Newcastle SAR

About

Named after the 5th Duke of Newcastle, and not the town in England, Newcastle SAR was founded as ‘Post Halt Number 2’ - a stopping point on the road from Port Natal-Durban and the Transvaal. During the Anglo-Boer War, it was a depot for the British, and temporary holding of the Boers. War buffs will want to stop just outside of town to visit the battle site, which include Laing’s Nek, Schuinshoogte, and Majuba - the latter offering BBQ and picnic. Overlooking the city, Fort Amiel now houses a museum where you can learn about the town’s history. There are a slew of other monuments in town worth visiting, like the elegant town hall constructed to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, the elegant Kestrels and Quaffers manor house with its Adams fireplaces, original sash windows, and Oregon pine floors, and the Hilldrop House, home to the author Rider Haggard.