Top Attractions

1. The Karoo Art Hotel

Formally known as the Barrydale Hotel under previous ownership, the Karoo Art Hotel now captures the spirit of Barrydale within its beautifully decorated and curated walls.

Each room is uniquely designed and styled to be a uniquely creative work of art. The bar, restaurant, and Bioscope Theatre make the hotel a hub for socialising, great food, fine art, and entertainment, even for visitors who aren’t staying in one of the iconic rooms. 

On pre-arranged weekends, a small stage is set up in the bar, with some of South Africa’s finest artists treating guests to amazing live shows. Past lineups include Dave Ferguson, Valiant Swart, and blues-rock singer Sannie Fox. Hotels in Barrydale

2. Barrydale Walking Tours

Author and Barrydale resident Leslie Howard offers visitors unique insights into the history and people of the village. Stroll with Leslie as she shares charming stories and hidden details that most visitors would otherwise miss.

Barrydale takes on a completely new dimension when you explore its nooks and crannies and learn about the events and characters that shaped the village. This tour is perfect for anyone interested in history and culture, or simply for those who enjoy a good story about ghosts, seafarers, rebel leaders, and the rough-and-tumble ostrich feather merchants of the past.

Bookings can be made at the Karoo Art Hotel reception. Things To Do in Barrydale

3. Ronnie's Sex Shop

Ronnie’s Sex Shop began entirely by accident. In the 1970s, local farmer Frank Ronald “Ronnie” Price set up a small farm stall on Route 62 near Barrydale to sell fruit and vegetables. He hand-painted the sign “Ronnie’s Shop” on the whitewashed cottage to let travellers know what it was.

One day, Ronnie’s friends decided to play a prank, and they added the word “Sex” in red paint next to the original name, turning the sign into “Ronnie’s Sex Shop.” At first, Ronnie wasn’t pleased, but when he saw how many people began stopping to take photos and investigate what kind of “sex shop” this might be, he realised the quirky name was a huge draw.

Rather than repainting it, Ronnie kept the name and transformed the farm stall into a pub and restaurant. Over time, it became a famous pit stop, attracting local and international road trippers and motorcyclists.
Inside, the bar is known for its eccentric atmosphere. Travellers leave memorabilia, including bras, T‑shirts, caps, and handwritten notes scribbled on the walls and ceiling, making it a lively and unforgettable place to visit.

So despite the unconventional name, Ronnie’s Sex Shop has never actually been a sex shop. It’s a beloved community pub with food, drinks and weird, welcoming charm. Pubs in Barrydale

4. Tradouw Pass

Thomas Bain, famously known as “the man with the theodolite eye” for his skill with surveying instruments, created Tradouw Pass, a masterpiece of civil engineering. Built by Bain and 300 convict workers, it has a rich history dating back to 1840 and was officially opened in October 1873.

The 17-kilometre pass takes its name “Tradouw” from the Khoisan language, meaning “the women’s path.” It winds through some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery in the Langeberg Mountains, rising to an altitude of 219 meters. 

From Barrydale, the pass leads to Suurbraak, an old Khoisan missionary village that is a true gem and well worth visiting. History of Barrydale

5. Warmwaterberg Hot Springs

About 30 kilometres from Barrydale along the scenic Route 62 (yes, the same road that passes Ronnie’s Sex Shop), Warmwaterberg Spa is a hidden gem of the Klein Karoo. 

Nestled among rugged mountain ranges, the Warmwaterberg spring feeds three pools, two hot and one cool.

This is the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy the rustic charm of the countryside. Hike the trails, lounge by the pools, or sip a drink at the lapa while watching the mountains turn golden in the evening light.

Whether for a day soak or a mini getaway with on-site accommodation, Warmwaterberg Hot Springs is the perfect blend of nature, tranquillity, and classic Klein Karoo charm. Things to Do in Barrydale.

6. Barrydale Hand Weavers

Carol Morris met Mozambican expat and weaving expert Tivane Mavume in Swaziland and immediately became friends who shared the same vision. 

Carol and her new business partner moved the weavers to an old house in Barrydale, along Route 62. Barrydale Hand Weavers is now a thriving business which has created much-needed jobs for many local women. 

Visitors are always welcome, and Carol and Tivane invite travellers inside to talk with the weavers. Here’s your chance to watch these talented ladies as they work on wooden looms that belong to a bygone era. 

Next door to the workshop, you can find finished products made from 100% cotton, including anything from towels and scarves to rugs, clothing and pillowcases. The products are extremely beautiful with simple designs that accentuate their handcrafted quality. Non-Profits in Barrydale

7. Diesel & Crème and The Karoo Moon Hotel

Diesel and Crème and The Karoo Moon Hotel can be found on Barrydale’s western side. The diner and motel have already won the hearts of locals and travellers who ensure the place is always packed. 

It is themed as a vintage American diner, serving up delicious breakfasts, burgers, fries and outstanding milkshakes. The quirky décor, along with an authentic atmosphere and menu, make it experiential dining at its best. The diner is decorated with vintage and neon signage, life-size dolls, old petrol pump stations and other curious collectables. 

For the full experience, The Karoo Moon Motel, right next door to the diner, follows the same theme. Restaurants in Barrydale

8. House of Books

Situated on Van Riebeeck Street, House of Books is a bibliophile's dream.  

A constant influx of second-hand books comes into the store before each one is painstakingly catalogued and organised into specific rooms based on genre. Don’t be surprised to find an entire room dedicated to Africana, South African literature, the esoteric or the world wars, to name just a few. 

Book-lovers can spend hours getting lost in one of the many rooms, browsing the shelves stacked with information. The bookstore is a real gem for collectors and those looking for a holiday read. There’s also a DVD section for those who prefer to watch rather than read. 

Have a look inside the book covers for prices, and don’t be shy to ask for help when you’re searching for something specific. Businesses in Barrydale

9. Net vir Pret

Net vir Pret, meaning “just for fun” in Afrikaans, is a community-led non-profit that organises extra-curricular activities for young people in Smitsville, just outside Barrydale.

The team welcomes visitors warmly, offering chats and tours of the centre so you can see their work firsthand. You might stumble upon boys jamming on guitar and drums or catch preparations for their annual parade, where larger-than-life puppets come to life. It’s an enlightening, inspiring, and lively experience, perfect for visitors who want a deeper perspective of Barrydale.

Net vir Pret also collaborates with Magpie Art Collective, a shop on the main road specialising in upcycled art, which has attracted high-profile clients including Michelle Obama. Non-Profits in Barrydale

10. The South African Peace Pagoda

The Africa Peace Pagoda, also known as the Buddhist Stupa at Magic Mountains, was built in 2000 and is the first of its kind on the continent. It was part of the vision of a Burmese monk, Sayadaw U Thila Wunta, who dreamed of erecting a pagoda of peace and goodwill on each continent.

The pagoda stands about 15km outside Barrydale at Magic Mountains Retreat along the R62. Its seven-meter-tall gold structure is topped with a crystal and copper umbrella, and it sits amidst the striking Klein Karoo landscape.

Visitors often use the site for reflection, meditation, and quiet contemplation. The grounds feature a peace labyrinth that encourages mindful walking and spiritual focus. Entry is donation-based, making it an accessible and peaceful stop for travellers exploring the region. About Barrydale