Bishopscourt, Cape Town, was a prime example of the Group Areas Act's cruel impact, where non-white families (the Protea Village community) were forcibly removed between the 1950s-70s to create a "whites-only" area, leading to long struggles for land restitution, with construction finally starting in 2025 for the descendants to return to their ancestral land after decades of legal battles. Set right against the slopes of Table Mountain in the Constantia Valley, Bishopscourt gives new meaning to the term ‘leafy’, which here describes incredibly large and gracious oaks that line most of the quiet streets with their large family residences, high walls and beautifully manicured gardens. Bishopscourt has an absolutely exquisite setting. No surprise then that a number of foreign embassies have chosen this Suburb as their home and a collection of Local and International celebrities too. These are multi-million rand Homes but the views alone are worth the price. Walks along the Liesbeek River, a popular local pastime, will take you past an Area of land along its banks that the Bishopscourt Village Residents Association, have rehabilitated and transformed the Area into a remarkable River Garden. This has undoubtably, re-establishing an important Ecological System and including over 100 indigenous trees.
Staying in Bishopscourt brings one to the heart of the Constantia Valley Region. On a clear day there are panoramic views over False Bay, which is close by and offers some wonderfully quaint beaches such as: 'St James and Danger Beach'. These Beaches in Cape Town are all exposed to pollution. This Area offers some wonderful local hikes, including Constantia Nek - probably more of a sedate stroll than a hike. Kirstenbosch, is nearby for a range of hikes; including going up Table Mountain. The Yellowwood Trail and Silvertree Trail are longer hikes that take you up to the Waterfall and around the Estate, through both forest and fynbos. It is possible to climb Table Mountain from Kirstenbosch, up Nursery Ravine or Skeleton Gorge. Please note, this is only for experienced 'Rock Climbers'.
Bishopscourt is close to the Constantia Wine Route, Kirstenbosch Gardens and getting to the city centre is a matter of 15 minutes’ drive. Maynard Park in Wynberg. These Gardens have an open-air theatre that in Summer offers anything from Shakespeare to opera and is a favourite for the theatre-and-picnic brigade, known as; 'Maynardville Open-Air Theatre'.
