Start at the Julius Gordon Africana Centre in Long Street. Spend some time in this lovely old house originally owned by the Versfeld family. Itis filled with antiques and artefacts from yesteryear and houses a large collection of paintings. A book collection holds fascinating historical facts about Riversdale and early life in the area .

From the Museum walk back to Main/Heidelberg Rd and turn right. The Old Goal is just across the road and is fascinating part of Riversdales history. A range of goods is on display in the old cells. The Coffee Shop serves food and beverages from 9am to 5pm. You can sit inside or outside under shade of the huge avocado tree in the courtyard.

Turn right as you exit the Goal and walk back to Long Street.Turn right. Ahead of you on the left is the Royal Hotel. Built as a single story family home,the upper floor was added when it was converted into the Hotel.This is the Royal Hotel from David Kramers song. Further along on the right is the Edwardian/Victorian house built in 1903.

Walk on to the corner of Robertson Street and look to your left. The church is right ahead. Built to replace the smaller church on the same site this graceful building dominates the Riversdale skyline. It was designed by H Kallenbach and A Reynolds. The church was completed in 1909 and house the beautiful organ imported from Scotland. Tel 028 713 2042. Include a visit on your walk...

The Victorian house on your right (n0 15) was built at the turn of the 19th Century. It was later bought by the Dutch Reformed church and became the home of Ds Koornhof the farther of Piet Koornhof a minister in the Nationalist goverment.

The Edwardian house at no 11 was designed and built by William van As. It is the home of the current generation of the Steyn family. The property at no 9 next door was part of the original lot and remained in the Steyn family from 1838 til 1950. During the 1920's and 30's it was operated as a boarding house.

Opposite no 11 is the Dutch Reformed Church Hall which was designed by van AS and built in 1906. This building as well as the Nainkin building at 20 Long Street were used for services during the building of the "Moederkerk" in Church street. The Nainkin building was next to the Royal Hotel and was later destroyed by fire.

Next to the church hall is the Old Masonic Hall built towards the end of the 19th century. Lodge Frefe was the 13th Masinic Lodge established in South Africa. It was established by William Hansell in 1879 and inaugurated in 1888. The masonic symbols can still be seen at the peak of the gable. It is currently part ot the Hotel.

The beautiful old thatched building at no 8 was the homestead of the original farm and was built between 1746 and 1770. Together with the Cape Dutch house at no 6 (Built in 1845 ) it forms part ot the boutique hotel.

The gracious Victorian house at 3 Long Streetwas built in 1880 as the  3rd pastorie of the DRC and was the home of Ds de Vos, his Scottish wife and her sister. It remained church properety until 1961.. Currently a guest house. The present owners have established a labyrinth planted with indigenous flora which may be viewed by arrangement.

Number 2 Long Street was built as the 2nd Pastorie for the DRC . It was the home of Ds PB Borcherds. The property was sold by the church and later became the Hoerjongensskool. This was where CJ Langenhoven finished his schooling, matriculating in 1892. Now known as Langenhoven Huis it has been divided up into apartments.

The elegant Cape longhouse house at no 1 was built by JH de Villiers in 1859. CJ Langenhoven boarded here for two years while completing his schooling across the road at the Hoerjongensskool. At this time the house was owned by Bland the mayor of Riversdale. Currently a self Catering establishment. You are welcome to view the house.

Places to refresh yourself along the way.

The Old Gaol- Heidelberg road just after Long Street.

Trio Coffee Shop - Corner of Durban and Robertson streets.

Paddvlei Coffee Shop - corner of Langenhoven and Church streets.

De Doornkraal Hotel - 8 Long street. Please book in Advance.