In 1892, Lady Florence Phillips famously rode north, eager to escape the dusty hustle and the bustle of Johannesburg. When she arrived at the top of a ridge just to the south of the burgeoning mining town, she decided that this was where her new home should be built. This is where Parktown was born – home of the Randlords.
Ten years later, Westcliff was laid out and it quickly became one of the city’s most prestigious suburbs, boasting large plots with expansive views to the Magaliesberg.
With views like this and jacaranda season at its start, the Johannesburg Heritage Foundation (JHF) takes us for a walk on Oct 14 with expert guide Adam Golding and Karen Curry. The 2.5-hour walking tour lets you wander through the beautiful tree-lined streets of Westcliff to visit some of its grandest residences, including iconic stone homes designed by Sir Herbert Baker along with some of the suburb’s lesser-known curiosities.
Need to know: this is a walking tour with some inclines, so please wear good shoes and bring along a hat, sunscreen and drinking water. Meet at The Hope School, Pallinghurst Road, Westcliff at 14:00 to start the tour.
While you're there, don't forget to enter our #JacarandaInYourPocket photo competition! It's now open and it's our biggest one yet; go here for more.
