Hermanus, since its inception as a fishing village, always had its adherents because of its particularly attractive positioning between mountains and sea and its renowned champagne air. In the last ten years it has burgeoned into a lively tourist destination, thanks in part to the growing southern right whale population that visits regularly every year. Dramatic seaside cliffs and mountains form a backdrop for the town and these are blanketed by spectacular fynbos which lure a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects.
Adventure Trips: Arranged on request.
Art Galleries: A detailed map with information about the Whale Coast Art Route is available from the local Tourism Bureau.
Beaches: There are a number of choices, from rock-protected coves to long expanses of beach perfect for safe swimming and strolling.
Bird Watching: Hermanus offers a bird watcher the opportunity to observe birds in mountain, coastal, river and estuarine habits.
Craft Market: Open on weekends and holidays.
Crystal Garden: Visit the crystal garden in the Hermanus Industrial Area.
Farmstalls: A variety of farmstalls is found en-route to Cape Town.
Fishing: Fly Fishing, Rock Angling, Troutfishing.
Harbour Cruises: Arranged on request.
Historical Hoy’s Koppie: Named after the well-known Sir William Hoy, who ensured that the village would remain unspoilt by blocking attempts to extend the railway line into it.
Nature Reserves: Fernkloof Reserve, Harold Porter National Reserve, Botanical Garden,Kleinmond Coastal Reserve, Salmonsdam Reserve, Walker Bay Reserve.
Harbour(s): Old Harbour - This natural harbour is often a focal point of village activities. The old harbour also hosts the Old Harbour Museum and Whale House. New Harbour - Feast on the harvest of the sea - this is where you can buy live crayfish, mussels,perlemoen (abalone) and a variety of fish from the well-stocked fish shop.
Perlemoen Hatchery: Guided tours arranged on request.
Photographic Museum: Better known as the Old Schoolhouse - Houses a fascinating photographic exhibition depicting the history of the village.
Pubs & Restaurants: There are a great variety of pubs and restaurants within walking distance from the Windsor Hotel.
Shark Cage Diving: Cage dive and Surface view the Great white shark (Gansbaai).
Sport: Board Sailing, Bowls, Canoeing, Cricket, Cycling, Diving, Golf, Tennis, Gym, Hang-gliding, Paragliding, Horse-riding, Jogging, Netball, Rugby, Paddleskiing, Sailing, Sea Kayaking, Snorkelling, Soccer, Squash, Surfing, Windsurfing.
Tidal Pools: Tidal pools provide safe bathing and are perfect for children.
Tourist Shops: (From clothes to curios) The interesting variety of shops in Hermanus makes buying an experience.
Whale Festival: The annual Whale Festival is held to celebrate the arrival of the Southern Right whales to Walker Bay to mate and calve. For ten days each September and October, Hermanus attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy the arts and crafts theatrical pieces, classical and popular music and other live entertainment. A variety of eco-environmental activities and also sporting events namely a half-marathon, fun cycle ride, mountain biking sea kayaking.
Whale Museum: Situated in the Old Harbour.
Whale-watching: Hermanus is considered to offer the best land-based whale watching in the world. The Southern Right whales start arriving in Walker Bay from June and leaves by end of November.
Walks / Hiking: Variety of cliff path walks and hiking trails available.
Wine Wander: Treat yourself to a unique wine tour among the southernmost vineyards in Africa which includes the following known wineries: WhaleHaven, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Southern Right, Bouchard Finlayson, Cape Bay and Sumaridge. All the vineyards are situated in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley within easy driving distance from Hermanus.
Our Annex Rooms are located in a separate building behind the main hotel with no special view. Beds can be configured as a king bed or two twin beds at your request. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom and ground floor rooms feature a small patio.
Some of our Non Sea Facing Rooms feature a mountain view. Beds can be configured as a king bed or two twin beds at your request. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom and ground floor rooms feature a small patio. Free Wi-Fi and parking is available.
Some of our Non Sea Facing Rooms feature a mountain view. Beds can be configured as a king bed or two twin beds at your request. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom and ground floor rooms feature a small patio. Free Wi-Fi and parking is available.
Our Sea Facing Rooms feature a panoramic view of Walker Bay. Beds can be configured as a king or twin at your request. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom and ground floor rooms feature a small patio. Free Wi-Fi and parking is available.
Our Sea Facing Rooms feature a panoramic view of Walker Bay. Beds can be configured as a king or twin at your request. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom and ground floor rooms feature a small patio. Free Wi-Fi and parking is available.
If cancelling 30 days before arrival, forfeit 100% of the booking total.
Child Policy: Single sleeper couch and/or mattress available for a maximum of 1 child under 12 years old sharing with 2 adults in a room. Children tariffs are as follows: 0 - 12 years - free of charge when sharing room with adults (max 1 child) 12 - 17 years - Child stays in their own room and will be charged a Single Room rate. Children tariffs sharing with adults are not commissionable. CHECK IN TIME: 14h00; CHECK OUT TIME: 10h30
From Cape Town: Take the N2, past Somerset West (left) and Somerset Strand (right). Continue across Sir Lowry’s Pass. Follow the N2 past Grabouw, over the Houw Hoek Pass. Take the R43 turn-off (Hermanus / Kleinmond). Continue along the R43 to Hermanus. On arrival in Hermanus, follow the main road. Turn right into Park Street (7-11/Shell Garage on left). Turn left at the stop street and continue down Marine Drive to find the Windsor Hotel on your left. From Swellendam: Take N2, continue through Riviersonderend. After Riviersonderend, take R326 turn-off to Stanford Continue along this road until you reach Stanford, turn right into the R43. Continue along this road until you reach Hermanus. On arrival in Hermanus, follow the main road. At the first set of robots in the centre of town, turn right. At the first turn-off left, turn left (Foschini is on your left-hand side) Follow the one-way and at the stop street, turn right. Continue down Marine Drive to find the Windsor Hotel on your right.
Children Welcome.
