Stanford is the quaintest village in the Cape – and one of the closest to Cape Town, at less than two hours drive from the city. It has the most beautiful river, stretching all the way down to the Hermanus lagoon. You can swim in it, kayak, float on a lilo or launch a boat on it. The village is one of the few places left in South Africa with leiwater. You can float paper boats down it and keep your feet cool in it or use it to irrigate (lei) your veggie crop.
Queen Victoria Street
The Klein River
Historic buildings
Old Victorian icons
The village green
Stanford has an historic Market Square where farmers markets are held, where cricket matches are played and where the very popular monthly sunset market takes place. The village is renowned for its bird species. Bring your binoculars and notebooks and take a cruise down the river to discover them for yourself!
Stanford boasts a wine route with some of the Cape’s best wines. Spend your Saturday exploring various wine farms on the Stanford Wine Route and experience some delicious food with your new wine discoveries.
Birkenhead Brewery offer beer tastings of their locally brewed beer, making for an exciting winter day activity. Our local cheese farm, Kleinriver Cheese Farm, producers of international award winning Gruyere cheese, have also won the Best Dairy Product of the Year award!
A Stanford VILLAGE Highlight
The Wandelpad
This footpath meanders alongside the Klein River and abuts a private nature reserve. It is a beautiful 5km round trip with views of Bontebok, tortoises, the Kleinriver, the Klein River mountains and its most prolific bird life. This walking trail is one of the top five village attractions. It is safe and very popular with locals and visitors alike, especially those with dogs.
Remember to grab the best local village-made food, fresh homegrown vegetables and gourmet eats at the Saturday Morning Market at The Stanford Hotel, between 09.00 and 12 noon every Saturday. Stanford rocks the Overberg on the last Friday of every month in the warmer seasons, with The Stanford Sunset Market, so diarise those market dates.
River Cruises and Kayaking
There are two commercial boats on Stanford’s Klein River, The Lady Stanford and The African Queen. We will gladly make bookings for these cruises or kayak hire, on your behalf.
Birdwatching
Stanford is famous in the birding world for having the most species of birds in one place – if you’re a twitcher pack your binoculars! A cruise down the Klein River offers spectacular sightings.
Wine tasting
The Stanford Wine Route includes some 8 wineries within a small radius of Stanford.
Whales and sharks
Hermanus is a 25 minute drive away and is the Cape’s premier whale watching destination.
Stanford, the Overberg’s river village
Here, time seems to stand still, and the simple pleasures of life are enjoyed daily by our tight-knit community. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a chance to reconnect with nature, this quaint village will surely capture your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories. Join us for a daily dose of Stanford as we explore the hidden gems of this idyllic place.
Visit. Love it. Stay
Stanford Village Properties is the property agent we recommend. They’ll help you to find the perfect property to make your home in Stanford village.
