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.