Is Kensington Johannesburg safe for a self-guided walk?

Yes, during daylight hours, Kensington is a popular area for walking, especially around Queen Street and Rhodes Park. However, walkers should remain vigilant, stay on main paths, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or expensive equipment openly.

How long does it take to walk the Kensington antique area?

If you are strictly exploring the shops on Queen Street, it takes about 45 to 60 minutes. The full historic route including the memorial and Jeppe Boys takes between 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace.

What are the highlights of this Johannesburg neighborhood stroll?

Key highlights include the 1905 Scottish Horse Memorial, the 1911 Kensington Castle, and the 20+ antique shops along Queen Street. The area is also famous for its 'Koppie-stone' houses built from local quartzite.

Can I go inside the Kensington Castle?

No, the Kensington Castle (also known as Lyon's Castle) is a private residence. You can view its impressive stone towers and battlements from the street (Highland Road), but the interior is not open to the public.

When is the best time to visit Queen Street for shopping?

The best time is Saturday morning between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM when all shops are open and the area is most vibrant. Many shops close early on Saturdays and are closed entirely on Sundays and public holidays.

Is the Kensington walking route difficult?

The route is considered moderate. While most of it is flat, there is a steep climb to reach the Scottish Horse Memorial on the ridge, which requires a basic level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes.

Are there places to eat along the walking route?

Yes, Queen Street is home to several highly-rated cafes and bistros. These are excellent spots to stop for lunch or a coffee mid-way through your walk.

Kensington Antiques and Castles | Walking Tour

About This Tour

Discover one of Johannesburg's oldest and most charismatic suburbs on this self-guided walk through Kensington. Established in 1897, this neighborhood is a treasure trove of Edwardian architecture, steep ridges, and a legendary shopping strip. This walking route invites you to explore a side of the city often missed by those sticking to the northern suburbs. You will begin at the historic Jeppe High School for Boys, an architectural marvel that feels more like a British boarding school than a Jo'burg institution. From there, the route takes you up the Kensington Ridge to the Scottish Horse War Memorial, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline and the lush canopy of the 'world's largest man-made forest.' This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who appreciate the intersection of history and local culture. As you descend from the hills, you will wander through Rhodes Park, a green lung for the eastern suburbs, before reaching the heart of the district: Queen Street. This famous thoroughfare is the ultimate destination for collectors and treasure hunters, lined with dozens of antique shops, vintage boutiques, and cozy cafes. Whether you are looking for mid-century furniture, rare books, or simply a great cup of coffee, the Queen Street section of this audio walk offers a sensory delight. The journey concludes near the mysterious Kensington Castle, a private residence built from local stone that looks like it was plucked straight from a European fairy tale. This self-guided adventure allows you to set your own pace, stopping to browse for curios or take photos of the unique stone houses that define the Kensington aesthetic. It is an ideal way to experience the heritage and community spirit of Johannesburg while discovering hidden gems in one of its most authentic neighborhoods. This walking route Johannesburg provides a deep dive into the 20th-century history that shaped the 'City of Gold' beyond the gold mines themselves.

Highlights

The grand Edwardian architecture of Jeppe High School for Boys

Panoramic city views from the Scottish Horse War Memorial

A peaceful walk through the ponds and gardens of Rhodes Park

Treasure hunting along the famous Queen Street antique row

The eccentric 'Kensington Castle' stone architecture

Discovering the unique Koppie-stone houses of the eastern suburbs

Tour Stops (6)

Jeppe High School for Boys

Welcome to the starting point of your neighborhood stroll. Jeppe High School for Boys is one of the oldest schools in Johannesburg, with its foundations dating back to 1890. The magnificent red-brick buildings you see today were designed by Ralston and built in 1909. Notice the grand clock tower and the traditional quadrangles that give the school its collegiate atmosphere. This institution has survived the Anglo-Boer War and two World Wars, serving as a pillar of the Kensington community for over a century. The school's architecture reflects the British influence on early Johannesburg, standing as a testament to the city's rapid growth from a mining camp to a permanent urban center.

Scottish Horse War Memorial

Prepare for a bit of a climb as you head up the Kensington Ridge to this poignant memorial. Unveiled in 1905, the Scottish Horse War Memorial commemorates the officers and men of the Scottish Horse regiment who died during the South African War. The Celtic cross stands atop a massive granite base, but the real draw here is the view. From this vantage point, you can see across the eastern suburbs and toward the city center. It is a quiet, reflective spot that offers a sense of the scale of Johannesburg's urban forest. The rugged stone of the ridge itself is the same material used to build many of the neighborhood's historic homes.

Rhodes Park

As you move into Rhodes Park, you enter a space that has been the heart of Kensington recreation for decades. Named after Cecil John Rhodes, this park features a spring-fed lake, a library, and winding paths. It is a favorite spot for local families and birdwatchers. Historically, the park was a site of social gatherings and even hosted a small zoo in its early years. Today, it serves as a peaceful buffer between the residential hills and the commercial energy of Queen Street. Take a moment to enjoy the willow trees and the sound of the water before continuing your self-guided adventure toward the shopping district.

Queen Street

You have arrived at Queen Street, the primary destination for any shopping enthusiast in Johannesburg. This street is famous for its high concentration of antique shops, spanning several blocks. Each storefront offers something different, from Victorian silver and Art Deco lamps to vintage South African advertising memorabilia. Queen Street maintains an old-world charm that is rare in the modern shopping malls of the city. As you walk, look up at the shopfronts; many retain their original architectural features from the early 1900s. It is the perfect place to find a unique souvenir or simply browse through layers of history.

The Art Of Expressions

While Queen Street is rooted in the past, places like The Art Of Expressions represent the neighborhood's creative present. This stop highlights the artistic community that has flourished in Kensington, drawn by the affordable heritage spaces and the eclectic vibe. Here, the focus shifts from antiques to contemporary expression, showcasing how the neighborhood continues to evolve. Kensington has long been a home for artists, writers, and musicians, and this creative energy is palpable as you explore the smaller galleries and boutique workshops tucked away behind the main antique showrooms.

Kensington Palace (The Castle)

Our final stop is one of Johannesburg's most unusual landmarks, often called 'Kensington Castle' or 'Lyon's Castle.' Built in 1911 by Samuel Scott Lyon, a local builder, the house was constructed using the natural stone of the Kensington koppie. Lyon reportedly built the castle to fulfill a promise to his wife, modeling it after the fortresses of his native Scotland. Though it is a private residence and not open for internal public tours, the exterior is a marvel of battlements and towers that look entirely out of place in a South African suburb. It serves as a fittingly eccentric end to your walk through one of the city's most characterful areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best route starts at Jeppe High School for Boys, climbs the Kensington Ridge for views, and finishes with a stroll down the Queen Street antique strip. This path covers about 3-4 kilometers and highlights the neighborhood's unique stone architecture and history.