The first church in Bathurst was established in 1832, formerly called the Wesleyan Chapel. Now referred to as the Bathurst Methodist church, it deservedly achieved national monument status in 1989. The church celebrates its 190th anniversary in 2022. The Wesleyan Chapel was built by Samuel Bradshaw, who also built the wool mill and the Anglican Church.
Did you know that the Eastern Cape produces over 75% of South Africa’s juicy, golden pineapples? In Bathurst, one of the province’s agricultural hotspots, you can celebrate this delicious fact by visiting the Big Pineapple. This special attraction is the largest man-made pineapple building in the world, reaching an impressive height of almost 56 feet. The iconic structure serves as a magnificent symbol of the region’s thriving pineapple industry and pays homage to the agricultural triumphs of the 1820 settlers.
Bathurst, a charming village in the Eastern Cape, is known for its vibrant artistic community, with art galleries and craft shops showcasing the talents of local artists, and is a hub for retired academics, artists, and pineapple farmers. Join us for the exciting and unique annual event in the centre of the universe (Bathurst, Eastern Cape) showcasing our local artists in all thier forms from visual to performance arts, The Bathurst Arts Affair.
Bathurst, a quaint town located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, may be small in size but it is big on charm. In addition to its historical landmarks and natural beauty, Bathurst is known for its lively pub scene. These establishments have not only stood the test of time, but they have also become an integral part of the community’s social fabric. Let’s take a closer look at the rich history, top-rated pubs, social significance, pub food scene, and the relationship between Bathurst’s pubs and local breweries.
In Bathurst, South Africa , you can visit several historical landmarks and sites. Here are some of the notable ones in driving distance from the center of town and easily accessible by car, bike or foot:
Bradshaws Mill is a historic water mill located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The mill was built in the early 1820s by Thomas Bradshaw, a British settler who arrived in the area in 1819. Bradshaw’s Mill was used to grind wheat and maize into flour, which was then sold to local farmers and traders.
There are several game reserves near Bathurst, South Africa. Experience close up viewing of the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo – as well as multitudes of other African wildlife from the comfort of an open game drive vehicle, or take in the unique ecosystems of the rivers during a tranquil boat cruise.
The siting of the Clumber Church was central to the Nottingham Party of 1820, the area where this Party from Nottinghamshire, England, settled. They formed a part of some 3800 persons, known as the 1820 Settlers, the majority of whom settled in the area between what is now known as Port Elizabeth and the Great Fish River, the Eastern border of the Cape Colony; a region known as the Zuurveld.
In 1978, the first building erected, later named the “Geoff Palmer Hall”. This was officially opened by Dr Douglas Hey (then Director of Nature Conservation) who stated that the Museum was of importance not only to Bathurst but also to the whole of South Africa. In 1981 an addition of 60ft was built and completed.
Standing just under 56 feet tall, the “Big Pineapple” outside of Bathurst, South Africa is the world’s largest pineapple building.
The Anglican church in Bathurst is the church of St John the Evangelist, it is a church with a long and interesting history. The worshippers at this church are mainly from the village of Bathurst and the surrounding farming community.
Built in 1821, the Powder Magazine is the oldest extant building in Bathurst (click here to view on google maps). The building itself boasts a unique domed ceiling and walls of 60cm thickness. It is an essential part of the tourism offering of the historic town but there is no infrastructure to secure it from vandalism. Local groups do what they can to care for the site but resources are scarce.
Morley House is an exquisite historic home. I first went there in the late 1980s, when it was a home and antique shop. Oh my… the yellowwood woodwork, red baked floor tiles, crooked passages, low doorways. It was all just so perfect! There is an oldish rondavel in the backyard, which I am convinced might have been the original kitchen. Since there are no known plans, it is difficult to be sure. The bathrooms, would have been added, possibly in place of the old pantry.
The Toposcope is a heritage site commemorating the 1820 settlers and their descendants. It is located on a particularly scenic hill with many landscape views. Plaques reflecting the names and ships of the parties arriving in the Eastern Cape in 1820 appear around the Toposcope. The plaques create a compass direction indicating the location of the various settler parties. As a tourist attraction this monument and others in Bathurst are the lifeblood of tourism driven job creation in the area.
