The Arderne Gardens

Discover Arderne Gardens at 222 Main Road, Claremont — a serene public park and acclaimed arboretum established in 1845 by timber merchant Ralph Henry Arderne. Spanning 4.5 ha, it showcases over 300 exotic trees, including South Africa’s largest Moreton Bay Fig—the famed “Wedding Tree”—and several Champion Trees.

Highlights:

• 🌿 Botanical Treasure – Meandering paths under ancient Norfolk Pines, hydrangea-draped nooks, koi-filled Japanese-style ponds, and pond-sourced Black River springs.
• Cultural & Heritage Significance – Designated a Provincial Heritage Site in 1979, lovingly preserved with support from Friends of the Arderne Gardens (FOTAG) since 2004 .
• 📸 Wedding Venue & Family Space – A beloved backdrop for wedding parties and weekend family outings, with benches, lawns, and wildlife like ducks, koi, squirrels, and guinea fowl .
• 🚶 Free to Visit – Open daily 08:00–18:00. No entry fee; donations welcome to support garden renewal. Dogs on leads allowed.
• Guided Tours Available – Monthly walks by FOTAG guide volunteers highlight history and champion trees; group bookings are possible for R50 per person.
  

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**📍 Practical Information**

• Address: 222 Main Road, Claremont, Cape Town 7708
• Hours: 8 AM–6 PM daily
• Transport: Free street parking; near Harfield Road train station.

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**Why Visit?**

• Escape the CBD in a leafy urban oasis.
• Marvel at century-old, globally sourced trees.
• Ideal for quiet strolls, family picnics, or romantic shoots.
• Enjoy wildlife, water features, and seasonal blooms.
  

Arderne Gardens is Cape Town’s hidden gem—rich in history, full of natural beauty, and rooted in community care.