Fish Hoek History in the Limelight

The new Fish Hoek history exhibit at Valyland Centre is a fabulous feature that adds some intriguing local historical facts for all to read and enjoy. Grab a cup of coffee and catch up on the story of this beautiful valley!

Fun Fact!

For many years “farmers coming from the western end of the valley had used Fish Hoek as an outspan as there were springs for water for their cattle and themselves. To keep the cattle from fouling the springs a kraal was built, probably near the area of the traffic circle at the Simon’s Town end of the Main Road.”

Pop into central Valyland to view the complex 2.4m x 1.4m timeline showcasing Fish Hoek’s history, spanning an incredible 560 million years. This detailed display was the combined brainchild of Richard Smith, a member of the Historical Society of Cape Town, the Fish Hoek Valley Museum, the Historical Society of Cape Town, and Valyland Centre.

Discover the History of the Fish Hoek Valley

The Fish Hoek Valley Museum also offers an intriguing summary of Fish Hoek's fascinating history so wander down there to see ongoing research about the area's genealogy, the artefacts, photographs and biological evidence of whales, shells, plants and people!

The timeline begins with Fish Hoek’s origins at the bottom of the ancient Adamastor Sea and continues through the 1600s. It highlights significant events such as the establishment of the Dutch East India Company’s refreshment station in the Cape in 1652 and Jan van Riebeeck’s first official mention of Fish Hoek in 1659. It travels through the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s, reaching up to 2022 when a retaining wall made of old railway sleepers was uncovered on Fish Hoek Beach!

Fun Fact!

Valyland Centre was originally the old Cron’s Dairy, operated by the Cronwright family for a century, starting with just two cows. The name Valyland is a tribute to the Cronwright siblings: Valery, Yvonne, and Morthland.

Early humans in Fish Hoek made stone tools and lived in caves to be safe from predators. In 1917, authorities announced the development of Fish Hoek as a 'seaside residential resort'. The first plot sales were advertised on March 16, 1918, highlighting Fish Hoek as “South Africa’s Premier Watering Place” where people could now build homes on available building sites.

Seaside Cottages is Central to Fish Hoek History

Seaside Cottages fits right into this fascinating Fish Hoek history. Find the best self-catering accommodation in the valley when you book one of these fully equipped, privately-owned units. Find them set in delightful green gardens where aloes and birds abound – complete with braai (barbeque) facilities, outdoor areas, television with DSTV, washing machines and Wi-Fi.

Fun Fact!  

Fish Hoek has been called Visch Baai, Visbaai, Vishoeks Baai and many other variations. The small point of land between Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek was named Vischoek and later extended to the bay beyond. The title deeds of the farm used the name Visch Hoek but some plots of land for sale referred to Fish Hoek. Tourists often ask if the town is called Fish Hoek because the bay is shaped like a fish hook!

Today, we all know Fish Hoek as a vibrant village on the False Bay coast. There is so much to do here! It is a home for ocean and mountain lovers, water babies, hikers and conservationists alike. Everyone loves its safe sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, bodyboarding, surf skiing and diving. When the wind picks up, the bay becomes a hub for kite surfers and windsurfers. Whale-watching is a popular pastime from July to October and these giant cetaceans frolic just 50 meters from the shore.

Fish Hoek is conveniently located within 50 km of Cape Town landmarks such as the International Airport, the V & A Waterfront, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Table Mountain, and several wine routes. It’s the best family destination in Cape Town where all ages can enjoy great food, great scenery, plenty to do in the great outdoors and of course the wonderful Seaside Cottages! Fish Hoek boasts diverse conservation initiatives and destinations such as the penguins at Boulders Beach, the beaches and hikes at Cape Point, the fynbos at Silvermine Nature Reserve and the views from all mountains across False Bay and the vast Atlantic Ocean at Noordhoek and Kommetjie.

Visit Seaside Cottages this September for the Spring Holidays!