Hilton, Natal Midlands

The distinctly English country village of Hilton with its attractive sense of history lies only 10 kilometres from Pietermaritzburg at the start of the Midlands Meander.

Hiltons beginnings originated in the purchase of a large portion of the farm Ongegund in 1857 by Joseph Henderson, whose wife called their farm ‘Hilton’. Hilton is a good five degrees cooler than Pietermaritzburg, and it is this access to fresh air, coupled with first sightings of the Drakensberg, that lures people to Hilton.

The town may now be home to 10 000+ residents, but it manages to retain its village feel, right down to its meagre adherence to traffic control with only two traffic lights, and some distinct examples of Tudor-style architecture.

The broad streets are tree-lined, and although the village isn’t officially a ‘garden city’, it bears a strong resemblance to those cities so tagged, with window boxes brimming with flowers, garden clubs and green interest groups. Hilton is home to no fewer than five schools, including the boarding schools Hilton College and St Anne’s.

Hilton College has become the site of the Hilton Arts Festival, which spreads over nine venues on campus during September, and runs for two-and-a-half days, bringing the best of South African theatre to KwaZulu Natal. There is usually a line-up that includes drama, comedy, music, cabaret and an arts and craft market - most of them straight from the Grahamstown festival that happens in July.

Travellers' Reviews

2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.

Verified reviewvery good

My in-laws live in Hilton and I just love the place ... I love the fact that its normally misty and drizzly and a log fire is always called for! If visiting in September don't forget the Hilton Arts Festival but its also really close to Midmar Dam, Karkloof Market, Howick Falls and a number of other fun things to do.

Helen (Kearsney)

Verified reviewexcellent

I always feel like I'm back in a small village in the UK (my original home) when I visit Hilton because of the greenery and cooler conditions. It's a charming little village - I just cant seem to get enough of it! This is definitely on my list of retirement options!

Mark Bountry (Cape Town)

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