Hobhouse Accommodation

Hobhouse is a small, characterful farming town in the eastern Free State, surrounded by wide-open grasslands and gently rolling hills. Its quiet streets and rural setting make it an appealing stop for travellers exploring the province's countryside and the routes towards Lesotho.

Established in 1912, the town was named after Emily Hobhouse, the British humanitarian who became famous for exposing the harsh conditions endured by Boer women and children in concentration camps during the South African War. Her connection with the Free State gives Hobhouse a particularly poignant place in the province's history.

The town's surroundings are firmly agricultural, with sheep and cattle farming prominent in the district. Visitors will find the greatest pleasure in simply exploring the countryside, where farm roads open onto expansive views, sandstone outcrops and broad horizons. The area is particularly attractive to photographers and birdwatchers, while the peaceful setting makes it well suited to a leisurely country drive.

Hobhouse also provides access to the scenic attractions of the eastern Free State. Nearby towns such as Wepener and Zastron offer further glimpses into the region's history and rural life, while the mountains and valleys towards Lesotho provide opportunities for hiking, horse riding and exploring the spectacular landscape.

Within the Northern & Eastern Free State Region, Hobhouse offers a quieter alternative to the province's better-known tourist centres. Its appeal lies in the combination of agricultural scenery, historical associations and the unhurried atmosphere of a traditional Free State country town – a place where the journey through the countryside is as rewarding as the destination itself.