Winterton South Africa

Introduction to Winterton

In 1905 three years after the Anglo-Boer War - the colonial government constructed a weir across the Little Thukela River and founded an irrigation settlement here called Springfield renamed Winterton in 1910. Winterton is situated in the beautiful foothills and main access point to the Central Drakensberg, this typical pioneer settlement offers a very relaxed atmosphere. Winterton serves the large community of maize, wheat and beef farmers and today Winterton is slowly becoming a tourist haven.

Winterton's Historical & Cultural Attractions

Battlefield Vaalkrans:

General Buller believed that Vaalkrans a hilly area further downstream from Spioenkop, was 'the key to Ladysmith'. On the 5 February 1900 he launched his third attempt to relieve Ladysmith.

The British managed to drive the Boers off the southern section of Vaalkrans. However, they were unable to place artillery on this portion or dislodge the Boers from the remainder of Vaalkrans and Green Hill. As a result Buller decided to withdraw his forces for the third time. The site is close to where the Harrismith-Estcourt freeway crosses the Thukela River near Winterton.

Spioenkop Battlefield:

The most intense phase of the battle took place during 23-24 January 1900. This was the scene of the most futile , certainly the bloodiest, of the four battles fought in an effort to cross the Uthukela River and relieve Ladysmith. Towards Winterton from Ladysmith, off the R616. Due North of the Spioenkop Dam.

For more information about the above or the following attractions contact the Winterton Information Bureau.

Museums, Monuments and Memorials in and around Winterton 

Spearmans Military Cemetery

Site of a field hospital where many men died of wounds received at Spioenkop.Off the Ladysmith - Winterton Road, +/- 1km, passed Spioenkop Nature Reserve 036-637 2231.

Marianne Church Ruins

This was the Second Dutch Reformed Church to be built in Natal, and was in use from 1852 to 1874. It was named after the wife of the D.R.C. Minister, Dr Faure. The ruins of this old church near Winterton are a declared national monument. Located on Farm Doveton in the Winterton area.

Winterton Museum

This small museum situated in Church Street is well worth a visit. The museum has fasinating dispalays on the history of farming in the area, the Zulu and a unique gallery of San paintings. The other exhibits include a blacksmith shop, the voting for the 'New South Africa' and the battles of Spioenkop and Vaalkrans which took place nearby. Open Monday to Friday 09h00 -15h00, Saturday 09h00 - 12h00.Tel.(036)4881885.

Accommodation in or near Winterton in the Northern & Central Berg 

The following is a list of Northern and Central Drakensberg Bed & Breakfast establishments, hotels, guesthouses and other tourism accommodation:

Guest House

• Antbear Guesthouse Telephone:(036)3523143
• Acorn Cottages - Self catering near Winterton in  the Champagne Valley, Central Drakensberg
• Bridge Hotel - Country Inn accommodation in Winterton Central Drakensberg
• Lilac Lodge - Self catering accommodation in Winterton - Central Drakensberg
• The Nest - Country hotel near Winterton in the Central Drakensberg
• Umsuluzi Riverside Lodge - Bush lodge accommodation near Winterton
• Tugela River Lodge near Spioenkop - Winterton in the Central Drakensberg of KwaZulu Natal South Africa
• Swallows Nest - B&B accommodation in Winterton - Central Drakensberg
• Doveton - Bed and Breakfast accommodation between Winterton and Bergville - Central Drakensberg
• The Wild Geese B&B - Bed and Breakfast accommodation between Winterton and Colenso