TOURING MATJIES

Matjiesfontein: offering guided and self-guided tours to explore the quirky and historic town. The village established itself as a fashionable Victorian health spa in its heyday and is now well known for its splendid historical buildings and a peace and timelessness that is rare in modern-day South Africa.
Tours are perfect for overnight guests staying at the hotel or even if you’re just visiting for the day.

SELF GUIDED TOURS

Finding Your Way Around

Here is an easy map to help you on your Matjies exploration!

Voice Map Walking Tour 

Try a fun and different way to explore the town’s rich history with VoiceMap – a self-guided walking tour of the town (virtual tour also available). Simply download the app (it’s free) on Google Play or Apple Store - or use the QR code - it uses your location to play audio automatically and includes offline maps. Just put on your headphones and you’re ready to explore and learn about the different facets of Matjies’s history.

Starting at the majestic Lord Milner Hotel, you'll be guided down the main street, through the immaculate gardens, and along the train station, ending up at The Laird's Arms for a well-deserved, ice cold Matjies brew (Covid-19 regulations permitting). Click here for more info.

Museums
Pop into the Transport Museum housing a collection of old vintage cars that date back from the 1930s through to the 1960s.


Be sure to also visit the Marie Rawdon Museum, which showcases the largest private collection of artefacts and memorabilia from the Anglo-Boer War.
A walk through here is a true adventure; you’ll stumble across dentistry and surgical equipment, antique furniture and household items, personal letters, portraits, children’s toys; and even tableau scenes of a barber’s shop and a fully-stocked apothecary with shelves lined with glass jars containing elixirs and potions.

GUIDED TOURS

Bus Tour
A guest favourite, done in style! Tour the town in a restored old red double-decker London bus with beloved town guide and entertainer, John Theunissen - or Johnny as he’s fondly known. Not only will you experience the shortest bus tour known to man, but Johnny will keep you in high spirits with his witty charm, Nelson Mandela impersonations and hilarious one-liners: “Vat hom Fluffy”, as he delves into the town’s colourful history.
Free for accommodation guests; enquire at reception if you’d like to join as a day guest.
The bus departs from the Laird's Arms around 17h30 every day. 

Ghost Tour & Sing-Along
After your bus ride, enjoy a ‘ghost tour’ in the yellow lounge and finish off in true Matjies style with a Johnny sing-along as he plays the piano in the Laird’s Arms pub. Grab your favourite drink and perhaps a sokkie (lang-arm) or two!

For bookings or enquiries, please email bookings@lordmilnerhotel.co.za

With love from,
The Matjiesfontein Team