School Holiday Highlights & Local Spotlight on Hermanus Boutique Guest House as Winter Chill Settles In ❄️

🥶 Good morning, Hermanus and surrounds. Welcome back to Hermanus Scoop! 

We’re not here to bring you the usual headlines - we’re here for the stories that make this town hum. From windswept walks and local legends to what’s bubbling beneath the surface, this is your one-stop read for all things Hermanus.

This week, school’s (almost) out and the town’s in full Winter mode. Whether you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained or just need a reason to leave the heater’s side, we’ve rounded up a few chilly-season activities that’ll warm up your calendar.

We also pop in for a chat with the warm-hearted General Manager of Hermanus Boutique Guest House - where hospitality meets heritage. From favourite breakfast corners to hosting tips and what makes Hermanus truly special, it’s a conversation that might just inspire your next staycation.

🌬️ With a cold front in the air and blankets doubling as fashion statements, there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes - and as always, we’re here to keep you in the loop.

Let’s dive in (cold noses and all).

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Hot chocolate pairs nicely with this week’s read. Just saying.

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🧒🏽👧🏻👦🏼 Keeping Kids Busy (and Happy) This Winter: 10 Holiday Activities in and Around Hermanus

School’s out, the weather’s brisk, and the “I’m boooored” chorus is already warming up in living rooms across town. But don’t worry - Hermanus has more than enough to keep little ones active, curious, and smiling through the chill.

From nature walks to indoor crafts, animal encounters to hot chocolate hideouts, we’ve rounded up 10 fun, affordable, and screen-free ideas to help make the most of the winter break - for kids and grown-ups alike.

Whether you’re a local parent or hosting the grandkids for a few days, consider this your go-to guide for school holiday sanity.

Thank you to all local friends and subscribers that sent on these activities - we couldn’t quite fit everything in but will feature more next week.

Let the adventuring begin!

1. The Shark Lab

Book a face-to-face experience with our local endemic sharks! We run weekday Shark Lab Tours at 10 am and 2 pm. Tours last 45-minutes to 1-hour and can be adapted to both small and large groups. Tours include an introductory talk on shark biology and ecology, as well as shark conservation, and finish with an incredible walk through the working Shark Lab with our science team. This is a great rainy day activity for the whole family. Book in advance to avoid disappointment!

2. Lemoenkop Hike

Beautiful Winters day? Take the kids for hike around Lemoenkop! The full circuit is 4km and you can walk it at a pace that suits all of you. No booking needed! Hermanus Hikes and Walks among the Proteas, Ericas and Restios are prominent as well as many species of iris, pea, daisy and geophytes. Over 160 bird species have been recorded and this is perfect for a couple of hours of sunshine and Vitamin D.

3. Holiday Club: Shipwrecked! For all Kids Grade 1-7

Join us for 5 epic mornings of Bible stories, games, crafts, songs and more — all about Jonah and God’s mercy in the deep!

🗓 Monday 30 June – Friday 4 July. 8:30 for 9am – 12pm. Christ Church Hermanus. R20 per child per day. Snacks and Oros provided (feel free to pack extras).
Sign up here 👉 https://forms.gle/2TAxNCcfxWQybT1W9

4. Whale of A Time Playpark

Dive into fun for the whole family at Whale of a Time Play Park!  With premium indoor and outdoor facilities, you’ll find thrilling activities and unforgettable moments waiting around every corner. We are unique in that we have created a space for adults as well as kids, where adults can enjoy themselves in our restaurant and outdoor space, while the kids are looked after and having fun. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a spot to unwind and have a good meal, we promise a whale of a time for all ages! Booking essential.

5. Roadhouse Cinema

Treat the kids to a cozy cinema outing at Road House Cinema in Whale Coast Mall, Sandbaai. This newly revamped venue offers two state-of-the-art auditoriums showcasing a mix of the latest blockbusters and timeless classics. The Hollywood-style foyer adds a touch of glamour, and the snack bar serves up all the favorites—from popcorn and slushies to artisanal hot chocolate. It’s the perfect indoor escape for a wintery day. Check out the latest showtimes and book your seats at roadhousecinema.co.za.

6. Meet the Penguins at Stony Point Nature Reserve

Located in the quaint coastal town of Betty's Bay in the Overberg, the Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to a unique colony of African Penguins. Stony Point offers the public the chance to see these wonderful flightless birds up close, via the boardwalk through the colony, which allows the public to observe the penguins go about their daily activities in their natural habitat, without disturbing or disrupting them.

7. Wholesome Holiday Fun

Don't let your kids hang about indoors. Let them join us for an outdoor holiday adventure experience. They can sign up for one day or all the days - each day is an entirely different adventure.

Survival Skills Day Adventure - 30 June to 2 July. R300 per person/morning - any or all mornings (9am to 12:30pm)

Pony Camp - 2 to 4 July (9am to 12:30pm) R390 per person/morning.

Looking forward to adventuring with you all. Whatsapp Linda on 083 289 5915 or email [email protected] to find out more or follow the below link to book your spot! https://forms.gle/zoxxL8kBTMT66NHY8

8. Horse Riding - Heaven & Earth Trails

Whether you have never been on a horse before or toughened by the saddle, their experienced horse riding instructors will guide you on their trails which takes you either through fynbos, wild flowers, orchards, vineyards or beautiful mountain scenery. They cater for beginners and advanced riders alike – they have horses for young riders and strong horses that can carry up to 100kg. Permitted rider ages: 7 - 65 years. More information here.

9. Winter Gift Market - Curro, Hermanus

The Winter Market will take place from July 4 to 19, 2025 and is filled with incredible products and talented exhibitors from both the local community and across the country, ensuring you have the ultimate shopping experience. Exhibitors from all over will come together to create an unforgettable shopping experience for Hermanus and the surrounding areas. https://www.thegiftmarket.co.za/

10. Holiday Club: Arts & Crafts

🔐 Local Business Spotlight: Hermanus Boutique Guest House - Where comfort meets coastline - and every guest is welcomed like family

This week’s local business spotlight is on Hermanus Boutique Guest House.

Tucked just a stone’s throw from the cliff paths, Hermanus Boutique Guest House has become a welcoming retreat for travellers from near and far. Purchased by Willem and Esthie Steyn in 2005 from the Lerm family, the property was originally known as Misty Beach Chateau before being rebranded to reflect its location and charm. Since then, the guest house has grown steadily - with the addition of an adjacent property, more rooms, a conference facility for groups up to 15 people, outdoor pool area, and most recently, a stunning penthouse and honeymoon suite. Today, it serves a wide mix of guests including international tourists, business groups, and honeymooners - while also offering locals special discounts to enjoy a romantic break close to home.

We sat down with Maraine Maree, General Manager of Hermanus Boutique Guest House, who has been part of the team for over 10 years, to learn more about what makes this guest house special.

Can you tell us a little about the story behind Hermanus Guest House?

It was originally known as Misty Beach Chateau, but we later changed the name to Hermanus Guest House to better reflect our unique location and offerings. Over the years we’ve expanded quite a bit - we bought the property next door and added more rooms, a conference facility, a pool area, and most recently, a penthouse honeymoon suite.

What sets you apart from other accommodation options in Hermanus?

We combine boutique luxury with heartfelt hospitality. Our guests often say they feel at home the moment they walk through the doors. The staff genuinely care, and we go out of our way to make each stay memorable - whether it’s a local couple on a romantic getaway or a family visiting from overseas.

What is your typical market?

We host a variety of guests - from business travellers and small conference groups to international tourists and honeymooners. We also make a special effort to cater to our local community by offering discounts to South Africans wanting a special break in Hermanus.

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Hermanus Boutique Guesthouse also offers last minute specials on their website for direct bookings: https://www.hermanusguesthouse.co.za/

📆 What’s On in Hermanus

The cold is no excuse not to get out and about during the coming week as there’s a lot to get up to:

Thursday | Donate Blood 🩸 
🗓 Thursday, 26 June · 14:30 - 19:00 📍 Grobbelaar Hall Hermanus - Be a local hero and donate blood. If you are between 16 and 75, weigh over 50kg, are in good health and lead a sexually safe lifestyle you are welcome to come donate blood and help save lives.

Friday | Takura Live Acoustic 🎶 
🗓 Friday, 27 June · 18:30 📍 Fisherman’s Cottage - Takura's soulful performance is the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed, feel-good Friday. Whether you're escaping the cold or simply looking for a special way to spend your evening, join us for comfort food, candlelight, and a little live music magic. Entrance: FREE - Just bring your umbrella and a good appetite! Book your table now - space is limited: 028 312 3642 | 082 556 5107

Saturday | Hermanus Country Market 🌿 
🗓 Saturday, 28 June · 09:00 - 14:00 📍 Hermanus Cricket Club - Artisan stalls, live music, food, fresh produce and a family-friendly vibe - a staple Saturday outing for locals and visitors alike.

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday, 28 June · 08:00 📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

Friday 11 July | Hermanus Animal Welfare Society Cake & Tea🐶🐱
🗓 Friday, 21 July · 10:00 📍 Hermanus Golf Club - A morning filled with great cakes, bubbly, tea or coffee and friends. Guest Speaker. Les Aupiais. Former Carte Blanche presenter & journalist. Sample the best from Hermanus Home Bakers. Raffles and mystery prizes! Limited seats. R350.00 per person. Please book by emailing [email protected] or whatsapp Mellissa on 0733649661

🌬️🌦️ Hermanus Weather Update: 26 June – 2 July

Winter’s still in full swing, and we’re heading into a mixed bag of rain, sunshine, and cold snaps. Pack a brolly for the start of the week, but keep those sunnies handy - by Sunday, it’s looking bright and beautiful.!

⸻

Thursday 26 June
A proper winter splash! 🌧️ Expect a high of 12°C and low of 9°C, with up to 23 mm of rain and strong winds peaking around 14 m/s. A day for gumboots, puzzles, and indoor cocoa.

Friday 27 June
Things start calming down. Mostly dry with some patchy cloud. High of 13°C, low of 10°C, and just a drizzle (0.4 mm). Wind eases but still breezy at 12 m/s.

Saturday 28 June
Partly cloudy and relatively mild. High of 15°C, low of 12°C. Around 1.8 mm of rain possible, but breaks in the cloud might reward patient beachcombers.

Sunday 29 June
Brightening up! ☀️ A mostly sunny day with a high of 16°C and low of 10°C. Barely a sprinkle in sight - the ideal Sunday for a family outing.

Monday 30 June
Glorious and golden. 🌞 Crisp air, clear skies, and temperatures between 18°C and 8°C. Make the most of this rare winter gem!

Tuesday 1 July
Another pleasant one. Mix of sun and light cloud, staying dry throughout. High of 18°C, low of 8°C, and barely a breeze.

Wednesday 2 July
Clouds creep back in with a chance of rain. Around 1.8 mm expected. High of 15°C, low of 12°C - not too cold, but keep a jacket handy.

So, whether you’re planning muddy adventures, market mornings, or just staying in with board games and blankets, this week’s forecast has a little something for everyone. After a rainy start, the skies look set to reward us with a golden winter weekend - the perfect reminder that Hermanus shines in every season.

🏉 🏫 Sports & Schools:

❄️ Term Break: Schools will close tomorrow 27 June, marking the end of the second term and the start of the Winter School Holidays.

We hope all learners enjoy a well-deserved break during the holidays and come back with renewed energy for the third term!

🍕 Restaurant Specials:

Here are some of the best deals from all over town for you to enjoy during the coming week:

Spotted in the Overberg: Photo of the Week

Each week, we feature one special snap submitted by someone who calls this place home. From misty morning walks to playful pups on the beach - we want to see what you see.

And here’s the perk: every featured photographer gets a free flat white on us - in partnership with Molo Coffee. So send in your best shot to [email protected], and you might just sip your way to local fame.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Scoop!

Until next time, stay warm, stay curious, and keep loving the little things that make Hermanus hum.

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Got a story, sighting, or scoop to share? Drop us an email at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.