Location

Fittingly referred to as the "Jewel of the Eastern Free State", the small town of Clarens lies comfortably between the high sandstone cliffs of the historically-rich Rooiberg mountain range encompassing the village, and the foothills of the Maloti mountains with their rolling hills, jagged mountainsides and towering peaks. Regarded as one of the most picturesque spots in South Africa where wide horizons meet clear blue skies, idyllic Clarens is situated in close proximity to the Golden Gate National Park with its golden, ochre, and orange-hued, deeply eroded sandstone cliffs and outcrops – the most notable being the Brandwag buttress, and the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho – home to one of southern Africa’s premier ski resorts.

There is quite a variety of things to see and do in and around Clarens, but we would absolutely recommend a visit to Golden Gate Highlands National Park (about 15km’s from Clarens) for a picnic, hiking or horse riding. Clarens Xtreme offers abseiling, archery, quad bikes, MTB trails, white water rafting, zipline, etc., if you are looking for some adventure sport activities. The hot air ballooning is also highly recommended. Clarens is renowned for its fly fishing, and if you are golfers, the Clarens Golf Estate is challenging, fair and extremely rewarding.

Directions to Patcham Place & Lilliput House, Clarens

From Bloemfontein

Travel along the N1 towards Johannesburg. After Winburg take the N5 towards Bethlehem. Go through Bethlehem, but turn right onto the N5 (signposted to Durban). About 8 km outside of Bethlehem, turn right onto the R712. Clarens is about 30 km (about 25 minutes) from Bethlehem.

From Durban

Travel along the N3 (towards Johannesburg), but exit left at Harrismith (298 km from Durban) onto the N5. Pass through Harrismith and turn left onto the R712 and travel towards Phutaditjhaba. This route will take you through the scenic Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and onto Clarens.

From Gauteng

Travel along the N3 South to Durban. As you approach Warden, exit the N3 and follow the R714 to Bethlehem. Stay on the R714 until Bethlehem is reached, continue straight through Bethlehem and then after approximately 5 km’s turn right onto the R712. Clarens is about 30 km’s (approximately 25 minutes) from Bethlehem.