Upcoming Tours
Book Sale and Talk: Oscar and Rose Norwich through postcards, maps & synagogues
Type of Tour
Book Sale & Talk
Date
Saturday, 11th April 2026
Time and Duration
Book Sale: 09:00 – 13:00
Book Talk: 10:00
Cost
Free admission, but donations are appreciated
Description
On the second Saturday of April, join the JHF for a peek into the remarkable lives of Oscar and Rose Norwich in Johannesburg through postcards, maps & synagogues.
Join David Fleminger, Mark Inman, Kathy Munro and Carol Hardjizer for the April Book Talk in the Northwards ballroom at 10:00.
The JHF Book Room at Northwards (aka ‘Kathy’s Book Nook’) is filled with specially selected gems that will delight any book lover! It will be open for sales from 09.00 to 13.00 on the 11th and is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 to 14:00.
Come for a browse and join the conversation!
Please note: This is a card only Book Room. No cash is accepted. Book donations are always welcome.
Meeting Place
Northwards, 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Yukon House - Culture and a Cream Tea
Type of Tour
House Tour
Date
Saturday, 11th April 2026
Time and Duration
14:00
2 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R410
Non-Members: R490
Max no of people
40
Description
The first ‘tea and cakes’ in Joburg were sold by Roley and Budley from a mud hut in Ferreirasdorp in 1887. 20 years later, Tommy Allan built a mansion, Yukon – named after the Canadian goldfields – on the side of a ridge, overlooking Bezuidenhout Valley. Yukon has been a landmark ever since.
Home to two mayors and host to Johannesburg’s high society, the house has been lovingly restored by Sir Henry and Loretta Chamberlain. With wide verandas, grand fireplaces, stained glass windows and sweeping views across the valley, this is a home to be savoured.
Join your guide, Antoinette Morgan, for a fascinating tour of the house and meet its occupants – past and present. The tour culminates with a lavish cream tea (included in the price) complete with savoury and sweet treats, all served on the terrace – an experience not to be missed!
Numbers are limited and bookings for this tour close on the 4th of April, so don’t delay – book now! Parking is available on the street and a car guard will be on duty.
Meeting Place
Yukon, 33 North Avenue, Bez Valley
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Glenshiel - The Jewel of Westcliff
Type of Tour
House Tour
Date
Sunday, 11th April 2026
Time and Duration
10:00 – 12:30
2.5 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R240
Non-Members: R345
Max no of people
40
Description
Glenshiel is the last Randlord mansion built by Herbert Baker and Frank Fleming, and it’s considered to be one of their most interesting.
Originally commissioned in 1908 by former opera singer Lady Isabel and her husband, mining magnate Sir William Dalrymple, this palatial ‘butterfly wing’ residence was completed in 1910 and quickly became a hot spot for Joburg’s high society. It was one of the first homes in the emerging city to have both a swimming pool and a tennis court!
In its heyday, the beautiful gardens and expansive reception rooms of Glenshiel played host to glamorous parties, glittering soirees and charity balls. Distinguished guests included Princess Alice, the Countess of Athlone, granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
Join your guide Karen Curry for a wonderful tour of the grounds and first floor of the house. The ticket price includes a donation to St John South Africa – the current owners.
Please wear walking shoes and bring along sun protection, water and snacks, if you wish.
Meeting Place
Glenshiel, 19 Woolston Road, Parktown
Contact Number
060 813 3239
Tales from the Zoo Lake
Type of Tour
House Tour
Date
Saturday, 25th April 2026
Time and Duration
10:00
2.5 Hours
Cost
JHF Members: R190
Non-Members: R295
Max no of people
40
Description
Famous for its fountain, colourful row boats and indomitable geese, Zoo Lake is a Joburg icon. It’s also steeped in history.
It began as a fabulous gift of 200 acres to the people of Johannesburg by Werner Beit & Co, one of the most powerful mining houses in the city’s early years. The gift was given on two conditions: it was to be named after Herman Ekstein and the public park should be open to all, regardless of race. This later proved to be a major bone of contention for one-time resident HF Verwoerd, who lived across the road.
Join Karen Curry for a leisurely walk around this much-loved green space as she shares wonderful, magical, good and bad stories about our beloved Zoo Lake.
Wear good walking shoes and bring sun protection and water. Pack a picnic if you’d like to stay on after the tour, or enjoy lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. If you’re feeling energetic, take a row around the fountain too.
Meeting Place
Sakhumzi Restaurant, 1 Prince of Wales Drive, Parkview
Contact Number
060 813 3239