Bayswater, Bloemfontein

Nestled in the northern part of Bloemfontein, Bayswater offers a serene suburban lifestyle that beautifully balances residential tranquillity with the vibrant energy of Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State province. Known for its spacious homes and tree-lined avenues, Bayswater is an ideal locale for those who cherish a peaceful living environment, complemented by a friendly community and a variety of local amenities.

Bayswater at a glance

• Bayswater is located about 5 km from the city centre and 15 km from the Bloemfontein Airport.
• It has a population of about 10,000 people, mostly middle-class families, and professionals.
• It is bordered by Dan Pienaar, Waverley, Noordhoek and Hillsboro.
• It has a variety of properties for sale or rent, ranging from cosy townhouses to spacious family homes with gardens and pools.
• It has a low crime rate and a friendly community spirit.

History

• Bayswater was established in the late 19th century as a residential area for British settlers and soldiers.
• It was named after the Bayswater district in London, where many of the settlers came from.
• It was one of the first suburbs in Bloemfontein to have piped water and electricity.
• It has several historical buildings and monuments, such as the Anglican Church of St Michael and All Angels, built in 1896, and the Bayswater Cemetery, where many British soldiers who died in the Anglo Boer War are buried.

Schools

Bayswater has several reputable schools in or near the suburb, catering for different levels and languages of education. The schools offer academic excellence, cultural diversity, sports facilities, and extracurricular activities. Some notable schools in the area include: 

• Brebner Primary School
• Curro School Bloemfontein 
• Bloemfontein High School
• Christian Brothers College
• Eunice Girls High School
• St Andrew's School Bloemfontein
• Brebner High School
• Kruitberg Primary School 
• Willem Postma Primary School 
• Sentraal High School
• Oranje Meisieskool 
• Brandway Primary School

Restaurants

Bayswater has a variety of restaurants and cafes to suit different tastes and budgets.

Some of the popular places are: 

• New York Restaurant
• Avanti Restaurant
• Flames Restaurant and Bar
• Seven on Kellner
• Bella Casa
• Bushpub Restaurant
• Longhorn Grill Steak House
• Cape Town Fish Market Bloemfontein 
• Margaritas Seafood and Steaks.

Climate

• Bayswater has a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters.
• The average annual temperature is 17°C, with highs of 31°C in January and lows of 3°C in July.
• The average annual rainfall is 559 mm, with most of the rain falling in summer as thunderstorms.
• The suburb enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 9 hours per day.

Shopping and Leisure

Residents enjoy a variety of shopping and leisure options within and around Bayswater:

• Nearby Northridge Mall and Preller Square offer a selection of retail stores and dining options.
• For a more extensive shopping experience, Mimosa Mall and Loch Logan Waterfront in the city centre provide a wide array of shops and entertainment.

Local attractions

Bayswater has several local attractions that appeal to nature lovers, culture enthusiasts and history buffs. Some of the attractions are:

• The Franklin Nature Reserve, which is home to various wildlife species and hiking trails. 
• The Oliewenhuis Art Museum, which showcases South African art in a former mansion.
• The Naval Hill Planetarium, which offers educational shows about astronomy and space.
• The Anglo Boer War Museum, which displays exhibits and memorabilia from the war that shaped South Africa's history.

Distances to key points

Bayswater is conveniently located near some of the key points in Bloemfontein and beyond.

Some of the distances are: 

• City centre: 5 km
• Airport: 15 km
• University of the Free State: 8 km
• Central University of Technology: 6 km
• N1 highway: 4 km
• Johannesburg: 400 km
• Cape Town: 1000 km

Hospitals

Bayswater has access to several hospitals and clinics that provide quality health care services.

Some of the hospitals are: 

• Mediclinic Bloemfontein, which is a private hospital with 24-hour emergency care, intensive care units, maternity wards, and specialised units.
• Rosepark Hospital, which is another private hospital with similar facilities.
• National Hospital, which is a public hospital that serves as a referral centre for the region.