Elgin Railway Market, Glen Elgin, Theewaterskloof Ward 14, Theewaterskloof Local Municipality, Overberg District Municipality, Western Cape, South Africa
Attractions close by
Elgin Wine Valley 0kmCape Canopy Tours 9kmKol-Kol Mountain Lodge 18kmOudebosch Eco Cabins in the Kogelberg 20kmHaut Espoir 24kmDine with Locals in Kayamandi 32kmBig 5 Taste Safari 32kmCupcakes and Wine, Delheim 34kmThe Garden Spa at Babylonstoren 38kmA Victorian apple warehouse converted into a vintage steampunk railway market is exactly what you’ll find at the Elgin Railway Market in the picturesque town of Elgin in the Overberg. Did we mention there’s also a great wine route?
The Elgin Railway Market offers a fun introduction to the region. After all, you can’t explore on an empty belly!
What to know
When businessman Roger Orpen bought an old apple warehouse in Elgin a few years ago he saw potential to create something special, inspired by the warehouse’s Victorian charm and location next to a railway. The steampunk station was born.
Today, the Elgin Railway Market offers a one-of-a-kind market experience. Yes, there are delicious eats, craft drinks and live music, but the charm of the converted warehouse creates a unique atmosphere.
Take a steam train there
Elgin is only about 70km from Cape Town (about an hour’s drive). A car journey there is an experience in itself, with the road weaving through the Hottentots Holland mountain range, but how about getting into the theme of the market and travelling by train?
A few times a month, the Elgin Railway Market partners with the Ceres Rail Company to offer steam-train trips to the market from Cape Town, meeting at the Aha Harbour Bridge Hotel in the Foreshore. You will leave for Elgin at 8am, enjoy a leisurely three-hour train ride, spend a few hours shopping and snacking at the market and head back in the afternoon. You will be back in Cape Town at 5.30pm. How’s that for a fun day trip out in the countryside?
Make a weekend of it
The Elgin Valley is also home to a number of award-winning wineries. Spend a few days in the Overberg and take in the scenic views, explore the wine estates or get an adrenaline kick with a Cape Canopy Tour ziplining experience.
Don’t forget to stop at one of the farm stalls en route to stock up on delicious fresh produce from the valley.