In and around Simonstown
Outdoor activities abound in Simonstown, so be prepared to spend more than a day. From great white shark cage diving to the African Penguins at Boulders Beach and the many exciting wine estates & restaurants. Local eateries, bistros and coffee shops never disappoint and for those interested, there are several museums to be visited offering marvelous information and artifacts on South African history.
The Grosvenor Guest House is so conveniently situated that you rarely need use transport. Some of the most wonderful restaurants and interesting shops are all within walking distance of the guest house, not to mention the famous Simon's Town Naval Base, museums and many other nautical objects of interest. See below for details or consult your hosts Debbie or Sue who will gladly advise on things to do and places to see.
Activities in Simonstown
This fascinating naval town, steeped in nautical history and tradition was named after the governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel who recommended that the bay be used as a safe winter anchorage by the Dutch East India Company vessels calling at the Cape.
In Simonstown
Beaches
- Boulders Beach "sharing with Penguins is a prerequisite :)"
- Foxy Beach
- Seaforth Beach
- Long Beach
- Glencairn Beach
Cape Point
Cape Point is one of South Africa's most famous landmarks and a spectacle not to be missed. Take a day tour on a beautiful scenic coastal trip to visit this spectacular site.
Old Buildings and
Historical Sites in Simon's Town
- Church of St Francis
The oldest existing Anglican Church in South Africa - Romans Rock Lighthouse
South Africa's third oldest lighthouse and the only one built on a rock - Simonstown Museum
Built in 1777, archives the town's history and is housed in the Residency – former home of the Dutch East India Company governors. - Warrior Toy Museum
This museum showcases a unique collection of toy cars and trains, dolls and lead soldiers. Great for kids young and old.
A delicious affair
Restaurants
Restaurants and eateries abound in Simon's Town. There is no way to be bored with what's on offer. Delectable Sushi, succulent seafood and delicious continental cuisine. There's something to please every palate.
- Salty Sea Dog - 021 - 786 1918
Waterfront
Simon's Town - Bertha's Restaurant - 021 - 786 2138
Quayside Centre
1 Wharf Road
Simon's Town - The Sweetest Thing - 021 - 786 4200
- The Lighthouse Café - 021 - 786 9000
90 St Georges Street
Simonstown - Cafe Pescado - 021 - 786 2272
- Saveur - 021 - 786 1919
Wharf Street
Simonstown - The Scone Shack - 079 045 1318
Lalaphanzi Farm
Plateau Rd, Cape Point
More than 615 bird species recorded
Bird Watching
Of the 615 recorded bird species between the Western and Northern Cape Provinces, sightings of 220 of these have been made in Cape Town in one single day alone!
The top 10 Species in the Western Cape:
- Cape Sugarbird
- Cape Rockjumper
- Black Harrier
- Knysna Warbler
- Protea Canary
- Southern Black Korhaan
- Hottentot Buttonquail
- Agulhas Long-billed Lark
- African Penguin (Boulders Beach Simon's Town)
- Bank Cormorant
Bird watching in and around Simon's Town is a feast for those interested especially in pelagic bird species. There are several tour operators offering boat based tours where you can view amongst several others Cape Gannets, White-capped and Yellow-nosed Albatross, Storm Petrels, Manx Shearwaters and Cory. Truly a photographers dream come true as these magnificent birds vie for food behind trawlers.
Kayaking
The one and only way to see Penguins at their best, take a 2 hour kayak trip. No experience required and we'll do the booking for you!
World Heritage Site
Robben Island
Just 12 kms from Cape Town, this world heritage site is not to be missed. Take a ferry ride from the V & A Waterfront to Robben Island for and informative and fun filled day.
Shopping
Simon's Town and the neighbouring coastal villages offer a plethora of speciality shops to keep you so busy you'll forget to go home. From delicatessens to antique stores, art galleries and curio shops, too many to mention.
- Craft Art & Gallery Emporium - 021 786 1997
128 St Georges Street
Sartorial House
Simon's Town, South Africa - Pearl Alley - 071 298 2214
126A St Georges Drive
Simon's Town
Cape Town
Whales, sharks, seals and more
Boating
Charter a boat or take a boat trip out in the bay. Whatever your fancy Simon's Town offers it all including a "Water Taxi" from the Waterfront in Simon's Town. If you fancy a day out during crayfish season, no problem! Or perhaps a trip out to Seal Island. Try out a whale watching boat trip and don't forget your camera - spectacular!
Table Mountain, Boulders & Cape of Good Hope
Cape Peninsula National Park
One of the most spectacular drives in the world. From Cape Town around the Peninsula along the False Bay coastline via Cape Point and back along the Atlantic coast via Hout Bay, Clifton's famous beaches and Sea Point.
World Heritage Site
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
60 Hectares covering the SE slopes of Table Mountain dedicated to indigenous flora. Open air concerts and recitals on Sundays, breakfasts and teas.
About Simonstown
Simon's Town was originally named Isselsteijn Bay from a Dutch East Indiaman of the same name who sheltered there in 1671 during a storm. Reports from this ships' crew filtered back to the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel that the bay provided ideal shelter from the winter winds and storms of Table Bay.
Table Mountain National Park
Boulders
Boulders, renowned for its thriving colony of African Penguins offers not only outstanding viewing opportunities for penguins and whales but a beautiful safe beach and superb photo opportunities. Elevated boardwalks provide exceptional viewing opportunities for penguins and whales during the calving season.
Heritage Site
Company's Garden
Situated at the very top of Adderley Street in Cape Town City Centre, the Company's Garden was originally established to provide fresh fruit and vegetable for the seamen sailing from Holland to Indonesia.
The beautiful Garden is home to several landmark buildings including Parliament, SA Museum, SA National Gallery, Slave Lodge, St George's Cathedral, the Jewish Museum and the university of Cape Town's City Campus.
Eateries and
Wine Estates
You simply cannot miss a visit to some of the finest wine estates and eateries to be found in the Cape.
White Shark Cage Diving
White Shark Cage Diving is a must for adrenaline junkies visiting Simon's Town. The Grosvenor Guest House partners with Apex and will be happy to make your reservation for you.
Wine Tasting @ Grosvenor
Let us know if you would like us to arrange a special wine tasting for you on our deck. What could be better than a specially arranged wine pairing as you take in the magnificent view at Grosvenor Guest House?
