Newlands Area Information

Newlands at a glance

Located against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, bordered by UCT (University of Cape Town) and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, lies the picturesque, upmarket suburb of Newlands, known as Cape Town's 'green' suburb, owing to its magnificent views and tree-lined avenues. Newlands houses some of the finest residential apartment blocks available for rent or purchase by residents and visitors alike, including Sevenoaks, the Montebello Apartments and Salwood Court. Home to many major places of interest, such as the SABMiller Newlands Brewery, the Montebello Design Centre and the internationally-recognised Sport Science institute, Newlands is also the heart of the South African cricket and rugby experience, with both the esteemed Newlands Cricket Grounds (Also known as the PPC Newlands Cricket Stadium) and Newlands Rugby Stadium being located here; the former offering grand views of Devil's Peak mountain from beneath the shade of old oak trees. If sport is not your interest, then Newlands Forest, just off of Rhodes Avenue, provides walkers with an enchanting haven in which to explore in the company of your dogs, friends or both. Newlands also boasts upmarket residences, shopping facilities, restaurants, as well as an active business district with easy access in and out of the area and into Cape Town's CBD via the M3 highway. It comes as no surprise then, that residential properties in the Newlands area have some of the highest value in Cape Town and why they are highly sought-after by locals, "semi-graters" and visitors alike.

Brief History of the Area: 

The story of Newlands begins in 1694, with the construction of the area's first licensed brewery nearby the surrounding freshwater springs, situated in the Papenboom area. The freshwater springs are locally revered for the fine quality of water that they produce and have played an integral role in both the expansion of the local brewing industry as well as the development and history of the area; Water from the springs was also used to power water mills from the mid-1800s onwards. In 1700, Governor Willem van der Stel was gifted land which he christened De Niewe Land or Nieuweland and developed it as a country residence. This area included a sizeable lodge, an oak plantation and even a formal garden, all of which remained the property of the VOC (The Dutch East India Company) and as years passed by, became a grand residence for high-ranking Company officials. In 1791, the property was then sold to the first of a series of private individuals and then reverted to Government ownership in 1805, ultimately it was resold in 1826 and has subsequently remained in private hands. During the 1860s, the property was then let out to the Colonial Government, who converted it into a country residence for Cape Governors; The village of Newlands was also likely established around this same period, with the railway line from Salt River reaching Newlands in 1864. Today, however, Newlands has become increasingly synonymous with the world of cricket and rugby and is always bustling with constant activity.

Schools in the Area:

Newlands is situated in proximity to several respected public and private schools.

Public schools in the area include:

• Westerford High School

With their motto "Nil Nisi Optimum" which translates to "Nothing but the best" Westerford High School is a co-educational, secular learning institution that aims to create a holistic learning environment, developing both the mind and body. With a focus on an excellent academic curriculum in combination with a compulsory sports programme, Westerford High equips its students with all the necessary values, qualities, and skills that they require to be fully self-sufficient. 

• Sans Souci Girls High School

As an institution with over five decades of proud history that continually strives for academic excellence, Sans Souci Girls High School offers a dynamic and nurturing learning environment that aims to empower its pupils into fostering values of dignity, mutual respect, social responsibility and genuine compassion for others. Students are inspired to mature into self-confident, multi-skilled young women who have a strong sense of individuality and who are dedicated to continually bettering themselves, ultimately making valuable contributions to future society. 

• SACS Boys High School

Situated at the foot of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak and known as the oldest school in South Africa, lies the esteemed SACS Boys High School. With a strong focus on instilling values of integrity in its students, SACS Boys High offers world-class facilities, a strong sports programme and an equally balanced academic education that encourages a calibre of excellence in all spheres of daily school life.

Private schools in the area include:

• Kildare Pre-Primary School

Located in the building owned by St Andrew's Anglican Church, Kildare Pre-Primary School is a sovereign, co-educational learning institution that seeks to encourage the diversity of its students. Kildare Pre-Primary endeavours to teach its students independence through an extensive, enriching academic program that develops their creative and intellectual abilities, cultivating learning and growth through play and social interaction. 

Shopping Centres:

Newlands is surrounded by a couple of popular shopping centres, including the award-winning Cavendish Square Shopping Centre, which offers a balanced mix of high street chains, individual boutiques and chic décor stores that appeal to patrons of all ages, making it a major retail destination for both residents and visitors alike. Another popular shopping location would be the Dean Street Arcade, which houses a Woolworths Supermarket, the recently-opened Ryan Boon Specialty Meats and our Seeff Newlands office. Other notable stores include a Nourish health store, Bare Necessity body shop, an Alpha Pharm pharmacy and even a travel agency, ensuring that all your consumer needs will be appropriately met.

Distance from Key Points: 

Newlands holds a central position, providing easy access to several key locations, being a quick drive to the Newlands train station and a 20km drive (or Uber ride) to the Cape Town International Airport. Newlands is also a catchment area for UCT and offers immediate access to the UCT Jammie Shuttle service.

Restaurants/Entertainment: 

Newlands is home to many well-established, destination restaurants; For those seeking a truly authentic, Italian experience, Mama Roma Ristorante, located in the Dean Street Arcade, offers nothing less than excellent service and the finest Italian cuisine, both inventive and traditional. For an alternative Italian option, Basilico, located at number 32 Kildare Road also offers a delicious Italian menu. Nestled away in Newlands Avenue lies one of the oldest pubs and restaurants in the entire country, The Foresters Arms - Restaurant & Bar, which offers up a delicious gastro-pub menu with a large range of whiskeys, wine and cocktails as well the greatest collection of draught beer available in the Cape. Another great option, Barristers Restaurant & Grill offers up one of the best al la carte menu's in Cape Town, with classic pub lunches and homemade burgers for the hungry and light salads and wraps for the healthy, Barristers delivers up some of the best value for money around. The Copper Club, part of the prestigious Copper Collection (of restaurants) is a prime location for those looking to enjoy refreshing craft beers and a varied menu with something for everyone. Another hidden gem, The Gardener's Cottage in the Montebello Design Centre offers up the best Eggs Benedict in a country setting.  Finally, those looking to indulge their sweet tooth should make their way to The Creamery Café for some decadent, homemade ice cream.

Special Attractions:

• Newlands Forest Trails 

Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain lies the gracious Newlands Forest, owned and maintained by the Table Mountain National Parks Board and City Parks Department of Cape Town. Newlands Forest is a conservation area and popular destination for walkers, joggers and nature-lovers alike; Offering up a total of four exclusive trails that curve up the mountain, ranging from easy to moderate levels of difficulty, all boasting gorgeous views of the surrounding suburbs from several different vantage points along the way. For those looking to walk their dogs, owners must be carrying an activity permit (acquired online) otherwise they will be subject to a fine. A trip to Newlands Forest is a beautiful experience and one that is certainly not to be missed.

• SAB Newlands Brewery Tours

As the oldest operating brewery in South Africa, the Newlands Brewery offers its patrons an extensive guided tour of the entire brewery, detailing its history, insights into modern-day brewing methods and the fine details of craftsmanship involved in the complete beer-making process as well as a complimentary beer after the tour. 

• Newlands Cricket Grounds/Stadium Tours 

Under the shade of Table Mountain, lies the grand Newlands Cricket Grounds, marked as one of the world's most beautiful stadiums. The guided tours offer up an exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse of famous landmarks and the history of Newlands, including the President's suite, the elegant South Club and the grass embankments, known locally as the Oaks and the Snake Pit. The tour includes visiting the nets on the B-field, the practice facilities, media centre and the player's dressing room. Take in Western Province cricket's rich history in the Long Room in the Western Province Cricket Club and tread carefully onto the hallowed main field. Visit the Memorial scoreboard as well as the third umpire's booth and before leaving, be sure to pick up some memorabilia at the Newlands Cricket Shop.