Old Gaol Museum

Knysna


Since this region has plenty of wet weather, a rainy-day option is welcome. The main museum is a pleasant complex in a mid-19th century building that was once the jail. There’s a gallery showcasing local art, a display on the Knysna elephants and a community art project.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Knysna attractions

1. Millwood House

0.08 MILES

Millwood House is a mini complex of museums detailing Knysna’s history. It’s a quaint set of buildings dating back to the town’s booming timber era. This…

2. Mitchell’s Brewery

0.35 MILES

South Africa’s oldest microbrewery occupies bright, new premises on the edge of the lagoon. You can join a tour or just taste its range of English-style…

3. Knysna Lagoon

1.4 MILES

The Knysna Lagoon opens between two sandstone cliffs known as the Heads – once proclaimed by the British Royal Navy to be the most dangerous harbour…

4. Featherbed Nature Reserve

2.65 MILES

The Featherbed Nature Reserve was completely devastated by wildfires in 2017. Tourism authorities were working to get the reserve up and running again…

5. Belvidere Church

2.97 MILES

A Norman-style church built in the 1850s by homesick English expats.

6. Belvidere

3.05 MILES

Belvidere, 10km from Knysna, is so immaculate it’s positively creepy. But it’s worth a quick look for the beautiful Norman-style Belvidere church that was…

7. Noetzie

5.29 MILES

Reached by a turn-off along the N2 10km east of Knysna, Noetzie is a quirky little place with holiday homes in mock-castle style. There’s a lovely surf…

8. Goukamma Nature Reserve

6.46 MILES

This reserve is accessible from the Buffalo Bay road, and protects 14km of rocky coastline, sandstone cliffs, dunes covered with coastal fynbos (fine bush…