The town is situated in the heart of the Klein Drakenstein range at the foot of the Groenberg and on the banks of the Kromme River, with the silent sentinels of the majestic Hawequa mountains on its eastern border.
Steeped in history and tradition, this town has a magical atmosphere that will captivate you once you discover it, its people and its myriad of attractions. It is a mere 45 minutes drive from Cape Town and within east reach of the other entire Boland town. Industrially, Wellington is the centre of the South African dried fruit industry and home to the fourth largest liquor distributor in Southern Africa, Union Wine Corporation.
To stay over in Wellington is to explore true hospitality. There is a caravan park and a wide variety of accommodation available, form elegant guests houses to self-catering flats and intimate farm cottages where personal attention ensures a memorable stay. Restaurants in the town will ensure that your hunger doesn't go unattended to, whether you require light meals or substantial home cooking.The majority of South Africa's vine-cutting nurseries are found in the Wellington area, is due to the excellent soils and climate of the region. Of course the town is also the home of the Wellington Wine Route, which is small, and compact and cellars are within east driving distance of one another.
There are six members on this route - Wellington Wine Route that is small and compact and cellars are six members on this route Wamakersvallei (producer of the well-known range of 'Duke of Wellington' wines), Wellington Winery, Jacaranda Estate, Welvanpas and Bovlei, which is the second oldest co-op in the country.
The cellars are all open to the public and welcome wine-lovers to come and taste their products in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
For a synopsis of the history of the town of Wellington and its valley, a visit to the Wellington Museum is a must. Being a local history museum, everything on display, including the archaeological displays of early middle and late Stone Age implements and rock art, was collected locally.
Of special interest is a display of Egyptian antiquities - this collection is considered to be one of the best in South Africa. Dr Andrew Murray, world famous missionary and pastor, is long remembered by his statue at the Dutch Reformed Church, which dates back to 1840, and by Clairvaux (clear view), which had been his manse from 1892 until his death. He also started the Huguenot Seminary, parts of which were designed by architect John Parker, whilst the Murray Jubilee Hall (1905) was named after him.
The scenic pride and joy of Wellington is the magnificent Limietberg range of mountains and the spectacular Bain's Kloof Pass, which carries the road to Ceres and the Breede River Valley over its heights. This mountain pass provides one of the most glorious scenic drives in Southern Africa.
There is also a choice of several walking trails with some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable. Hiking trials and picnic spots in the mountain are home to some of the most exquisite species of wild flowers to be seen at certain times of the year.
There are also ample sporting facilities apart from the Boland Stadium, administrative head quarters of the Boland Rugby Union- an excellent golf course, swimming pools, tennis, cricket, squash, bowls, hockey and clay pigeon shooting at Oupas Jasper's shooting range.
