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Simonstown is a charming naval village with a long history and tradition. The "Historic Mile" (twenty one of the buildings in St Georges Street are over 150 years old), is a popular walk along pavements once trodden by Admiral Nelson. For yachtsmen there is the False Bay Yacht Club and here are plenty of other outdoor activities for the visitor such as boat-based whale watching, golf, swimming and deep sea angling.
Simonstown - for 2-4 people
- Jackson Road Ref 299 (Sleeps
4)
- Glen Road 861 (Sleeps 4)
- Grosvenor House
cottage 25 (Sleeps 4)
Simonstown - for 4-6 people
- Water Lane Ref 305 (Sleeps 6)
- Boulders Ref 570 (Sleeps
4-6)
- Atlantic View 852 (Sleeps
4-6)
- Deja View 50 (Sleeps 4-6)
Simonstown - for more than 6 people
- African Bay 851 (Sleeps 8)
- Grosvenor House 24 (sleeps
10)
Glencairn/Simonstown - for 2-4 people
- Whale Song Seaview 826
(Sleeps 2-4)
Glencairn/Simonstown - for more than 6 people
- Whale Song Loft 827 (Sleeps
8)
Established in 1743 as a port, the town was taken over by the Royal Navy in 1814, under whose control it remained until finally being handed over to the South African Navy in 1957. The Simons Town Museum has displays on the early history of the town, and is open to visitors daily except Sunday.
In the 1940's a Great Dane dog adopted the sailors and used to ride with them on the coastal train. He made such a nuisance of himself that a request was sent to the British parliament asking for him to be enlisted in the Navy. This was duly done and the story is told that a sailor then brought the dog to the Recruiting Officer who asked, “Name?” “Nuisance, Sir”, the sailor replied. “First name?” “Just nuisance, Sir,” the sailor answered. And so ‘Able Seaman Just Nuisance’ was the only dog ever to hold rank in the Royal Navy! After he died a life-sized statue was erected in his honour in Simon’s Town’s Jubilee Square, be sure to go and see it.
Boulders Beach, the home of the Jackass Penguin breeding colony, is close by and is well worth a visit, both to see the Penguins close up and to swim at Boulders Beach itself, with the Penguins on occasion! From just 2 breeding pairs of penguins in 1982, the colony has grown to about 4000 in recent years. Elevated boardwalks provide excellent viewing opportunities for penguins and whales.
Distances
- 5 minute walk to Seaforth beach
- 7 minute drive to Boulders beach
- 7 minute drive to Fish Hoek
- 40 minutes to Cape Town
- 40 minutes drive to V & A Waterfront
- 18 minute drive to nearest Golf Course
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