It cannot be denied – Hilton is just about the cutest town around, with its beautiful hedgerows and rose gardens. It’s a town where residents know each other by name and where all the benefits of living in the countryside apply – complete with lovely garden clubs, an abundance of farm-fresh produce and activities like cooking classes.
In contrast with the province’s balmy seaside towns, Hilton’s winters are all about cosying up next to hearty fireplaces and enjoying the Midlands’ natural appeal in summer and here, the undulating rolling hills create prime conditions for pursuits such as mountain biking, hiking excursions and birdwatching. What’s more, there are numerous choices when it comes to restaurants, great accommodation and experiencing the work of local artists.
In days gone by, Hilton was the go-to place for folk who needed a break from the stifling heat in Pietermaritzburg, as the climate is so much cooler here. Today, the town is famous for its world-class schools (including Michaelhouse, Hilton College and St Anne’s Diocesan College). Because of these top-notch boarding schools, more and more well-heeled parents (mainly from Durban and Gauteng) have been looking for accommodation in Hilton when they visit the town for their children’s various sports and cultural pursuits. Some have invested in luxury homes, for example in the swanky developments in neighbourhoods like Balgowan, while other parents have opted to rent farm cottages (and boost the local economy). It’s an ideal arrangement, really – where these parents decorate and furnish units on smallholdings to their liking, while the owners of the smallholdings and farms look after these “second homes” when they’re not there.
It’s an idyllic lifestyle for locals, with produce exchanges at markets being par for the course – as well as healthy living filled with all the good in the countryside. And there’s never a dull moment either, thanks to events like the Hilton Arts Festival – spanning three days of wonderful theatre and music productions, as well as various forms of arts and crafts. And since it draws such big crowds from far and wide, it also generates a huge demand for quality accommodation in the town.
Wining and dining
- Artisan: mouthwatering pizzas
- La Popote Restaurant: sublime cakes in a quaint location
- The Cherry Tree: top-notch coffee
- Taste of Thai: the real (Thai) deal!
Don’t miss this!
- The Hilton Arts Festival’s fantastic line-up of theatre productions, musical performances and art.
- The Midlands Meander boasts excellent eateries and wonderful events.
- All the wonderful MTB tracks in the area.
- Fly-fishing in one of the many dams that can be found close to Hilton.
Where to stay
- The Hilton Bush Lodge
- Hilton View B&B
- Bancroft B&B
- Glengarth Cottages
- Inchcape Villa
The Quarry Centre – tailormade for your needs
- It was named after the old quarry in Hilton – but looks nothing like it! The centre boasts verdant gardens, lush walkways and plenty of greenery.
- The Quarry was purchased a few years ago by new owners, with the aim to spruce it up and maximise its potential to help make Hilton a true gateway to the magic of the Midlands.
- The centre features no less than 45 retailers, like Woolworths, Clicks, bespoke clothing and gift shops, lovely little cafe-style eateries and fully fledged restaurants offering magical meals.
- There’s also plenty of parking and excellent security.
- Visit hiltonquarry.co.za for more information.
Resident’s view
“With two teenagers being schooled in the Hilton area, we travel down from Gauteng at least once a month. Our lock-up-and-go holiday duplex is ideal for these high school years.” –
Ann Clayton, home-owner and part-time resident
