Cradock travel guide

This small Karoo town is made up of an attractive grid of wide roads lined with Victorian bungalows. It was once a frontier town and has three Victorian churches. The Dutch Reformed Church on Stockenstroom Street was opened in 1868 and is based upon London’s St Martin in the Fields. Cradock is now better known for its connections with Olive Schreiner who wrote The Story of an African Farm. Olive Schreiner House 9 Cross St, T048-881 5251, Mon-Fri 0800-1245, 1400-1630, R7, children (under 12) R4, illustrates aspects of her life.

The Great Fish River Museum behind the town hall, T048-881 4509, Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1200, R5, children (under 16) free, is in a restored parsonage built in 1849, today a national monument. It depicts early pioneer history and on display are old ox wagons and horse carts, including a hearse. Cradock Spa 4 km from Cradock on the Marlow road, T048-881 2709, 0645-1930, R7, is a series of indoor and outdoor pools set around natural sulphurous springs. From here, there are two short circular hiking trails. The 10-km Fish River Trail follows the river into town, crossing over the bridge and returning on the opposite bank. The Eerstekrantz Trail, 4.5 km, is a hike up the mountain opposite the spa resort. Note the silver windmills, a distinguishing feature of the Karoo, on the surrounding farmland.

For information contact Cradock Tourism municipality building, J A Calata St, T048- 801 5000, http://www.cradocktourism.co.za, Mon-Fri 0830-1230, 1400-1600. The office is very helpful and has a good collection of maps and accommodation listings.