Walking Tour - Hitting the Heights: the history of Crystal Palace

Fri Jun 19 2026 at 11:00 am to 01:00 pm UTC+01:00

The entrance to Crystal Palace railway station | London

Richard Watkins, Footprints of London
Publisher/HostRichard Watkins, Footprints of London
Walking Tour - Hitting the Heights: the history of Crystal Palace
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The dramatic development, characters and events of one of the highest and most attractive south London areas.
About this Event

When most people think of the history of Crystal Palace, they think of the historic exhibition site – the successor to the Great Exhibition.

But there is so much more: in the C19th it was a fashionable shopping area just on the capital’s southern outskirts. Emerging from the Great North Wood, it had attractive spas and gardens near-by even before the exhibition, with rising grand villas and lovely churches. It attracted internationally famous writers, actors and artists – some arriving in dramatic circumstances. And it was built along and around a great ridge, 361’ above sea level, one of the highest points of south London.

Tour guide and local, Richard Watkins' tour, Hitting the Heights, takes you through the development of the area and the dramatic stories of how some great writers, actors and artists came here.

Please note, there will be two short hills to walk up.



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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The entrance to Crystal Palace railway station, Crystal Palace railway station, London, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 12.50 to GBP 17.50

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