For a town with only a few thousand residents, revolving around a single, busy street corner, Bathurst has a surprising amount to do. Here are ten activities we enjoyed — more than enough to fill a busy long weekend.
Bathurst village is situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is just over 10 kilometres inland from Port Alfred and administered by the Ndlambe municipality. Bathurst is a quaint and quirky village with much to see and do for both outdoor adventurers and people wanting to experience the best of what eastern cape has to offer. With many great restaurants, pubs, shops and historical sites, Bathurst will keep you busy and make you smile. Like the local Bathurstians say: ” There is no thirst like Bathurst.”
It’s a village not a town.
So say residents of Bathurst, a magnet for the creative and curious located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, approximately 12 kilometers from Port Alfred. Residents are proud of the eccentricity of their town. Or village.
“You’ve got to have certain things to be a town, like a bank and full-time doctor, and we don’t have any of that,” says one longtime resident who gives her name only as Mrs. Lens.
What Bathurst does have is a history dating to the early 1820s, a long and entertaining main street and a pub with delicious food that’s also a motel. CNN.com
Bathurst is situated on the fringes of both the Sunshine Coast and Frontier Country, a half hour drive from Grahamstown or 10 minutes from Port Alfred. Halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London, with it’s fabulous beaches, restaurants, shops and the popular Royal Port Alfred Golf Course.
Seeped in the history of the Eastern Cape’s tumultuous past and personifying the essence of the brave and hardy English Settlers which while giving it a distinctly English rural feeling, it’s beautiful indigenous trees such as the giant wild fig trees and the brilliantly coloured Coral trees which predominate remind one that this is still Africa. Today Bathurst brings together the past and the present, being the hub of one of the largest pineapple growing areas in South Africa. Source
For a town with only a few thousand residents, revolving around a single, busy street corner, Bathurst has a surprising amount to do. We spent nearly three days there and didn’t even get to everything. Here are ten activities we enjoyed — more than enough to fill a busy long weekend. 2summers.net
Join us on an exciting travel adventure as we uncover the secrets of Bathurst, a charming historical town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. From its rich history as a 1820 Settlers’ town to its beautiful historical churches, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the hidden gems of this quaint town. We’ll explore the Bathurst Agricultural Museum, visit the iconic Pig and Whistle Hotel, and venture into the surrounding countryside to experience the best of Eastern Cape adventures. If you’re looking for travel tips and inspiration for your next trip to South Africa, this travel vlog is for you. Get ready to fall in love with the charm of Bathurst and start planning your own adventure to this incredible destination. Explore the Enchanting Hidden Village of Bathurst, South Africa!
If you’re looking for the sweet life, you’ll find it in Bathurst. This small but charming town is nestled along the scenic Kowie River, just 15 kilometres northwest of Port Alfred. Known for its vibrant pineapple agriculture, the town’s air is perfumed with this juicy fruit as its trucks pass through. Bathurst also proudly holds the title of being home to the largest man-made pineapple building in the world.
With an array of restaurants, pubs, shops, outdoor activities, and historical sites, Bathurst has something to delight every visitor. Over the years, the area has created a colourful and eccentric community of farmers, artists, academics, retirees, and semigrants seeking a peaceful escape in the Eastern Cape.
On the property hunt, you’ll find a wealth of options. With cosy cottages, fertile farms, fixer-uppers, or large plots to build your dream home, Bathurst is ready to welcome you to the area with open arms.
Bathurst’s airports/routes: travel effortlessly
While residents value its tranquil country atmosphere, the town still remains close to key amenities and areas. King Phalo Airport is a little over an hour and a half (140,8 km) via the R72. Bathurst is 14 minutes from Port Alfred via Port Alfred Road/R67 and 36 minutes from Makhanda (Grahamstown) via the R67.
Bathurst’s weather: discover the patterns
With a relatively warm all-year-around climate, it’s no wonder Bathurst’s pineapples are bursting with flavour. In summer, average temperatures can go up to 26°C, while winter cools down to a maximum average temperature of 20°C. Being on the cusp of winter and summer rainfall regions, Bathurst receives some rain throughout most of the year.
Bathurst’s history: uncover the backstory
The area has a strong settler history. Founded in 1820, colonials left England in search of a more prosperous life in South Africa. They formed the village of Bathurst as a frontier town, naming it after Henry Bathurst, 3rd Earl Bathurst, Secretary for War and the Colonies. The town’s distinctly English feel remains as much of the original settler houses and other buildings have been preserved.
Bathurst’s thriving pineapple industry has deep roots. The settlers struggled to grow crops when they arrived until the first pineapple was successfully planted in 1865 and became a crop staple. Also at the heart of the town’s history is The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn. It was built in 1821 by Thomas Hartley, a blacksmith from Nottinghamshire. Although it has changed hands in ownership over the years, it remains the oldest continually licensed pub in South Africa.
Bathurst’s schools: set your child up for success
Your little ones can take their first academic steps with confidence at Bathurst Primary School. For even more options, you can look to neighbouring Port Alfred. The area’s schools include Port Alfred Primary School, Port Alfred High School, and Calico Academy, the first school in the area to offer the IEB curriculum. Parents can also send their children to well-respected boarding schools in Makhanda.
Within Port Alfred, Bathurst residents are able to study further through Stenden South Africa. This is a leading private higher education institution offering full degree programmes in disaster management and hospitality management.
Bathurst’s healthcare: get treated by the best
Bathurst residents only need to take a short trip to access Port Alfred’s range of healthcare providers. Port Alfred Hospital, the nearest hospital (17 minutes), has a 24-hour emergency unit and provides services in anaesthesiology, dentistry, general practice, gynaecology, orthopaedic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and radiology. For further healthcare, you can travel to Settlers Hospital in Grahamstown (40 minutes).
Bathurst’s shopping scene: enjoy some retail therapy
With an eclectic mix of shops on Port Alfred Road and Kowie Road, you’ll find plenty of essentials and hidden treasures in the area. The Village Green Centre offers collectables and antiques. There are page-turning reads (Fables Bookshop), IT services (Tekserve), stunning art (The Corner Gallery), ceramics (Richard Pullen’s Studio), and delicious meats and convenience shopping (Bathurst Butchery). For a typical mall experience, you can head to Port Alfred’s Rosehill Mall or The Postmaster’s Village.
Bathurst’s special attractions: have a fun day out
As a town, Bathurst is brimming with plenty of fun things to see and do. The Big Pineapple has a museum dedicated to the fruit and pineapple products for sale. Staying informative, the Bathurst Agricultural Museum is an interesting visit to learn about agricultural equipment, machinery, and tools. The Wesleyan Chapel and St John’s Anglican Church provide further insight into the area’s settler history.
With centuries-old hospitality, The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn is a must-visit for accommodation, good food, and ice-cold drinks. The Toposcope, on a lookout point, commemorates the 1820 settlers and their descendants. On a Sunday, you can head to the Bathurst Farmer’s Market for a lovely family outing.
With an unofficial town tagline of “there’s no thirst like Bathurst”, the area unsurprisingly has four popular drinking spots: The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn, The Ploughman Pub, the Porcupine Bar at Summerhill Guest Farm, and Bathurst Arms. For a meal, you can stop by That Coffee Place, The Pizza Place, or The Little Bistro.
Find a home that inspires you in Bathurst
If you’re in search of wholesome country living, Bathurst will captivate at every turn. The area is steeped in history, filled with quaint shops, and populated with friendly townsfolk.