Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape Town
A fun, hands-on way to learn about South Africa’s rich gemstone heritage. (Image adapted). © Scratch PatchScratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape Town
The Scratch Patch in Simon’s Town, Cape Town, is a popular and unique gemstone experience where visitors can "scratch" through colorful gemstones scattered across the floor to collect their favorites. First started in Simon's Town in 1970, this attraction is located near the Mineral World gemstone factory and offers a fun, hands-on way to learn about South Africa’s rich gemstone heritage. The site is particularly well-known for its wide selection of semi-precious stones, including amethyst, jasper, agate, and rose quartz. Visitors can fill small bags with their chosen stones, making it an affordable activity enjoyed by families, students, and gem enthusiasts alike.
Scratch Patch is located at the scenic Simon’s Town harbour, making it an ideal stop for those exploring Cape Town’s southern peninsula. The venue also features an extensive shop where guests can purchase polished gemstones, jewelry, and gemstone art. The experience offers a glimpse into the geology and beauty of South Africa’s mineral resources, providing a memorable and educational experience for all ages.
Interesting fact: The process of gemstone tumbling was started in the USA in 1953. The tumblers that were used in those days were literally house hold paint cans at first but as the stones became more popular, the tumblers had to increase in size. Today the vibrating tumbler is used which helps speed up the process. There is quite an art to polishing the gems.
Contact details for the Scratch Patch:
Address: Dido Valley Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 (0)21 786 2020
Email: see website
Website: https://www.scratchpatch.co.za
Accommodation Near Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape Town
Moonglow Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
0.9km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownMoonglow Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Glencairn, on the slopes of the Simon's Town Mountains overlooking False Bay.There are 6 well appointed ensuite bedrooms all with seaviews. 4 rooms have queen beds and all rooms have... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bay Splendour
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Simon's Town
1.1km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownBay Splendour, nestles in a quiet cul-de-sac only ten minutes walk from the old world charm of Simon's Town, South Africa's premier naval station. A coastal gem of peace and tranquillity, Bay Splendour has a spacious open-plan lounge and kitchen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mariner Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
2.8km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownCustom built on the mountainside in historical Simon's Town, award-winning Mariner Guesthouse offers breathtaking sea views across False Bay. We are within walking distance of restaurants and beaches, and pride ourselves on offering style... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Crags
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
3km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownCome and stay in one of the original farm buildings in Fish Hoek, Cape Town within a stone's throw of the beach. This self catering apartment (sleeps 6) provides spacious, well-appointed, up-market accommodation with magnificent views across False Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Tuscan Villa Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Fish Hoek
3.3km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownBed and breakfast accommodation in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. The villa boasts 4 spacious en-suite rooms named according to the direction they face. While each room has its own special attributes all rooms have Posturepedic beds, 100% percale cotton linen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Upstairs @ No. 42
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
3.5km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownUPSTAIRS @ No. 42 is a real home from home with beautiful mountain views and conveniently appointed for a relaxing break. Drive into secure parking right at the entrance. Up the stairs you will find a lounge-dining-kitchen area - fully equipped with TV & …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Place In Thyme
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
3.7km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownSituated on the mountainside in Fish Hoek, A Place in Thyme offers accommodation in three separate units: the cottage (sleeps 5); Small Thyme (sleeps 2) and Big Thyme (sleeps 2 adults & 2 children; or 3 adults.) …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curios
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Boulders
3.8km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownBoulders Beach Hotel is Boulders, Simon's Town is situated just 70 meters from the World Heritage Site of Boulders Beach renowned for it's breeding African Penguin Colony. This is one of the 'must see' recommendations for tourists visiting Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Dunvegan Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
4.8km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownDunvegan Lodge is set high upon the fynbos-covered slopes of Clovelly mountain, Fish Hoek and offers luxury self-catering accommodation in spacious sunny rooms, each with modern en-suite bathrooms, TV with satellite, telephone, hairdryer, safe and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Tobago Heights
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Capri Village
4.8km from Scratch Patch - Simon's Town, Cape TownTobago Heights is a 2 bedroom self catering apartment (sleeps 4) in the Capri Village area looking down the Noordhoek Valley, stretching to Noordhoek’s 7km beach of white sand and to Chapmans Peak Mountain. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Dido Valley (0.06km)
- Glen Marine (0.41km)
- Glencairn (0.93km)
- Bay View Village (1.09km)
- Woodlands (Cape Town) (1.20km)
- Bayview Heights (1.37km)
- Pine Haven (1.56km)
- Glen Ridge (1.72km)
- Glencairn Heights (1.86km)
- Mount Pleasant (2.20km)
- Da Gama Park (2.35km)
- Simon's Town (2.42km)
- Simons Kloof (2.52km)
- Welcome Glen (2.66km)
- Harbour Heights (2.71km)
- Glencairn Beach - Cape Town, Cape Peninsula (1.12km)
- Long Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (1.40km)
- Simon's Town Harbour - Cape Town (1.84km)
- Simon's Town Museum - Cape Town (1.98km)
- South African Naval Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town (2.05km)
- False Bay Yacht Harbour - Simon's Town, Cape Town (2.08km)
- SAS Assegaai Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town (2.10km)
- South African Navy Festival - Simon's Town, Cape Town (2.23km)
- Heather Auer Art and Sculpture Gallery - Simon's Town (2.23km)
- Simon's Town Waterfront - Cape Town (2.24km)
- Just Nuisance Memorial - Simon's Town, Cape Town (2.25km)
- Heritage Museum - Simon's Town, Cape Town (2.33km)
- Seaforth Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (2.99km)
- Elsie's Peak Hiking Trails - Glencairn, Fish Hoek (3.05km)
- Fish Hoek Beach Spring Splash - Cape Town (3.19km)
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town (3.41km)
- Fish Hoek Beach - Cape Town (3.50km)
- Roman Rock Lighthouse - Simon's Town, Cape Town (3.51km)
- Simon's Town Country Club - Cape Town (4.01km)
- Windmill Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (4.23km)
- Fishermans Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (4.44km)
- Clovelly Golf Club - Fish Hoek, Cape Town (4.82km)
- Kalk Bay Harbour - Kalk Bay, Cape Town (4.88km)
- Kalk Bay Theatre - Kalk Bay, Cape Town (5.14km)
- Dalebrook Tidal Pool - Kalk Bay, Cape Town (5.45km)
- Peers Cave - nr Fish Hoek, Cape Town (5.57km)
- Longbeach Mall - Kommetjie, Cape Town (6.05km)
- Solole Game Reserve - Cape Peninsula, Cape Town (6.08km)
- Scarborough Beach - Scarborough, Cape Town (6.11km)
- St James Beach and Tidal Pool - Cape Town (6.23km)
