Discover Uniondale: History, Routes and Nature

Uniondale can be explored through its buildings as well as its routes and landscapes. Nineteenth-century churches, a former post office, and the historic police station and courthouse tell different chapters in the story of the town. Also on offer are mapped cycling or walking routes and the scenery of the Uniondale Nature Reserve. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether architectural history, exercise or nature should be the focus of your stay.

Churches and Historic Buildings

The Apostolic (Pinkster) Protestant Church was built in 1843 and is one of Uniondale’s seven National Monuments. The original Dutch Reformed Church at the southern entrance was built in 1866; today it is called Voortrekker Saal and is used for community projects. The new Dutch Reformed Church in Hood Street is a separate building, dating from 1884. Between these dates is All Saint’s Anglican Church, built in 1876: Sophia Gray designed it and is regarded as South Africa’s first architect specialising in church buildings.

The classically inspired police station and courthouse building on Voortrekker Street dates from 1891. Victorian-style Klaas Vaak was Uniondale’s original post office and dates from 1892. The synagogue was built in 1905; a tourism article updated in 2017 reports that it was restored and is maintained by the Lions Club.

Routes and Landscape

For a more active day, a route description updated in 2017 lists two mapped cycling or walking routes for visitors: one is 4.9 km long, the other 7.8 km. Both pass historic buildings, tea gardens and restaurants. The 2.9 km difference in length offers a practical comparison when planning your route. Check locally beforehand whether current maps and bicycle rentals are available.

In the Uniondale Nature Reserve, hilly terrain, green valleys and winding streams shape the landscape. Nature and historic architecture offer different focuses for planning your trip: when choosing accommodation, you can weigh up whether you are most interested in scenery, local history or the mapped routes.

Further Traces and Discoveries

A tourism description updated in 2017 reports that five British forts protected Uniondale during the Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902); according to the article, four were still visible. A tourism page updated in April 2017 describes the “Path of Hope” labyrinth on Voortrekker Street as a community project led by the owner of the neighbouring Cottages Guesthouse.

Abrie van der Merwe’s private collection of model cars is housed in the Blue Yonder Gift Shop on Voortrekker Street, next to Absa Bank. Check before visiting to find out whether the collection is still accessible.

A 2020 announcement listed a sale at the Uniondale Farmers Market Plaasmark on the last Saturday of the month, with breakfast, lunch, takeaway food and live music. The location given was Die Stoep on Voortrekker Street. Check current dates before making the market a firm part of your travel plans.

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For the main travel overview: Eden.