Hout Bay has numerous attractions, and the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town and the Cape Winelands are within easy reach. The Manor Cottage is 25 mins from Cape Town centre and 30 mins from Cape Town International airport.
Hout Bay lies in a valley surrounded by mountains leading out to the sea. It has an old world charm which is difficult to find. With its working fishing harbour, Hout Bay has managed to keep a village atmosphere, even though it is only 20 minutes away from Cape Town city centre.
The village has a few shopping centres, all major banks, many restaurants, the largest bird park in Africa, hiking trails, nature reserves, a Sunday craft market and a beautiful wide beach!
The Bay Harbour market is the newest attraction to Hout Bay is already getting rave reviews. Bay Harbour is situated on the water’s edge in the old authentic part of the Hout Bay Harbour and comprises more than 100 stalls in an old fish factory, including external tented alleys and courtyards. The market is a celebration of the vibrancy, spirit and diversity of creativity and culture that make South Africa such a unique country. It provides a uniquely-social shopping and eating experience for all local communities, as well as local and international tourists, in an atmosphere which is friendly, vibrant and entertaining…. and, above all, distinctly South African! Music and entertainment are part of the daily programme, from across the diverse South African spectrum. Tenant and product mix focuses on: fresh goods, fruit and vegetables, herbs, spices, fish, meat and flowers – with the intent of providing local farmers and producers with a direct market for their goods; authentic South African food, from Mopani worms to fresh oysters and braai’d crayfish, are also on offer, with a leaning towards indigenous culinary delights; carefully selected arts, crafts, furniture and the like will serve to celebrate the creative talent of South African producers and artists; integral to the mix are our organic and fair trade products.
Hout Bay Whale Watching: @HoutbayWhales Hout Bay: For the first time Hangberg Boat Charters is offering Boat Based Whale Watching; for more info enquire at: info@houtbayboats.co.za
The world famous Chapman’s Peak drive is a must for visitors to see – the R22 toll charged at the Hout Bay end is well worth it!
The Hout Bay Harbour, which boasts a fish market, curio stalls, a seafood bistro and fish and chip take-away, is worth a visit.
Township tours are on offer just 5 minutes from the centre of Hout Bay. Trips are offered from the local harbour to see the seal colony. Golf courses are within easy driving distance, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are 15 minutes away. The V&A Waterfront and theTable Mountain cable car are 20 minute drive away.
Hout Bay offers a beautiful and safe bathing beach for long walks, safeswimming, surfing, wind surfing, paddle skiing, kayaking and scuba diving. Fishing charters, horse-riding, sailing and boat trips are easily arranged and airport shuttles can be arranged, if needed.
The Cape Winelands are a 40 minute drive away (Paarl, Stellenbsoch and Franschhoek), and the city-based Constantia Wineroute (Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Steenberg, Buitenverwachting, and Constantia Uitsig), starts just 10 minutes away!
Hout Bay is unpretentious and an escape from the high-life that can be found in the city areas. If it’s natural beauty you are looking for, or an active holiday, Hout Bay has it all!