Top Things to do in Riversdale
The 6 Best Things to Do in Riversdale, South Africa
Discover the best top things to do in Riversdale, South Africa including Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk, Julius Gordon Africana Centre, NGK Church, Ibalansi Horse Center, St Mathew's Anglican Church, Paddavlei Kunsgoete.
Restaurants in Riversdale
1. Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk
Overall Ratings
4 based on 24 reviews
Historic jail from 1838 gives a unique setting in a small town in South Africa. Sit outside under the avo trees and enjoy the historic landscape, crafts, art, antiques and gifts on display. Don't forget to try the (inter)nationally renowned carrot cake.
Reviewed By Stanley466 - Cape Town Central, South Africa
The old jail combines a museum with an antique market where most items are for sale.
The building itself in good condition and well preserved.
The history so comes alive and there's many interesting items on display, meaning there's something for everyone.
Going in just for a look, landed up walking out with an oil painting, a few bread boards of solid quality wood, childrens toys, gifts for grandparents, books for the children etc etc.
Definitely worth at least a look.
2. Julius Gordon Africana Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Jilldutoit - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
What an interesting place to visit! This elegant old Georgian style house was bequeathed to Riversdale by the son of the owner, Dirk Versveld to house the art collection donated to Riversdale by Julius Gordon.
Other rare pieces of days gone by were donated to the centre, so not only is there stunning artwork to view, but beautiful wooden furniture and household objects typical of the mid 1880's as well. There are cabinets displaying a hand-sewn trousseau, widow's weeds, in fact, its a very representative time capsule of life at the time.
But back to the artwork... this centre has the biggest collection of work by the famous artist Thomas Bowler - its well worth visiting just to see this. Other paintings done by great names such as Pieter Wenning, Francois Krige, Pierneef, Boonzaier, adorn the walls, as well as a charming watercolour of the house where CJ Langenhoven boarded as a scholar.
I had the good fortune to have a personal guided tour, the guide being informative and oh so interesting - what a privilege to experience this!
3. NGK Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Jilldutoit - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
This building has graceful lines and has been well maintained and the Gardens are a feast for the eye. I had read about the organ which was manufactured in Scotland and I wanted to see the interior of the church as well. The secretary was most obliging and not only let me in and answered my questions, but also gave me a publication - produced by Ds Chris Goosen, on its history, covering the period 1839 to 1989. It is proving to be a fascinating read!
The church interior is so interesting, with the most unusual vaulted roof that I have ever seen in a church. The gracefully curved wooden pews, so meticulously crafted, are a joy to behold and the lecturn is a work of art.
This is a place worth visiting if you ever come past Riversdale!
4. Ibalansi Horse Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Ibalansi means Balance in Zulu. We are located in one of the most beautiful spots of the famous Garden Route. We offer Horseback riding tours, Hiking trails and Mountain Biking. Learn more about the unique Eco System of Fynbos and Renosterveld and discover many different little wonders of our Fauna and Flora. We are also a unique Horse riding school and Horse training Center.
Reviewed By rodriguebertholet - Dinant, Belgium
cadre superbe,les gérants,Adam et Lara sont très accueillants et respectueux envers leurs chevaux.
la route étant difficilement accessible ,Adam vient vous chercher à l'hotel.
Le parcours est varié,il y en à pour tout les gouts et tout les nivaux,
5. St Mathew's Anglican Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Jilldutoit - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
This charming old church in Heidelberg Road definitely bears the hallmarks of the churches designed by Sophia, the wife of Robert Gray, the Bishop of the Cape colony in the mid 1800's. Its characteristic steeply sloping roof, narrow nave and elongated Gothic style windows, can be seen in many of the churches around South Africa which she planned.
This church is constructed of dressed stone and was consecrated in 1856. At a later stage, the nave was extended and a transept added to the south facing side. A freestanding bell tower, housing a single bell, stands near the perimeter of the churchyard.
Unfortunately, the exterior of the building has not been well maintained, the gutters are weed infested and the Gardens could do with some TLC. Nevertheless, this beautiful old church is well worth a visit and it is heart-warming to know that it still is serving the spiritual needs of the community.
6. Paddavlei Kunsgoete
Art Gallery. Local artist Marilise Lombard. Arts and crafts of local people. Tourist Information. Framing. Special hand crafted goods. Proudly South African.
