How to spend a winter’s day at the V&A

With everything we have on offer in our dynamic neighbourhood, there’s no reason to stay cooped up at home. Our spaces are warm and inviting, and make Cape Town a beautiful place to be, even if it’s a little chilly or raining outside. We’ll keep you warm!

Join us for a full day or a few hours, with these great under-cover or indoor winter experiences at the Waterfront, where every visit offers something different.

The V&A Waterfront is home to over 10 spas and wellness centres, making us the go-to destination for pampering and unwinding. Choose one of the many hotel spas in our neighbourhood, or visit InUWell in Victoria Wharf for a high-tech wellness assessment. Men will love spending time at Mr Cobbs The Barber, they’ll make anyone feel like a million bucks. For a quick beauty fix, head to Sorbet, and turn the winter blues into something way more colourful.

 GO ON A CULINARY JOURNEY

Winter comes with many advantages – one of them being the incredible restaurant specials that are introduced right here on the water’s edge. Our eateries and bars have everything from two-for-one deals, to free drinks with a meal, or a discounted happy hour. Newly introduced winter menus are also a great perk of the colder season. Try the set Korean lunch or dinner at The Fermentary by Sepial for a meal with a unique twist, or let everyone choose the cuisine they like most at TimeOut Market. Don’t miss the luxurious high tea at the One&Only, or the exquisite croissants at Coco Safar and PAUL.

 EXPLORE LOCAL ART AND CULTURE

It’s easy to be immersed in local culture when visiting the V&A. Our neighbourhood is a treasure trove of some of the best museums and galleries in the country. This winter, Zeitz MOCAA’s must-visit exhibitions include ‘On Site’ by Berni Searle, while Southern Guild is showcasing work by ceramic artists Madoda Fani and King Houndekpinkou, and woodworker Adam Birch. There’s also loads to learn at Chavonnes Battery, Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island and the Iziko Maritime Centre. Look out for shows at Everard Read/CIRCA Gallery too.

Ster-Kinekor’s Kid’s Cinema showcases child-appropriate movies in a dedicated theatre space that has its own waiting area with tables filled with colouring-in pages, as well as its own snack counter. The theatre has beanbag seats for kids, and normal chairs for adults, and there’s even a ball pit and slide to make the experience even more fun for little ones.

HintHunt Escape Rooms are not only for adult adventures. There are great kid-friendly versions of these games, for children over the age of eight (with adult accompaniment). ‘Shipwrecked’ is a great option for this age group. In it, you’ll be in the pretend environment of Captain Kalman’s lost ship, in search of the royal family’s stolen jewels, which you must recover within 60 minutes, before the approaching storm hits!

Mini Makers with The Charming Chef at Makers Landing are all about getting young kids and teens to experiment in the kitchen. These cooking and baking workshops encourage the food innovators of tomorrow to pursue their culinary passion, while educating them in a gentle, encouraging and fun way.

Cave Golf is entertainment for the whole family. Play 18 rounds of indoor mini golf in a compact space that’s so well designed that each hole holds its own challenges. You’ll feel like you’re on an underground adventure of sorts as you putt your way through the fake greens.

Bring kids to Scratch Patch to start their fancy collection of precious stones by choosing their favourites. Select your bag size (S, M, L) or take a cup that can be filled with about 630g of stones, and start scratching around the shiny pit for everything from turquoise to tiger’s eye. You pay per bag – and the treasure becomes all yours.

 For more activity ideas for kids, click HERE.

There’s never a dull winter’s day when exploring the V&A. We look forward to welcoming you this season, and taking you and your loved ones on a memorable journey that will keep you feeling warm and cosy long after you’ve left our shore.