Top Things to Do in the Midlands from The Old Mushroom Farm

AI planned a Midlands day trip.

Then we did it better.

Its a classic scenario: You’ve booked your holiday accommodation at The Old Mushroom Farm (P.s. Its cheaper when you book direct). The bags are packed, you inhale the crisp autumn air, and then comes the question: what should we do tomorrow?

You're in holiday mode! You don't want to use your brain, so you turn to AI to draw up a holiday itinerary.

Out of curiosity, we tried it ourselves. And, surprise surprise, a generic list was generated. We decided to spare you the mediocrity and make you a better one.

Skip the AI Itinerary: Here is your Local's Guide to the Top Things to Do on the Midlands

These are our ‘hand picked’ choices for the best stops in the Midlands for a day drive, organised by interest. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, an adventurer, a garden stroller, or an art and architecture lover, here are the places worth visiting during your stay.

P.s. If you'd like to curate your own route, check out the Midlands Meander's new app! Navigate like a local, connect with business owners, and get tips + live updates from those who know it best. Available on the App Store for IOS and Android. Download now and let the adventure begin!

For Coffee Lovers

Home Slice Café

Address: The Old Mushroom Farm, 11 Karkloof Road, Howick

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: On-site

About: Start your day right here at home base. Home Slice Café serves excellent coffee alongside delicious breakfasts and baked treats.

Tip: Savour your first coffee while selecting a fresh loaf, cheeses and preserves from the deli for your picnic bag.

Steampunk Coffee Roastery

Address: 1 Dicks Street, Howick, 3290

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±7 km (10 minutes)

About: An underground Midlands favourite that recently moved from the R103 into central Howick. Steampunk roasts their own beans, is passionate about South African grown coffee, and has built a loyal following among connoisseur coffee drinkers.

Tip: Bring a reusable travel mug if you’re grabbing a takeaway. Sustainability is punk.

Bluebird Coffee Roastery

Address: 36 Main Street, Howick

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±7 km (10 minutes)

About: A beautifully designed coffee space serving expertly roasted beans in the heart of Howick.

Tip: Look closely at the building (it was designed by Nick, the architect behind The Old Mushroom Farm).

Terbodore Café

Address: 70 Main Road, Howick

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±7 km (10 minutes)

About: One of the oldest coffee roasters in the Midlands, Terbodore has opened a brand new cafe in Howick staying true to their relaxed countryside feel.

Tip: Well-behaved furry friends are welcome.

For Adventurers

Karkloof Canopy Tours

Address: Karkloof Road, Howick

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±14 km (15 minutes)

About: Glide through the indigenous Karkloof forest on a series of zip lines suspended above the treetops. It’s one of the Midlands’ most exciting outdoor experiences.

Tip: Tours run at specific time slots and booking in advance is essential.

Karkloof Horse Adventures

Address: 14 Karkloof Road, Howick

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: 2km, on the farm next door to The Old Mushroom Farm

About: Explore the Midlands countryside on horseback with experienced guides leading rides through forests, farmland, and scenic trails.

Tip: It's a shorter distance if you walk there from your accommodation.

Lions River Rafting

Address: Meet at Caversham Mill, C6 Caversham Valley, Lidgetton West

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±37 km (40 minutes)

About: A guided rafting adventure through the beautiful Lions River valley.

Tip: Your booking includes equipment, experienced guides, access fees, transport from the river exit, and refreshments on the water.

Climb iNhlosane Peak

Address: District Road 132, Dargle, Howick

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±45 km (50 minutes)

About: A moderate hike to one of the Midlands’ most recognisable peaks, offering panoramic views across the Dargle valley. The trail covers a 5km to 6km round trip with an elevation gain of around 340m, taking about 3 hr to complete.

Tip: Start from Mount Park Guest Farm, which maintains the trails and charges a small access fee. They also have a great restaurant for hungry hikers.

For Art & Culture Enthusiasts

The Old Mushroom Farm

Address: 11 Karkloof Road, Howick

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: On-site

About: Once an agricultural site, The Old Mushroom Farm’s buildings have been carefully reimagined into contemporary spaces that house studios, cafés, and venues, making it a fascinating space to explore architecturally.

The Old Mushroom Farm also hosts numerous events like art exhibitions, live music and theatre.

Tip: Explore the farm for the interesting architecture, and look out for upcoming events on our website or our poster wall for exhibitions at & Kin and live music or theatre in Playhouse 5.

The Platform Gallery

Address: Lions River Station, Unit 2, R103, Lions River

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±25 km (30 minutes)

About: A contemporary gallery set inside the historic Lions River railway station, showcasing work from established and emerging South African artists.

Tip: Look out for passing trains, the railway is still functional.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Address: R103, Howick

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±14 km (20 minutes)

About: This internationally recognised sculpture commemorates the site where Nelson Mandela was arrested in 1962. The installation reveals Mandela’s portrait as you walk toward it.

Tip: Approach the sculpture slowly. The image becomes visible only from a specific viewpoint.

Ardmore Ceramics

Address: Caversham Road, Lidgetton West, 3270

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±37 km (40 minutes)

About: Ardmore’s world-famous ceramic studio produces extraordinary handcrafted pieces inspired by African wildlife and storytelling traditions.

Tip: Watch artists at work before browsing the gallery shop.

For Garden Strollers

The Old Mushroom Farm Community Food Garden

Address: The Old Mushroom Farm, 11 Karkloof Road

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: On-site

About: Our community food garden grows seasonal organic produce and is a peaceful place for those curious about vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Tip: Accommodation guests can harvest fresh produce for free.

Benvie Garden

Address: D583, New Greytown Road, Pietermaritzburg

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±29km (35 minutes)

About: One of the Midlands’ most magical private gardens, with winding paths, meadows, ponds, woodland areas, and expansive plantings.

Tip: Bring your picnic (packed from Home Slice before you left). Entry is around R50 (cash only) and children under 12 usually enter free.

Midlands Fable

Address: 85 Curry’s Post Road, Curry’s Post

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±27 km (30 minutes)

About: A restaurant and brewery set within beautifully landscaped gardens.

Tip: To explore the grounds, plan to enjoy a drink or meal at the taproom or restaurant.

Brahman Hills

Address: Old Curry’s Post Road, Mount West, Nottingham Road

Distance from The Old Mushroom Farm: ±39 km (40 minutes)

About: An internationally recognised garden and Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden, awarded the 2023 RHS Overseas Regional Winner.

Tip: Entry is around R90 per person, with children under 16 free.

The Old Mushroom Farm is the perfect starting point for your Midlands adventure.

As an accommodation base, there’s already plenty to explore right here on The Old Mushroom Farm; from our shops and eateries to the community food garden and walking trail. While we’ll never say no to a scenic Midlands drive, you don’t actually need to leave the farm to enjoy a memorable day.

But when the open road calls, the Midlands Meander is right on your doorstep. Coffee stops, gardens, art spaces and outdoor adventures are all within easy reach.

And the best part? We’ve already picked out the top things to do in the Midlands, a trusty local’s edit. All you need to do is enjoy the journey.