If you’re craving a break from city life, there’s no better way to recharge than with a weekend getaway in Stanford. Just a short drive from Cape Town, Stanford Hills Estate offers the perfect blend of tranquillity, nature, wine, and warm country hospitality.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a peaceful retreat surrounded by vineyards and mountain views, Stanford Hills is where your next unforgettable weekend begins.
Why Stanford is Perfect for a City Escape
Stanford is one of the Western Cape’s most charming and unspoiled villages — a place where time seems to slow down.
Set along the Klein River and surrounded by fynbos-covered hills, this historic town is celebrated for its natural beauty, excellent food and wine, and welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Here’s why a weekend getaway in Stanford is perfect for city dwellers:
- Peaceful countryside setting: Leave the noise behind and unwind amid vineyards, open fields, and mountain views.
- Outdoor adventures: Explore scenic hiking trails, go wine tasting, enjoy birdwatching, or take a river cruise.
- Local charm: Discover art galleries, boutique shops, and friendly cafés in the heart of the village.
- Great food & wine: Indulge in a farm-fresh meal at Cassa Cello, our on-site Portuguese restaurant, or enjoy a relaxing wine tasting at Stanford Hills Estate.
Just a few days here, and you’ll feel completely renewed.
Drive Time and Travel Route from Cape Town
One of the best things about a weekend getaway in Stanford is how easy it is to get here.
The drive from Cape Town to Stanford Hills Estate takes about two and a half hours (approximately 150 km), making it an ideal destination for a quick escape that doesn’t require long travel times.
Route suggestion:
- Take the N2 towards Caledon.
- At Riviersonderend, turn off onto the R326 toward Stanford.
- As you approach the village, follow signs to Stanford Hills Estate, located just a few minutes outside the town.
It’s a scenic drive through rolling farmlands, vineyards, and mountain passes — a road trip that’s as relaxing as the destination itself.
Weekend Itinerary Ideas
Whether you have two days or a long weekend, Stanford Hills Estate makes it easy to plan a balanced mix of relaxation and exploration.
Friday Evening – Arrive & Unwind
Check into one of our charming self-catering cottages, luxury vineyard villas, or the newly renovated Manor House — perfect for couples, families, or small groups.
Watch the sunset over the vineyards, enjoy a farm-fresh dinner at Cassa Cello, or relax in your private hot tub under the stars.
Saturday – Explore & Indulge
Start your day with breakfast on your cottage patio or at Cassa Cello, followed by a wine tasting session featuring Stanford Hills’ award-winning wines.
Afterwards, take a scenic walk through the vineyards or explore the nearby village of Stanford, filled with art galleries and antique shops.
In the afternoon, pack a picnic and enjoy it on the lawns with a bottle of Veldfire Pink Sauvignon Blanc, then return to your cozy accommodation for a fireside evening.
Sunday – Relax Before You Return
Sleep in, savour one more coffee with a view, and perhaps squeeze in a last vineyard stroll before heading home.
Leave refreshed, reconnected, and inspired — exactly how a weekend escape should feel.
Seasonal Suggestions
Each season offers its own magic at Stanford Hills Estate, making it a destination worth visiting year-round:
Summer:
- Wine tastings and lazy picnics under the oak trees.
- Outdoor dining at Cassa Cello, with fresh seafood and chilled white wine.
- Family fun — open spaces for kids and dogs to explore.
Autumn:
- Ideal temperatures for hiking and mountain biking around the estate.
- Beautiful changing colours across the vineyards.
Winter:
- Curl up by your indoor fireplace or soak in a wood-fired hot tub under the stars.
- Enjoy comforting meals and bold red wines that warm the soul.
Spring:
- Stanford bursts into bloom during the Stanford in Bloom Festival, transforming the village into a floral wonderland.
- Fresh air, blossoming gardens, and the perfect time to reconnect with nature.
Stay at Stanford Hills Estate
Choose from our range of comfortable and beautifully situated accommodations:
- Self-Catering Cottages: Family-friendly, pet-welcoming, with fireplaces, braai areas, and hot tubs.
- Luxury Vineyard Villas: Stylish and private, with panoramic vineyard views.
- The Manor House: Newly renovated, sleeps up to 10 guests, featuring a swimming pool and 6-seater outdoor hot tub — ideal for gatherings or weekend celebrations.
Each offers the perfect setting for your next weekend getaway in Stanford.
Make Your Weekend Unforgettable
Complete your visit with:
- Wine Tastings at our estate’s scenic tasting room.
- Dining at Cassa Cello, our on-site Portuguese restaurant.
- Nature walks, farm activities, and relaxed moments that reconnect you with the simple joys of life.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply escaping the city, Stanford Hills Estate invites you to slow down, sip good wine, and rediscover life’s pleasures in the heart of the Overberg.
Book Your Weekend Getaway Today
Ready to escape the city and experience the charm of Stanford?
Plan your weekend getaway in Stanford at Stanford Hills Estate — just 2.5 hours from Cape Town.