Woodstock at a glance
Woodstock is one of the earliest suburbs of Cape Town located between the harbour of Table Bay and the lower slopes of Devil's Peak, east of the city centre. It is served by Woodstock and Esplanade railway stations and extends to Nelson Mandela Boulevard. Home to a mix of young professionals, families and businesses, Woodstock has seen progressive urban renewal in recent years. Many of the original industrial buildings have been skilfully renovated and converted into mixed-use developments and a wealth of restaurants, creative industries, offices, shops and furniture showrooms now call this area home. Along with the beautiful Victorian semi-detached houses and proximity to the City Bowl, Southern Suburbs and the West Coast, Woodstock is a sought-after area combining inner-city living with a homely village atmosphere.
History
Woodstock developed from three farms (Zonnebloem, Leliebloem and Roodebloem) which were established on the slopes of Devils Peak in 1692 and was originally called Papendorp - after Pieter van Papendorp, who had settled in the area during the mid-1700s.
Once a railway line was developed in the mid-19th century, Woodstock became a trendy seaside suburb with a large beach stretching to the Castle of Good Hope. In 1867 the name was changed to Woodstock after a brief time being New Brighton.
With its favourable location, the area experienced rapid growth, increased industrialisation and a growing working-class stimulated by the demands of the Boer Wars in the late 1800s.
The foreshore reclamation project in the 1950s cut off the seaside access and beach and increased the industrial nature of the area but helped the population remain integrated during Apartheid and survived being declared a ‘whites only’ area. Its unofficial designation as a ‘grey’ area meant many coloured and black people began to settle in Woodstock during the 1970s and 1980s.
Recently the lower parts of Woodstock have undergone major urban regeneration after a period of urban decay, which has improved the overall appearance and atmosphere.
Attractions
The Treaty Tree
This old milkwood has seen over 500 years of local history pass its leafy foliage and originally looked out onto the bay. Named after the articles of capitulation signed under the tree, ceding control of the Cape to the British from the Dutch during the Napoleonic Wars, the Treaty Tree is a national monument with many stories to tell.
The Ruth Prowse School of Art
Located on the original Roodebloem farm estate, The Ruth Prowse School of Art is a creative centre for the pursuit of innovation in art, and is sculpting the energies of enrolled students towards their creative visions.
Trafalgar Park
This urban park in the heart of bustling Woodstock is a world heritage site due to the last remnants of a French Redoubt built by a French garrison stationed at the Cape in 1781 to guard against an overland attack from False Bay, and a brick kiln built in the 1830s.
Woodstock Cave
Visit Woodstock Cave for panoramic views over Table Bay and across to Lions Head. One of the largest caves on Table Mountain, although more of an overhang, it is a popular spot for picnics and the perfect photo opportunity.
Blockhouses on Devil's Peak
Towering over Woodstock is Devil’s Peak where one can hike to the trio of the King’s, Queen’s and Prince of Wales Blockhouses, a series of fortifications that at one point joined up with the Trafalgar Park line of defence. Follow the line of the ridge or take a hike from Rhodes Memorial to access them.
Side Street Studios
The unofficial heart of art and design in Woodstock, Side Street Studios offers creative studio space for local artists and designers with several shops, cafés and galleries.
Amenities
Shopping
The Old Biscuit Mill
A Saturday institution, the Neighbourhood Goods Market at The Old Biscuit Mill in Albert Road offers visitors fresh local produce and organic foods as well as many unique stalls to browse along with established shops and restaurants.
Woodstock Exchange
This mixed-use building is a hip and happening creative space on Albert road where you can work, shop and hang out. Expect to find an eclectic mix of goods from artists and designers as well as some great food options.
The Woodstock Foundry
This industrial space is also a creative hub with a technical edge to it. The Woodstock Foundry includes a licensed restaurant, coffee, a botanical florist, high-end designer furniture, arty décor for home and office, designer jewellery and more.
The Palms Centre
Originally a biscuit factory, this converted centre is home to décor and lifestyle shops offering unique products and services. On Saturday mornings the Palms hosts a lively market with gourmet food, craft beers, fine wines, beautiful crafts and décor.
Salt Circle Arcade
Across the road from the Biscuit Mill, the Salt Circle Arcade offers a refined selection of décor and lifestyle items as well as top Cape Town food trucks and coffee.
Food & Entertainment
The Test Kitchen
The Kitchen
Cinta Café
The Woodstock Lounge
Pesce Azzuro Bistro
La Bottega
Jamaica Me Crazy
The Fat Cactus
The Pot Luck Club
Woodstock Grill & Tap
Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard
Cape Town Deco Lodge
Saint Georges Lodge
Schools
Primary Schools
Alpha School Primary School
Mountain Road Primary School
St Agnes Dominican Convent Primary School
Chapel Street Primary School
Holy Cross RC Primary
High Schools
Queen's Park High School
Walmer Secondary School
Tertiary Education
BHC School of Design
Cape Town Creative Academy
Ruth Prowse School of Art
Woodstock Academy of Music
Design Academy of Fashion
Cape Town, European Bartender School
Julonetix Footwear Academy - Cape Town
Beauty Therapy Institute
The Animation School
Hospitals
Woodstock Community Health Clinic
Groote Schuur Hospital
Woodstock is a cosmopolitan and laid-back suburb with its unique mix of industrial living, expansive Victorian homes and creative energy nestled on the edge of the City Bowl. For those considering commercial or residential property, Davies Group is your guide to the area and will help you uncover your dream property.
Disclaimer: While every effort will be made to ensure that the information contained within the Davies Property Group website is accurate and up to date, Davies Property Group makes no warranty, representation or undertaking whether expressed or implied, nor do we assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect, or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information. Prospective purchasers and tenants should make their own enquiries to verify the information contained herein.
