Arlington Information

Arlington is a small farming town in the eastern Free State, set amid wide grasslands and rolling hills characteristic of the region. Its quiet streets and rural atmosphere make it a pleasant stop for travellers seeking a glimpse of the province away from its larger towns and busy routes.

The town was established in the early 20th century and developed around the surrounding agricultural community. Farming remains central to local life, with livestock and crops shaping the landscape and giving Arlington its distinctly rural character. The town is named after Arlington in the United States, a reminder of the international influences that occasionally found their way into the naming of South African settlements.

For visitors, Arlington is less about conventional tourist attractions and more about experiencing the spacious landscapes and unhurried rhythm of the eastern Free State. The surrounding countryside is particularly appealing for scenic drives, photography and birdwatching, while the changing colours of the veld provide a different character in every season. Nearby farm roads offer glimpses of working agricultural properties and the region's traditional rural lifestyle.

Arlington is also well placed for exploring other small settlements and attractions in the broader eastern Free State. The nearby town of Bethlehem provides a wider range of shops, restaurants and heritage attractions, while the Maloti Mountains and Golden Gate Highlands National Park are within reach for those wanting more dramatic scenery and outdoor adventures.

In the Northern & Eastern Free State Region, Arlington offers a simple but rewarding rural experience, best appreciated slowly and with an eye for the landscape.