Things to do Somerset West

Somerset West grew out of Vergelegen, a farm granted to Cape governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700. The name is Dutch for “situated far away”, a fair description given it took three days by ox-wagon to reach from Cape Town Castle at the time. The town itself was founded in 1822 on part of that land and named after a later governor, Lord Charles Somerset, with “West” added in 1825 to avoid confusion with Somerset East on the other side of the country.

The Lourens River Bridge, built in 1845, is the second-oldest surviving bridge in South Africa, and Sir Lowry’s Pass, cut through the Hottentots Holland mountains in the 1830s, was the first mountain crossing used by the Great Trek in 1835.

Outdoor Adventures

Vergelegen itself is worth the visit for the gardens alone, camphor trees planted nearly 300 years ago still stand on the estate. Helderberg Nature Reserve, the Hottentots Holland trails, and the surrounding wine estates give Somerset West more genuine outdoor range than most Helderberg suburbs.

Food and Dining

Wine-estate restaurants lead here, Vergelegen, Lourensford and the surrounding farms all run their own dining, alongside the more everyday cafes and restaurants along the main road.

Family Friendly Activities

Good schools, several security estates, and easy access to both the coast and the mountains make Somerset West a popular long-term family choice, generally at a higher price point than Strand or Gordon’s Bay.

Nightlife and Culture

Wine tastings, church and community events, and seasonal festivals carry most of the social calendar. For a proper night out, Stellenbosch is a short drive away.

Somerset West by the Numbers

The Short Version

Somerset West has kept its wine-estate roots while growing into one of the Helderberg’s most established suburbs. Good for space, schools and scenery, at a price to match.