Good morning, everyone. It has been a while since my last blog, mainly because life has been moving quickly. However, this past Saturday gave us the perfect reason to get out again, and we decided to spend the day at the Navy Museum in Simons Town. It turned out to be far more enjoyable than we expected.
A Free outing With Plenty to See
The best part of starting our day at the Navy Museum in Simons Town was that entry was completely free. Even better, the museum offered a scavenger hunt, which immediately made the experience more exciting. Right from the entrance—where a row of old cannons greeted us—we knew the outing would be worthwhile.
Well-Presented Exhibits on Every Floor
As we moved from floor to floor, we quickly realised how much care went into each display. The little chapel, the historical photos, and the written stories all added depth to our visit. Every exhibit gave us a clearer picture of the South African Navy, from its earliest days right up to modern times.
Although it is sad to see how much the navy has changed over the past 30 years, the museum still honours its journey beautifully.
Uniforms, Cabins, Torpedoes, and More
We walked through sections displaying uniforms, the cabins where sailors slept, and detailed timelines of various navy ships. The role of honour stood out as a quiet reminder of the people who shaped the navy throughout the decades. We also saw torpedoes (empty ones, of course), communication equipment, maps, clocks, and even the statues placed in front of different ships.
Kids visiting that day had just as much fun as we did, especially with all the hands-on elements.
A Surprise Ending to the Scavenger Hunt
Once we completed the scavenger hunt, the museum rewarded us with a small surprise: a look into the era when wooden ships formed part of our navy. It felt like stepping back in time, and it added even more charm to the experience.
Between the swords on display, the repair workshop, the seaman’s knot demonstrations, the fire equipment, and even small aircraft, the museum offered something new at every turn. Surprisingly, we enjoyed the Navy Museum even more than the Air Force Museum.
If we remain in South Africa for a while longer, we will definitely visit the submarine museum next.
A Perfect Stop for History Lovers
I would genuinely recommend the Navy Museum in Simons Town to anyone who enjoys history, antiques, or simply learning something new. The uniforms, the stories, and the atmosphere create a memorable outing for families, couples, or solo travellers.
And speaking of memorable outings, you can read about some of our previous adventures right here: Eat and Sleep – Our Latest Blogs.
If you find yourself in Cape Town, take a short drive to Simons Town, visit the Navy Museum, and afterwards enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area.
I hope you all have a fantastic week ahead.
