Woodlands, Port Elizabeth

Tucked in amongst other residential suburbs like Goldwater, Weybridge Park and Lorraine, Woodlands lies just south of the N2 and minutes from the centre of Port Elizabeth despite being in the 'burbs'. It is a quiet suburb with neat verges, wide, wooded streets and bungalows lacking ostentation - in much the same way that the city forsakes any affectation - something of a 'landmark' Port Elizabethan trademark.

It is also one of two 'Woodlands' suburbs in the Port Elizabeth metropole - the other is in Uitenhage. The advantages to staying here are many. The neighbourhood is quiet, pretty, away from the hubbub of the inner city and close to the main roads in and out of Port Elizabeth. And need I say that it is ideally placed for a day trip to major tourist destinations like Addo Elephant Park.

Essentially though, you will treat Woodlands as a refuge whilst experiencing Port Elizabeth in all its finery. Architecture, from the Rudolph Street Mosque through Richmond Hill and its beautifully quaint houses to Old Walmer Road, where a small section at the top of Pier Street still exhibits the type of buildings used for hotels and businesses in the old days, will entice you. Even the station is worth a visit. Make sure you leave time to view St Augustines Catholic Church just off Market Square in the city centre and the Hill Presbyterian Church on the corner of Parliament Street and Belmont Terrace.

Finally, Fort Frederick, the Donkin Heritage Trail, lovely St George's Park and places like the Bayworld Oceanarium will keep you entertained for hours, whilst on the boundaries of the city is the Kragga Kamma Game Park, and Seaview Game and Lion Park - both of which will give you access to any number of different animals.