The leafy suburb is hugely popular with families due to the large properties and close proximity to schools, parks, beaches and the Cape Town CBD.
Complete with a scenic mountain backdrop, Claremont in the leafy Southern Suburbs straddles Main Road and the railway line, with Upper Claremont above and Lynfrae below.
Both areas date back to the early 20th century, when the new railway and easy commute into the city spurred their development. Today, that convenient location is still a big part of the appeal for residents.
“It’s suburban, o¬ffering bigger gardens and houses than suburbs closer to the city, yet it’s only 20 minutes’ drive to the City Bowl,” says Catherine Kowalski, freelance journalist and resident. “I love that the houses are old; ours was built in 1929, so you can expect high ceilings and wooden floors.”
With neighbouring suburbs Newlands and Rondebosch, Claremont is in the catchment area of some of the city’s best schools, so families gravitate here for short school runs and the proximity to UCT and the Jammie Shuttle routes. The area has a sociable vibe, with kids often having friends from school on the same street.
For those who surf, Muizenberg Beach is a 15-minute drive away. Sports fans have Newlands Rugby and Cricket stadiums nearby, and mountain bikers and dog-walkers have Newlands Forest and mountain trails less than five minutes from Upper Claremont.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is also nearby for picnics, outdoor movies and concerts. The quiet residential streets often come alive with families, runners and dog-walkers heading to the local green spaces.
“I love that I can take my children to Keurboom Park (one of several popular parks nearby), which runs into the Western Province Cricket Club and the Rondebosch Boys’ rugby fields below,” says Catherine. “There are people walking dogs, kicking a ball or out running at any time of day. The area has bike paths and a skateboard park for kids. In winter, we can catch tadpoles in the stream that runs through it. To get there, we cycle past co¬ffee shops and restaurants.
It’s the best of both worlds.” Claremont also has easy access to a variety of shopping facilities. You can make a quick stop at Palmyra Junction to visit Woolworths Food or buy ethical meat from Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants. You can have a co¬ffee break and do your grocery shopping at Belvedere Square. You can also enjoy high-end retail therapy and movies at Cavendish Square, or hunt for bargains at Access Park’s factory shops.
Close to the M3 and the M5, Claremont feels connected to the whole of Cape Town, yet has everything you need is right on your doorstep.
I love the accessibility to highways and good schools, being able to walk with my family to Keurboom Park, and that our area is quiet enough for children to ride bikes in the streets.
-Robyn Tyler, resident.
Where to eat in Claremont:
- Starlings Cafe: for coffee, brunch and garden lunches
- A Tavola: for authentic Italian cuisine
- The Locale: for an innovative approach to food
- Didis Mexican: for tasty tacos and other Mexican meals
- The Eatery Wood Fired Grill: for relaxed family meals
- Cafe Nood: for Europeanstyle breakfasts and lunches
Things to do in Claremont:
- Cycle on the trail along the Liesbeek River.
- Visit the Rondebosch Bowl skatepark with the kids.
- Enjoy bowling, putt-putt and trampoline fun at Stadium on Main.
- Watch international matches at the Newlands Rugby and Cricket stadiums.
- Enjoy outdoor movies and summer concerts at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Schools in Claremont:
- Herschel Girls School
- Rondebosch Boys’ Preparatory and High schools
- Rustenburg Girls' Junior and High schools
- Westerford High School
- Bishops Diocesan College
- Western Province Preparatory School
- Oakhurst Girls’ Primary School
- The Grove Primary Schoolsou
Why we love Cavendish Square in Claremont:
Upmarket and trendy, Cavendish Square’s mix of high street chains, individual boutiques and chic decor stores is great for all ages, whether you’re after a day of retail therapy or movies and coffee with a friend. You can log in for your 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi while you sip your flat white. It’s a mall that connects with its neighbourhood, with more shops and services in the surrounding streets and family entertainment, like bowling, putt-putt and the Rush trampoline park, at Stadium on Main across the road. Don’t miss the Made in the Cape Market, held once a month for a full weekend (Thursday to Sunday) in the mall, for gorgeous handmade designer goods.
Find out more here:
- www.cavendish.co.za.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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