Somerset East: Art, History and Nature

Somerset East brings together art, local history, and landscape. The Walter Battiss Art Museum and the KwaNojoli Museum offer different cultural perspectives; there is also a War Memorial and the Glen Avon Water Mill. Nearby, Glen Avon Waterfall lies in a remote valley close to Somerset East. The route there is at least 10 km long; visits are possible by prior arrangement only.

Art and an Artist’s Biography

The Walter Battiss Art Museum offers a DVD on which Walter Battiss talks about his life and art and introduces Fook Island. For those interested, the presentation brings together the artist’s biography and art with Battiss’ own vision of Fook Island. The DVD’s availability may change; check before your visit whether it can be shown.

Regional History at the KwaNojoli Museum

The KwaNojoli Museum is designed largely like a residence and depicts the lives of the Dutch Reformed Church ministers who lived there. It also features exhibitions on the history of the area and its people. These exhibitions were commissioned in more recent years; their current content may change. The same museum thus brings together the lives of a particular group of clergy and a broader perspective on the history and people of the area.

Memorial in the Town

The Delville Wood War Memorial, also known as the Somerset East War Memorial, stands on Njoli Street near the western entrance to Somerset East. Both names refer to the same memorial; the street name and the reference to the town entrance provide specific directions to its location.

Glen Avon Water Mill

The Glen Avon Water Mill is considered one of the best-preserved mills in southern Africa and has a 8.4-metre steel wheel. These two details describe different aspects of the building: the first concerns its state of preservation, while the measurement identifies the wheel as a specific component. The mill is therefore a distinct point of interest for travellers interested in historic buildings and technology.

Waterfall and Hiking Trail Nearby

Glen Avon Waterfall lies in a remote valley close to Somerset East. The waterfall and its associated gorge are designated as the Glen Avon Falls Natural Heritage Site (No. 71). The route there is at least 10 km long, passing through indigenous forest into a valley characterised by riverine forest, where Sneezewood and Cabbage trees grow. Access is by prior arrangement only. Take this arrangement and the minimum distance into account when planning your visit.

Art, History, or a Hike?

To help you choose, the cultural attractions can be distinguished by their focus: Walter Battiss talks on DVD about his life, art, and Fook Island; the KwaNojoli Museum brings together the ministers’ lives and the history of the area. The hike is another option, with a trail of at least 10 km and prior arrangement required.

Discover more destinations: Sanddrif, Paterson, Alicedale, Grahamstown, Kirkwood, Cambria, Bathurst, Adendorp.

For the broader travel overview: Western District.