What to do in Paarl this summer while staying at Brookdale Manor House?
The Paarl Winelands of South Africa is a humble area less than 1 hour from Cape Town, and largely unknown to international travellers. Yet, it offers some of the country’s most awarded wines, cuisine and wellness experiences, as well as access to some of the Western Cape’s best nature trails, golfing, expansive environments, and important historic monuments. A little-known gem.
With all the charm of a historic country town created by the warm and welcoming community, Paarl brings together the very best of what we love most on a journey to this warm wine region – tranquillity, adventure, history, food and award-winning wines. Here, the leisurely summers are bathed in sunshine. Warm days flow into balmy nights with breath-taking sunsets over the vineyards and mountains to a soundtrack of birdsong along the evening breeze.
Connect with the soul of the Cape Winelands – discover the character, history, access, and diversity of Paarl’s experiences during a stay at Brookdale Manor House.
Wondering what to do in Paarl this summer?
We are sharing few of our favourite perfect Paarl experiences this season…
For foodies…
Our chefs look after your gastronomic wishes with tailored menus and a diverse culinary skillset using produce sourced from our abundant surrounds. Brookdale Estate is situated in the Cape Winelands near to the well-known culinary hotpots of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. However, Paarl has its own culinary gems waiting to be uncovered …
Beyond our vineyard borders, more and more distinguished South African chefs are opening their new ventures in the Paarl region, alongside longstanding local favourites. In the mornings, stop by Bean in Love for a perfect coffee and wonderful cake selection. Spend lunch times at Noop or Jewells Restaurant for delicious tapas or, for the fine dining lover, visit Faber at Avondale for dinner.
For oenophiles & wine drinkers…
After tasting your way through the Brookdale ranges, explore more of the thoughtfully crafted wines the Western Cape has to offer. Paarl is one of the oldest wine regions in South Africa, yet remains a mystery to most travellers. It offers a varied terrain with exceptional micro-climates, elevation and aspects comprising a rich tapestry of terroir.
The dynamic climate results in a diverse array of wine styles, varietals and blends. Explore the many wineries of the Paarl region, as well as neighbouring Wellington and Franschhoek, with a privately hosted wine tour, or simply jump in your car and see what you find. A few of our favourite wineries include: Avondale, Nederburg and Landskroon which are all located close to Brookdale Estate.
For wellness seekers…
Enjoy a wellness treatment in the comfort of your suite at Brookdale Manor House, where pressured stroke eases tired and tense muscles and brings a sense of relaxed calm to body and mind (download our treatment menu).
On our doorstep, Santé Day Spa offers an exceptional way to spend a morning or afternoon in pampered bliss including extensive hydrotherapy facilities, a sauna, and a labyrinth to challenge your mental health as well. Within the town of Paarl, we love Yoga House for a guided morning session to unravel strained muscles and stressed minds.
For nature lovers…
Both on the estate, and in the nearby areas of Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Wellington, walks and hikes in nature are abundant (Paarlberg Nature Reserve is a favourite amongst the locals). Explore the great outdoors in the Paarl region with a choice of wondrous hikes, gentle strolls, outrides on horseback, cycling routes, fishing and more.
Brookdale Estate has selected partners for privately guided experiences to discover the mountains, valleys and atmosphere of Paarl. Climb Paarl Rock, explore Kromriver or traverse the Huguenot Peak. Head out on horseback or enjoy a ride on the wild side with quad biking through the Paarl vineyards. The landscapes hold endless adventures.
For the history fan…
Discover more about South Africa’s heritage with time at the important monuments across the Paarl Winelands to connect with the history of South Africa. Nelson Mandela’s legacy extends across not only in South Africa, but also the world. Visit the 3-metre monument to Mandela at Klein Drakenstein where he was released from prison in 1990. From here, it is a short drive to Franschhoek to explore more about the French Huguenots, another intriguing layer of South African history.
Back in Paarl, the iconic Taal Monument in Paarl, South Africa is located on a hill that gazes out over the Paarl Valley near Paarl Rock, for which the town is named (Paarl meaning ‘Pearl’). Taal, meaning ‘language’, was built in October 1975 to commemorate Afrikaans being declared an official language of South Africa, separate from Dutch. Not only is its location surrounded by incredible views, but it also has hiking and biking trails with walks that can be done from the monument to a close-by rock feature.
Special interests…
We believe in individuality and exploring one’s own curiosities. As such, we place great importance on understanding what it is our guests are looking to discover during a stay, while making time with us truly memorable. Each stay is a unique blend of people, experiences and places … a beautiful mosaic of moments. Let us know about your unique blend of interests when making a reservation so that we might guide you in finding hidden gems and unique experiences you may love. From the Alpaca Loom & Café, to helicopter flips, paragliding, fly-fishing, golf courses, quad-biking, birdwatching, art galleries, walking tours and farmer’s markets … find your passions in the pastoral paradise of Paarl.
Book your stay:
A world away from the hubbub of the city with all the conveniences of modern life, easy access and exemplary experiences, Paarl perfectly complements a trip to the Cape.
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