I had planned to go to the Naval Musuem in Simons Town with the girls and Liam. But by the time we got our of the house and drove to the Town, everyone was starving and we headed to Bertha’s to lunch. Unfortunately, by the end of the meal and googling directions to the musuem I realised we had missed our chance as they have an early afternoon closing time. So my recommendation for you and my plans for the next visit will be a make it a morning excursion.

But not one to venture out and not go at least a little tour, I persuaded my family to pop into The Scratch Patch. It is just a few minutes drive from the centre of Simon’s Town and totally worth a visit. The girls were awestruck when I told them that they could literally fill a bag each of any semi-precious stone they wanted! And bonus for parents: there is no parking fee, no entry fee and a decent size bag to full is only R35. Plus, you can chill out at their mini cafe or shop their impressive range of stones and souvenoirs.