Cape Town - Towns and Villages within the Western Cape
Somerset West
The Strandlopers (the beachcombers) were indigenous to this area. The Govenor of the Cape at that time, William Adrian van der Stel, who was employed by the Dutch East India Company (they were in control of the Cape at that time) claimed most of the land in the area to create a farm called Vergelegen. Mr van der Stel lived on this farm until 1708, the farm was then subdivided.
It was only when the British took over the Cape that the farmers working the Vergelegen farms requested permission from Sir Charles Somerset, the then Govenor of the Cape, to build a church. Sir Somerset granted his permission and once other buildings started going up around the church a village was formed and named Somerset. However, Somerset was later renamed Somerset West as not to cause confusion with a similarly named village, Somerset East.
Somerset is ideally located on the slopes of the Helderberg mountains, with outstanding views of the sea and surrounding mountain ranges, but yet close enough to commute to the busy centre of Cape Town and Cape Town International Airport. The normal accommodation choices are available, e.g. self catering, bed and breakfast establishments, guest houses and hotels. Somerset West has some of the finest quality cuisine available and a wide range of affordable restaurants to choose from.
Activites and things to do in Somerset West Hiking
Paragliding
Horse Riding
Fishing
Recommended Somerset West accommodation
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