The 9 best churches in Simon's Town

Really great museum for people interested in not just the Naval history but also the vital history of the wonderfully diverse communities that grew up in this area as a result of the evolution of this town from its early conception. The museum also reflects the history of the forced relocation of this community under the Group Areas Act bringing the stark reality of apartheid and how it ripped people apart. The team are incredibly knowledgable and it was a real privilege to visit and learn so much. Thank you! A must see for anyone looking to learn about Simon’s Town and the communities that originated from here and who continue to contribute to the museum.

Simon’s Town Museum is small and not crowded, you don’t need to make reservation but need to buy tickets for access.

Fascinating place. Really nicely maintained on a shoestring budget. Done interesting displays that I found really informative about CPT history, weather and population. Of course there was Nuisance ❤️

Simon’s Town is a navy suburb and this museum of course references the rich maritime history, but also, you will find cultural and sometimes difficult history on full display. It’s only R20 ($1) to enter and they have authentic war memorabilia on display. It’s not a big museum but then again, Simon’s Town isn’t a particularly big town – and the museum gives a good account of the history and environment. Some of the local families who were moved out of the area in the bad old days have contributed artefacts to the museum. And there’s a large conference room, but no indication on whether it can be hired for a private event. It would also be good if private tours would be available in the museum as the exhibits don’t always seem to follow each other. There’s a tiny gift shop with well-priced stock. Hours are tight: they close at 15:00.

Wonderful hosts of our Books on the Bay Literary Festival, with displays to keep visitors busy for an hour. Good curios as well. Safe parking. St Francis of Assisi Anglican Church right next door. Their stained glass windows well worth the visit

Generally the visit was okay, however due to it being a weekend we were not allowed to go down stairs,due to them being short staffed. One thing which I was confused about prior going to the museum I called to find out if there's entry fee which they responded to with no there is not but upon entry at the museum we were told it was R50 to enter which we had to pay and that it was a donation, which baffled me coz the guy didn't Want to let us in. Anywayz it was okay.

Not as interesting as the naval museum but it has a prison that you can go look at and it looks cool and think it leads to the Simon's town tunnels that were here but they are hiding it for some reason

Friendly and very welcoming congregation

Very caring friendly congregation.

Beautiful old historic church in Simon's Town

A bit disappointed as the museum was closed

Nice community

(Translated by Google) An oasis in the middle of the route to the Cape of Good Hope (Original) Un oasis en el medio del recorrido al Cabo de Buena Esperanza

Feel like a kid in a toy store! This is a lovely place to come and visit when taking a drive down to Simon's Town. The historic toys are iconic and all kids and adults will love coming here. The old toys will make you feel like you are 6 years old again, it has a nostalgic relaxing feeling that will make you go back every time. The entrance fee is very affordable, R10. Tips are always welcome. Collectables are also for sale to any novice collectors or serious collectors. A trip well spend.

Lovely little place. Lots of old toys in excellent condition. Little entrance fee.

We have been coming to visit the Toy Museum for years. This was the first time our youngest had gone, and he was absolutely obsessed with the train setup. A real walk down memory lane for us parents and grandparents Tickets were only R10 each!!!

A wonderful experience. My son really liked the working train and the model cars. My daughter liked the fancy dolls houses, the big dolls and Percy himself! He was very kind, he gave my daughter some trinkets and half price on something else.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many items were on display. I enjoyed the dolls, doll houses, merry go round, vehicles and trailer the most!

What an amazing experience. The gentleman who works at the museum was eager to show us a few specific toys which have a story or history behind them, which we would never have known without him! Very cool outing.

What a wonderful place! My son and I lost ourselves for hours in the amazing collection of toys! Some powerful memories for me (49), and an eye opener for my son (9)! The owner was very friendly and full of interesting facts and observations! Well worth a visit, and again, and again!

What a treat! If you have ever been fascinated by ships the navy or SA maritime history make sure to visit this little gem. Only donations are asked and the staff are very helpful and friendly.

Awesome experience at no cost to the public. Worth a visit if you want to know more of SA Naval history

the museum’s free of charge please come and support local volunteers this place is more interesting than it seems ⚓️

It was a nostalgic visit. Visyed the museum after 11 years with myvsone of 12 who was there when he was 8 months old

When you visit Simon’s Town, you must visit South Africa Naval Museum. You will have a lot of fun there and it’s free 🥰🥰

Out of sight is this hidden Gem in Simonstown. There is so much naval history here. Well worth the effort to visit and we'll displayed with friendly staff. No crowds, No Q, and free entry!

Amazing museum, dedicated to honoring the memory of past and present staff. It had so many detailed exhibits and awesome pieces to observe. Front-desk staff were also very nice. Free entry.

I heard about this museum long ago, and finally got the chance to visit! Found out that I'm a 6th-generation Slamdien in South Africa. Enjoyed the old photos and memorabilia very much! There's no entrance fee charged, so please donate generously. The guide was very helpful and knowledgeable on the history of Simonstown and the generations of Cape Malays in the area.

Very informative and accurate tracing, found photos of family up to 3 generations back just by the way, while exploring.

A house thats been in the Malay family to this day. Living members telling live, history stories of upbringing, how, to cook, bake. Stories from British soldiers,

A culturally rich experience to reveal the history of the Cape Muslim community of Simonstown. They also have the burial records of the Dido Valley and Seaforth cemeteries to assist in tracing family history.

This is truly a place of Malay Heritage taking people back many, many years of how Malay people lived, holding onto their traditions and heritage (which is fading away as the years go by) , I love the setup of the museum, all the rooms are transferred into displaying, showing and giving you a true Malay culture/traditional experience, you will come across a Bridal room (known to the Malay people as the "Bruidskamer") for me that haven't seen or witnessed one with my very own eyes, I was in awe, just stepping into any of the rooms or walking down the house passages, amazed me, all the artefacts, photographs of years gone by, ornaments, clothes, mannequins with their traditional wear, and the Davidson couple that runs the museum is so sweet walking with you and patiently answering all your questions, they have a lovely garden where you can relax and have a picnic afterwards.

Beautiful experience learning about my Family Heritage.was very emotional.Aunty Zaynab is the beautiful soul that's preserving our family history.

This was indeed a unique experience. Rich in history and culture. A must see.

The Grave of Able Seaman Just Nuisance is perched at the top of the historical walk and situated in the old SA Navy Signal School which appears to be no longer in use. There are some security stationed here to prevent further copper cable theft. The grave is well-marked and open to the public and there is also a bench – I imagine to sit and contemplate the sacrifice, heroism or futility of war. Just Nuisance was a great dane mascot who served at the HMS Afrikander in Simon's Town, from 1939 to 1944. The dog attained the rank of Able Seaman and died on 1 April 1944, aged seven years.

It was great to find a quick route to his grave. It was just sad to see how the buildings are going to wrack and ruin and that the bronze plaque has been "removed" from its pedestal.

Good road (although a bit windy so drive carefully) to Just Nuisance grave. The grave is in good condition. The views from the sight are phenomenal and the fun is area beautiful. Pity the buildings nearby are not kept well maintained.

Just Nuisance was a Great Dane that lived in Simons Town between 1937 and 1944. His owner was Benjamin Chaney, a man from Rondebosch who moved to Simons Town to run the USI (United Services Institute). In his early days in Simons Town, he was quite a free roamer and got attention from the sailors and other naval staff who used to give him snacks when they saw him. This resulted in him becoming quite comfortable with walking around the naval base and would go as far as laying on the ship decks in spots where he'd be hard to get around. This is how he became known as Nuisance. It didn't end here though. He would on some days board trains and take them as far as Cape Town where inspectors would chase him off only to find him changing platforms and heading back to Simons Town. Due to this, the rail agency approached Mr Chaney, warning him that Just Nuisance would be put down if the behaviour persists. News of this travelled quickly and his loving neighbours wrote to the navy to do something about it. Their response was to enlist him in the navy which would grant him free train fare and stop the push back from the rail agency. Hereafter, he faced no issues and went on to become a type of hero and morale booster for the troops serving in WW2. Roaming about Simons Town and fulfilling duties of his own appointment such as escorting sailors on the train and walking them home from the pub to name a few. In 1943 he was involved in a car accident and developed thrombosis which gradually paralyzed him. Due to this the navy discharged him in Jan 1944. In April 1944 he was taken to the Simons Town Naval Hospital where doctors advised he should be put down due to the suffering he was facing. He was the only dog ever to be enlisted in the Royal Navy. He served at HMS Afrikander, an establishment in Simons Town. When he passed on, he was buried with full military honours including a gun salute and the playing of the "Last Post". He now rests at Klawer Camp, the site of the Naval Signal School, overlooking his home and former workplace.

We went here with great expectations, but it is sad to see how everything is just not taken care of. You have a great view of False Bay from here and can use your imagination to think how things used to be. The Just Nuisance statue is not here though, perhaps this is a good thing.

The gravesite is quite clean, but the navy base has seen better days, broken windows, empty beer bottles, etc. Might be better option to hike from town than to drive there.

I never knew there was a grave …. Today we visited it on its beautiful location atop the hill in simonstown. The view is spectacular Entrance is free Make sure to visit

Young navy sailor aquiring a wife, no cannon fodder but the truth be told regarding the dilemmas facing them, mom a famous legion and fam full on catholic, son a penticostal evangelist but seeing things through the big window eventually desiding to conect and join the faith that has always been there and not forgotten the last supper seeing that mom has passed.God Bless

Fr. Frank is such a great guy real salt of the earth kinda man. Beautiful homily feeling in the Church.

Beautiful maintained old building.

Love my new church. Besides the priest and the congregation I love the character of the building itself.

Brought back lots of memories as we gathered together to buried our uncle Peter Hendricks ❤️

Stunning old church. blessed to have been there.

A loving, caring community

A place of worship for all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour

Nice spacious church,that has very high ceilings and an amazing view of the harbour. Decent amount of parking available at the venue.

Lovely community welcomed us in and we appreciated the deep meaningful sermon.

So welcoming. Such a beautiful church with beautiful people

It's a lovely facility to plan your year ahead in the face of the ocean.

Oldest Methodist Church in continuous use in Southern Africa. Friendly and welcoming

Lovely old church - great wedding venue.