The Milner

Welcome to The Milner Luxury Guest House - an oasis of tranquillity at journey's end. Here, at the cultural heartland of the Eastern Cape, just a stone's throw from The Highlander at St Andrews College, a tailor-made experience awaits the discerning traveller. The Milner offers all the hallmarks you'd expect from award-winning accommodation group, The Oyster Collection, and is only 50m from The Highlander and Lower Sports Field. Brilliant for visiting the kids at DSG, St Andrews, Kingswood and Rhodes or to use as your quieter base for the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. Also close to Kenton-on-Sea and just two hours' drive from the Garden Route, it is the perfect base for the Frontier Country and its history. 135km from Port Elizabeth Airport and 165km from East London Airport and within an hours' drive of a variety of the major Eastern Cape game and safari reserves, including Kariega, Sibuya, Shamwari, Pumba, Kichaka, Amakhala, Addo Elephant Park and Kwandwe. You're invited to recline in our spacious lounge and indulge your senses at the honesty bar in our spacious central lounge which is fully stocked with a variety of excellent South African wines, beers, soft drinks, snacks as well as a selection of fine Twinings tea and Nespresso coffee. Enjoy a moment of repose on the patio or in our pristinely manicured garden area. Take in the lovely view from our outdoor terrace as you sample some of South Africa's finest wines. Or simply escape entirely to your own room, which offers all the hallmarks of luxury you'd expect - but with an added sense of tranquillity that's all too rare.

Area Info

Known as the 'City of Saints', Grahamstown is home to at least 40 religious buildings, which sprung from the evangelical fervour during Grahamstown's heyday. Another story why Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape is called the 'City of Saints', is because in 1846 Royal Engineers in need of building tools sent word to Cape Town requesting a 'vice' be sent to Grahamstown. The message sent back read, "buy vice locally", the reply to which was, "no vice in Grahamstown" - hence the nickname 'City of Saints'.

Grahamstown has a rich history spanning more than 200 years. Founded in 1812 as a military outpost during the turbulent Frontier Wars, it evolved into a bustling city which was, for a time, the second largest in South Africa.

Though it no longer holds that particular title, Grahamstown is more famous today than ever. The city boasts more than 70 heritage sites. It's home to the internationally recognised and prestigious Rhodes University, boasting the highest undergraduate pass rate in South Africa for any university. The University has become a beacon of research and cultural diversity hosting many events throughout the year such as SciFest Africa, The National Arts Festival, Graduation, Intervarsity sporting events, and many more.

Grahamstown is the only city in South Africa whose primary commerce sector is that of education. This educational mecca is home to some of South Africa's top schooling institutions and includes Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), Kingswood College, St Andrew's College, Graeme College, PJ Olivier Hoerskool and Victoria Girl's High School. The Milner offers the ideal accommodation to anyone traveling to one of the many events held by the respective Schools. The guesthouse is located within walking distance of many of the Schools and offers a warm and welcoming environment for the entire family.

Grahamstown is the legal hub of the Eastern Cape housing important legal institutions such as the Magistrate's Court, the Eastern Cape division of the High Court since 1864, and Rhodes University Law School.

This coupled with multiple attorneys and lawyers based locally, accounts for the city's large legal fraternity.

For an ideal base while visiting Grahamstown on business - plan for the day ahead, host a meeting or simply relax - The Milner offers the best in town.

Grahamstown is equally well known for its diverse mix of cultures, exemplified by the annual National Arts Festival - a world-famous institution in itself.

Grahamstown is also the ideal gateway to many more of the Eastern Cape's true gems, including a number of excellent Big 5 game reserves and several blue flag beaches along the pristine Sunshine Coast.