The Transport Museum, located on the edge of the village, features a remarkable collection of vintage cars from the 1930-1960s era, among them, Chevys, Dodges and a Jaguar MK8. The collection includes two Royal Daimlers from King George VI’s 1947 tour of South Africa, which he undertook accompanied by Princesses Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) and Margaret. There are also antique bicycles in all styles, an ex-London bus as well as a steam train and carriages, which you can explore inside.

The Marie Rawdon Museum, one visit alone isn’t enough to take in the vast collection of Victoriana, you may need to do a couple of turns to truly appreciate the multitude of relics. Situated in Matjiesfontein’s train station, the contents of this double-storey museum were originally curated by avid collector, David Rawdon. The exhibitions include everything from personal and household items to antique war souvenirs and so much more—it’s a layered look into life at this colonial outpost at the turn of the century. The eclectic items also include some of the dresses that belonged to Emma Logan herself, penny-farthing bicycles and royal memorabilia.
A walk through here is a true adventure, you’ll stumble across dentistry and surgery equipment, personal letters, portraits, children’s toys; and even tableau scenes of a barber’s shop and a fully-stocked apothecary with shelves lined by glass jars filled with elixirs and potions. It’s one of the biggest privately owned museums in South Africa, and Matjiesfontein's second oldest.

Railway Museum, just outside you'll find a station master's office dating back to the late 1800s as well as the original signal room

"Over 10,000 infantry and 20,000 horses were camped in the surrounding veld..."

During the years of the British remount encampment (c.1900), the area in front of the railway station served as parade ground, where over 10,000 infantry and 20,000 horses were camped in the surrounding veld.

The Lord Milner, with its central turret as lookout post, served as Cape Command Headquarters as well as a field hospital.

Many esteemed military leaders, including General Haig, and similarly revered regiments were stationed here including The 17th Lancers, the Coldstream Guards, the Highland Brigade and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Rifles. General Haig occupied the old laundry (opposite 13. Jail) as his officer mess.

To this day the veld is still littered with relics and artefacts from this time, and guests can take a walk up to the site to view these bits of war history.

Take a trip on the Old London Bus every evening from Mondays to Saturdays —which promises the shortest tour on earth around the village to see its sights and ending in the Liard’s Arms to enjoy a pint in the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Stay for the regular honky-tonk played on the piano, delve into Matjiesfontein’s cricketing history and marvel at the antiques.

Enjoy hikes and mountain bikes in die Veld. Mountain bikes are available to rent from the hotel.

Play a game of tennis or simply relax, and read in the hotel's opulent lounges or by the residents only pool.

Tour the perfectly preserved Victorian town of Matjiesfontein with renowned author Dean Allen. Starting at the majestic Lord Milner Hotel, you'll be guided down the high street, through the immaculate gardens, and along the train station, ending up at The Laird's Arms for a well-deserved pint.

Over the course of the walk, Dean will tell the tale of the village's creation by the 'ideal colonialist', James Logan, in the late 1800s. You will follow Logan's transformation from a penniless 19-year-old Scottish immigrant to the man who built a model town in the middle of nowhere, influenced trade and politics, and toured Britain with his very own South African cricket team.