The small scenic Natal Midlands town of Hilton is located just north of Pietermaritzburg. Hilton has a wonderful yet somewhat "fresh" climate all year round, though slightly cooler than neighbouring Pietermaritzburg, and the flora is spectacular.
As a gateway to the famous Midlands Meander tourism route, craft outlets, comfortable lodgings and gourmet cuisine, all hallmarks of the Midlands Meander, are plentiful in Hilton.
The town is home to Hilton College, one of South Africa's most well-known and prestigious Private Boys Schools. Hilton College is also well known for its extremely competitive sports teams and as a result of this many of South Africa's national rugby and cricket stars were schooled here. Grace College, a co-educational school has also recently been established in the town.
A few of the magnificent locations of natural beauty in and near Hilton include World's View, Howick Falls and Karkloof.
Annual flower shows are held in Hilton and visitors find delight in viewing various open Gardens, the Flower Exhibition as well as the Fuchsia Festival.
Every September sees the annual Natal Witness Hilton Arts Festival hosted by Hilton College, highlighting the best of South African theatre. During the festival local theatre, music, craft and visual arts are promoted.
The Hilton Quarry Centre is a beautiful shopping centre set in the grounds of the old Hilton Road Quarry. Other attractions include the Natal Railway Museum where visitors can marvel at the vintage steam trains at the historic Hilton Station.
Folks hoping to partake in activities of a more energetic nature can make their way to the nearby pleasure resort of Midmar Dam, which provides good opportunities for angling, power boating, yachting and canoeing.
Golfing enthusiasts are well catered for at the nearby Victoria Country Club in Pietermaritzburg. The club is located in the scenic parklands adjoining the Queen Elizabeth Nature Reserve, home to a magnificent variety of wildlife which includes Crowned Eagles, African Goshawks, Black Sparrow hawks, nesting Thick billed weavers, Duiker and Impala, all of which enhance the club's magnificent views.
Other attractions in and around Hilton include:
- Midlands Meander
- Howick Falls
- Nelson Mandela Capture site
- Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve
- Karkloof Canopy Tour
- Visits to Pietermaritzburg
- African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
- Tala Game Reserve
- fishing at Albert Falls Dam
- Cumberland Nature Reserve
- Richmond and the Byrne Valley
- Joseph Baynes Agricultural Museum