A visit to the Sandstone Heritage Museum at Sandstone Estates near Ficksburg, South Africa, offers a unique and immersive experience for enthusiasts of vintage machinery, locomotives, military vehicles, and farming equipment. Nestled in the picturesque Eastern Free State, Sandstone Estates encompasses a vast working farm that highlights all of the above.
As you arrive at Sandstone Estates, you will be greeted by the serene beauty of the surrounding countryside. The estate spans over 7,000 hectares of farmland, rolling hills, and mountains, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your visit. The estate itself is renowned for its preservation efforts and dedication to maintaining the rich heritage of South Africa's transport and agricultural industries. One of the main attractions at Sandstone Estates is its remarkable collection of steam locomotives, many of which are still operational. A steam train ride can be chartered on request.
NGG 16 No.113 & NGG 13 No.49 navigate the 'S-curve' just before 'Blue Gum Halt
In addition to the trains, Sandstone Estates boasts an extensive array of vintage tractors, cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Walking through the well-curated displays, you will witness the evolution of transportation and agriculture, gaining insight into the role these machines played in shaping South Africa's history. The knowledgeable guides on-site are often passionate collectors themselves, eager to share their expertise and anecdotes with visitors.
NG10 61 passes a 1932 Ford Model B pick up
The agricultural aspect of Sandstone Estates is equally captivating. The working farm showcases traditional farming methods, and you may have the opportunity to witness vintage equipment in action during demonstrations. From ploughing fields with horse-drawn ploughs to threshing crops with steam-powered machinery, you will witness the sheer power and ingenuity of these historic farming practices.
To enhance your visit, the estate offers various accommodation options, including farm-style cottages or camping facilities. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the ambiance of the working farm, waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside.
Sandstone normally runs one or two major events a year, and our recent Easter 2025 Cosmos Festival over four days attracted over two thousand visitors. Steam train rides included in the entrance fee were a major attraction with the opening of our new line to Sekonyela, and all the other attractions at Sandstone were available to visitors.
As you depart from Sandstone Estates, you will leave with a profound appreciation for the historical significance of the machinery and a deeper understanding of the industries that shaped the region. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, a vintage vehicle lover, or simply someone seeking a unique cultural experience, a visit to Sandstone Estates near Ficksburg, South Africa, promises an unforgettable journey through time.
For all visitor enquiries contact:
Mariette Palmer T: +27(0)64 752 3852
mariettep@sandstone.co.za
A short documentary on what to see at Sandstone is now available to view on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kpQg9zB8T2g
Disclaimer: Any views expressed by individuals and organisations are their own and do not in any way represent the views of The Heritage Portal.