A Weekend Market at the Art Deco-Themed Station in Elgin
Make tracks for this market in apple country.
By Matthew Flax • 10 November 2018
If you’re looking to take a trip back to Victorian times head to The Railway Market in Elgin for an Art Deco steampunk-themed experience with a wonderful selection of stalls, including food, drink, jewellery, clothing, ceramics, and much more.
An old apple warehouse has been converted into an expansive indoor market, with elaborate metal archways, overhanging bridges and lanterns providing the backdrop.
Steam train to the market
Enhancing the old station feel is the arrival of a steam train every Saturday (and Sundays in December), courtesy of a partnership between the Elgin Railway Market and Ceres Rail.
Few things are more romantic and enjoyable than a steam-train ride through the countryside… And with Ceres Rail’s fleet of steam trains (namely Jessica and Bailey), you get the full train experience, complete with travelling comforts.
Says Derick du Toit, co-founder of the historic Ceres Rail Company: “The ride to Elgin is one of the Cape’s most scenic routes and has the added bonus of stopping at the steampunk-themed Elgin Railway Market.”
Since the barn is located right next to the railway tracks, market-goers get to watch the old beauty roll in, chugging away just like the industrial powerhouses of old.
There’s live music at the market throughout the weekend, and plenty of activities to keep children entertained, such as a jungle gym, roundabout, and even indoor and outdoor climbing walls (gear and safety taken care of by the folks at Cape Canopy Tour).
Standout stalls
And we haven’t even talked about the vendors yet! At Elgin Railway Market, you’ll find a wide array of delicious things to eat, drink and purchase. Some highlights include:
- J&J Sushi for rolls, wraps and sashimi
- Pudding and Pie for pies, tarts and quiches
- The Curry Pot for fine curries, bunny chow and samosas
- Ground Central Coffee for home ground java (remains open throughout the week)
- Corlie’s Italian Kitchen for pizza and pasta (also open on Wednesday evenings)
- Sovinho for a selection of excellent Overberg wines
- #Rollin for ice-cream and waffles on a stick
- L-Gin for artisanal gin cocktails
- Shelley Taylor Designs for statement jewellery
- BlueMing for lovingly curated treasures (excellent for gifts!)
- Book Bus for previously-loved reads for young and old
Training times
The steam train bound for Elgin departs from the Harbour Bridge Hotel in Foreshore, Cape Town at 8am. It arrives at the market at 11.30am, giving passengers time to explore before heading back to the Mother City in time for a 5.30pm arrival.
Joan Taft •
Hi. Is the train running on the 30th of April 2022. Will the market be open on this date.
Chantal •
Is there any pensioners discounts on the Elgin train tickets please?
Regards
The Inside Guide •
It doesn’t seem so, Chantal.
Val Runkel •
Firstly, this is our favorite market! Love the setting, the vibe, the live music and the choice of foods. ( have tried many different food stalls and th only disappointing one was the was offering the vetoek… chicken mayo inside was awe full and the getkoek reheated in the microwave!). For the rest they are all delicious! Love the gin stall as well!
Sencondly would love to do the train if only it stopped in Somerset West.
Sipho •
Hello,
My name is Sipho, I just wanted to know the process of being a vendor at the Art Deco-Themed Station in Elgin?
The Inside Guide •
Hi Sipho, thanks for your message. Please contact the market directly on either 021 204 1158 or info@elginrailwaymarket.co.za
Good luck!
NTOMBI DONDOLO •
Does the R750 include food or is one expected to have extra money to buy his/her own food?
The Inside Guide •
Hi Ntombi, the cost of the steam train return ticket does not include drinks or snacks, those are available for purchase on the train.
Allyson •
Loved the peking duck pancakes from Hot Wok at the market, had to go back for seconds! Worth a visit just to taste these!
Allyson •
Best peking duck pancakes from Hot Wok at the market, had to go back for seconds! Worth a visit just to taste these!
helene vandermerwe •
die elgin stasie mark is ‘n fees – ongelooflike verskeidenheid en – kwaliteit. Die moeite werd om te besoek.
andrea •
hi is this sunday 18 november fully booked there is no space for 4 people? the market at elgin can anybody go to the market it is not just open for people who take the train there
The Inside Guide •
Hi Andrea. Unfortunately tickets for the steam train do sell out very quickly. However, the market is open for everyone, not just people who take the train. Hope this helps.
Lilian Leen •
Looking forward to visit a market with a difference .
Natasha Opperman •
I would love to win this prize!
Roland Coté •
This is very interesting.
Melanie Glenn •
how do one go about to put up a stall please advise
Colleen Williams •
Where can one stay
Syldrey •
Good day. Is it possible for one to be a vendor at the market, we would like to promote our brand of single-origin coffee if possible, thank you.
Michelle de Bruin •
Hi Syldrey,
You are through to The Inside Guide (we have no affiliation with the market). You’d need to contact them directly to inquire about exhibiting. Their details are listed at the top of the page, but here it is again: info@elginrailwaymarket.co.za
Good luck.
Sharon Farrell •
We own a Guest House, Whaler’s Point in Kleinmond and would love to have some “pamphlets” to hand over to our guests and we are specifically also interested in the railway track…. from where to where and on what days.
Many thanks Sharon Farrell, Whaler’s Point
The Inside Guide •
Hi Sharon. Ceres Rail operates the steam trains that run from the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town to the Railway Market in Elgin, and back again. The scheduled dates may vary, but it’s usually twice a month on Saturdays. You can find out more information on their website http://www.ceresrail.co.za/, or by contacting them at 079 077 5332 / bookings@ceresrail.co.za.
Sven •
Is this market every weekend?
The Inside Guide •
Hi Sven. The market is indeed every weekend.
Sisi •
Exciting!
Will the market be open on the weekend of the 24th of August?
The Inside Guide •
Hi Sisi, the market will indeed be open on the weekend of the 24th August, and every weekend for the foreseeable future.