West Coast where the unique aspects and cool climatic conditions of the Darling Hills yield superlative fruit and excellent wines. Groote Post Wine is renowned around the world. The winery is situated in a lovely green valley threaded by the Klawer River, with luxurious lawns and an original, beautifully restored Cape Dutch homestead. Groote Post also hosts a monthly Country Market brim-full of artisan foods, arts and crafts, home ware and décor, live entertainment, lots of fun activities for kids, and of course, Groote Post’s well-loved wines.

Groote Post Country Market: On the last Sunday of every month during the Spring/Summer Season

Open 7 days a week: 9h00 – 15h00
Free wine tasting. For groups larger than 10 a tasting fee applies.

Where: Darling Hills Road, off the R27, Darling
Contact: +27 (0)22 4922825 | www.grootepost.com

Evita se Perron

This is home to ‘Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout’, the world-famous alter ego of Pieter Dirk Uys, South Africa’s best-known political satirist, and impersonator. Evita se Perron is a transformed train station with two cabaret venues, a restaurant, and a bar.

Open: 6 Days a Week (Closed on Christian Holidays)

Monday 19:00 – 13:00 | Tuesday – Sunday 09:00 – 16:00

Where: 8 Arcadia Street, Darling
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 2851 | [email protected] | www.evita.co.za

The Marmalade Cat

Open daily for breakfast and lunch and on Friday nights for pizza, this unique eatery is popular with locals and visitors alike. Easy to spot on Darling’s main road, where guests are greeted by the enticing aromas of freshly baked goods and a kaleidoscope of gifts and collectables. Start your day with one of their delicious omelettes, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the flower-filled courtyard or pop in for afternoon tea – this quirky venue is sure to put a spring in your step.

Open: 7 Days a Week 08:00 – 14:30
Where: 19 Main Road, Darling
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 2515 | www.marmaladecat.co.za

Darling Wildflower Society
The Darling Wildflower show takes place annually over the third weekend in September (20 to 22 September 2019) and celebrates an integral part of the Cape Fynbos Kingdom comprising of Renosterveld, Rietveld, Sandveld, and Strandveld where more than 1200 different species of flowers can be found. The event includes entry to the Landscaped Hall (depicting the flowers of the area in their natural habitat). A Freeride on a tractor-drawn wagon to see the Oude Post Pristine wetland (that is not accessible to the public and can only be seen during the show), a Craft/Farmers Market, Veteran Tractor/Car Display, an Entertainment Tent featuring live music, a large Children’s area, safe and secure parking and many other attractions. There will also be numerous Food and Beverage stalls where you can purchase a variety of food and drinks to take away or use the facilities to relax and enjoy the natural environment.
• Wildflower Show • Child-Friendly  • Info •  Stalls
Where: Darling
Contact: +27 (0)84 916 1111 or +27 (0)82 927 6225 | [email protected]

Darling Brew
Be sure to stop at the Darling Brewery &  Tasteroom – a craft beer haven which embodies the slow pace of life on the Cape West Coast. Pair each of the Darling Brew craft beers with a selection of light meals produced from locally sourced, free-range and organic produce.

Visitors can see the brewing process, enjoy a selection of beer tasters and purchase some of their favourites to take home. The tasteroom, operated by Flying Pig, offers a locally sourced smokehouse menu where the concept of slow beer and slow food truly come together. The menu includes a variety of artisanal tapas, salads and slow-cured meat dishes based on traditional recipes with a number of beer pairings. The menu can be enjoyed indoors or outside in the garden where open-air kids play area tops off the experience to be one that the whole family can enjoy.
• Brewery • Restaurant • Tastings & Sales • Kids Play Area • Garden
Where: Darling Brew Tasteroom & Brewery: 48 Caledon Street, Darling
Open 7 days a week during the flower season and school holidays.
(Except: 7 December & 25 December – Christmas day)

Darling Brew Operating Hours: 

Tasteroom operating hours:

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 am to 5 pm Kitchen closes at 4 pm
  • Friday 9 am to 9 pm Kitchen closes at 8 pm
  • Saturday 9 am to 5 pm  Kitchen closes at 4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am to 4 pm  Kitchen closes at 3 pm
  • They are also open for private functions. The restaurant works on a walk in basis but large groups are encouraged to book

Contact: +27 (0)76 092 8313 or email [email protected] and www.darlingbrew.co.za

Accommodation

Daisy Darling

Daisy Darling is perfectly located just under 1h30 hour from Cape Town. Conveniently situated on the quiet end of Darling’s Main Road. They are within easy walking distance of many of the attractions that make Darling such a special place to visit.

A large, welcoming lounge, with fireplace for those cold winter evenings. The bedrooms at Daisy Darling are well-appointed with all the amenities you could wish for: air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, quality furnishings, a tea and coffee station, and free Wi-Fi.

Where: 9 Main Street, Darling

Contact: +27 (0)492 2092 | [email protected] | www.daisydarling.co.za

Darling

West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature

West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.

Road-Trip-Southern-Africa-West-Coast-Way-Routes Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way: Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve. For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777.  Follow us on  on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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