Places to go and things to do in Sandown

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OUTDOORS Sandown’s proximity to Blouberg beach, coupled with Cape Town’s amenable climate and almost ideal wind conditions, make sea-based water sports a natural choice for lovers of the outdoors. Stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and kite-surfing are increasingly popular and there are several schools offering lessons along with kit rentals. Importantly, age is not a barrier to many of these sports. Cabrinha are based in the Eden on the Bay Shopping Centre and offer various packages (021 554 1729).

Not exactly on Sandown’s doorstep but just a short drive away is the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. The organisation’s primary objective is to reverse the decline of sea bird populations through the rescue, rehabilitation and release of ill, injured, abandoned and oiled sea birds. Visitors are welcome, but it’s best to call first and check (0215576155).

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SHOP If retail therapy is your go-to activity, Sandown residents are spoilt for choice. Sandown Retail Crossing, anchored by Checkers Hyper, is a short walk from The Sandown Lifestyle Estate. The recently-launched Table Bay Mall is a single-level shopping centre with 150 shops and more than 3 000 parking bays. Eden on the Bay is another popular choice for residents in the greater community.

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EAT Sandown and environs are well served by a full range of the traditional fast food outlets, and the Golden Arches against a backdrop of Table Mountain is quite awesome. But it’s the Bread & Butter Café that really gets the tastebuds watering. They literally boast a table groaning with delicacies – the cakes are so enticing – and they are also known for their iteration of Eggs Benedict. Amazingly in this day and age, everything is made on site. Open seven days a week – hours do vary – but give them a call before heading out for a special treat (021 554 5817). What’s a sporting event without delicious biltong, and Biltong Master is a purveyor of some of the finest. There’s a huge variety and they are all halaal (0215541109).

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DRINK In spite of Sandown’s recent emergence as a residential precinct it boasts some of the oldest wine estates in the country, including, for instance, Durbanville Hills. This venture was started by nine member farms with the youngest established in 1714 and the oldest in 1688. Initially acclaimed for their sauvignon blanc, the estate is now gaining a reputation for its reds too. They conduct tastings every day but it’s advisable to book before you head there (0215581300).

Sandown’s proximity to Blouberg beach is ideal for getting into water-based sports.