The Elgin Railway Market is the perfect stop on a weekend getaway in the Western Cape or as a weekend activity. The weekend market in the Elgin Valley is a fun and creative market to explore. We have used it as a stop on our weekend getaways to Hermaus and other small towns in the Overberg Region. It’s also a fantastic holiday activity to meet up with friends on a Saturday morning. And if you want to elevate that experience, book a seat on the Elgi steam train that stops at the market for lunch. It is such a tranquil activity for the whole family.
Elgin Railway Market
The Elgin Railway Market is located in an old apple warehouse. Its website describes the market as “a bustling Steampunk, Art Deco location boasting local food and craft vendors, live music, and serving as the gateway to the beautiful Elgin Valley.” This description certainly captures the essence of the market. It is a vibrant and unique space to visit, reminiscent of a train station from a fantasy novel. The interior features iron spiral stairs, high ceilings with fans inspired by aeroplane propellers, and vintage steam locomotive artefacts. Coal engine furnaces have been repurposed as fireplaces for winter. During our first visit on a winter’s day, I was impressed by the warmth provided by the gorgeous fireplace in the center of the warehouse.
The market is relatively small with a few shops upstairs with some local artisans selling leather wares, clothing and artwork. It’s a lovely place to find some unique gifts for friends and family. There is a bar with draft beers around some tables and a stage area for live entertainment. A craft gin station makes delicious cocktails. We usually go around lunchtime and sit on the balcony overlooking the train track to watch the train come or go. Even if you are not on the train, it’s a fun thing to watch and photograph.
Each time we have visited, there have been interesting pop-ups like wine-tasting events. There is a children’s play area and a fun books bus. It has something for everyone.
The Steam Train to Elgin Railway Market
The Ceres Rail company runs a steam train from Cape Town to Elgin on the weekend. It starts at the Harbour Bridge Platform in Cape Town, does a passenger pick-up at Van der Stel station (which is where we gon on), and travels through the surrounding areas until it reaches Sir Lowry’s Pass. The views are incredible by car, but the epic climb by train gives you the opportunity to experience them in a fuller way and without having to check for cars. You get scenic views of
This is a 160km round trip to the market. They have snacks on sale in the dining cart and a fully licensed cash bar. One of the cars has a mobile massage station for extra relaxation. Even without all that, the gentle sound of the train as it rolls through towns, valleys and up the mountain is a gentle, calming experience. An opportunity to tap out for a few hours and just enjoy the view.
Scenery along the way
You can book an individual seat, couple or family compartment. It’s a full-day trip but well worth it. Especially if you want to try something different and nostalgic.
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