BUDGET BEATING FUN IN PAARL AND WELLINGTON

Posted by Lorenzo Samuels on 29 November 2018 1:10 AM CAT

Summer is around the corner and the tourism offices in Paarl and Wellington have compiled a list of fun things to do without breaking the bank.

According to Annelize Stroebel, General Manager of Paarl & Wellington Tourism, they are very conscious of economic pressures on South Africans at the moment, but wanted to make sure that there are still affordable options available for visiting tourists and locals.  “We looked at the offerings by our members that could help to make memorable summer holiday memories even if you are a bit cash-conscious.  We now have a number of options that are free or cost under R50 and R100.  We hope that this will definitely encourage visitors to explore our beautiful region, while sticking to a budget,” mentions Stroebel.

Free activities in Paarl include visiting the iconic Paarl Rock, taking a stroll through the arboretum, viewing up to 15 protea species in the Meulwater Wild Flower Garden at Paarl Mountain, taking part in the weekly Paarl Park Run or taking a scenic drive up the Du Toitskloof Pass.  Experience an authentic farmer’s market at Windmeul Kelder on the first Saturday of every month.  Collect a brochure from the Paarl Visitor’s Information Centre and embark on a self-guided historical walk to learn more about the town’s rich history or discover the Arts & Craft Route on foot.  A selfie at the Nelson Mandela Statue won’t cost you a cent and will leave you with special memories of this legend.

For R50 or less, visitors can do an olive tasting at Cascade Manor, a tasting of six beers at Berg River Brewery and a kiddies’ pairing at Nederburg Wines or Perdeberg Winery.  Take your own picnic to enjoy in the picturesque setting of Landskroon or under the stars or the full moon at the Afrikaans Language Monument. Enjoy a chocolate tasting at De Villiers Chocolate at Spice Route Destination or delight in a true South African delicacy by tasting freshly baked roosterkoek with toppings at Windmeul Kelder.  Enjoy a biblical garden tour at Salem Biblical Garden, a hike in the Limietberg Nature Reserve or join a daily garden tour at Babylonstoren (the tour is free, but an entry fee of R20 for adults and R10 per child is charged at the gates, R10 on weekends).

Less than R100 will get visitors a day pass from Hero Adventures at Rhebokskloof and Spice Route, entry to the snake centre, snake shows, croc pond tour and fishing at Le Bonheur Reptile Adventures or a ticket to the Galileo Outdoor Cinema showing at various venues.  Also coming in at R100 or less are a variety of tastings, including beer, cheese and biltong pairing at Simonsvlei, a wine and ice cream pairing at Nederburg, eight wines with a selection of goat cheeses at Fairview and the Cellarmaster’s Reserve tasting at Mellasat Vinyeards.  Visitors can also take a KWV Cellar tour, visit The Alpaca Look Coffee Shop and Weaving Studio for an educational barn tour or visit Paarl Rock and Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve.

In Wellington, visitors can enjoy a free self-guided historical walk, view the roses and poetic landscape art at Victoria Jubilee Park, visit the Breytenbach art and cultural centre, take a scenic drive through Bainskloof Pass or do a free wine tasting at Linton Park Wines if you make a donation to Streetsmart.

R50 and less will buy you a hiking trail pass at Welvanpas Vineyards, entry to the Wellington Museum, a tasting at Wellington Wines, a slice of cake at Perfect Place Coffee Shop and an olive tasting at Villamar.

Activities under a R100 rand include a day pass to the Wild Boar Trails at Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate, a gourmet pie and wine pairing at Imbuko Wines, a coffee and chocolate tasting at Villamar Coffee Roastery, a tea tasting at Langkloof Roses and a choice of pizzas from Uncorked Restaurant at Linton Park Wines.

For more details and prices on these special deals and more budget saving tips, visit www.paarlonline.com or www.visitwellington.co.za.