Houghton Tourism Information

Quick Facts: Houghton

• From its inception at the end of the nineteenth century, Houghton was one of Johannesburg's most expensive areas
• This suburb in Johannesburg is also a treasure trove of architectural delights: Art Deco flats, Sir Herbert Baker designed homesteads
• Many homes in Upper Houghton and neighbouring Parkhurst are declared national monuments
• Houghton's greatest claim to fame is its renowned residents: Helen Suzman  Nelson Mandela
• This is one of the greenest suburbs of the Johannesburg
• Brenthurst Gardens
• Houghton Golf Course
• Munro Drive and Lookout Point
• The Wilds

Distance to Airport: 24 km

Distance to City: 9 km

Introducing Houghton

From its inception at the end of the nineteenth century, Houghton was one of Johannesburg's most expensive areas.  The suburb is also a treasure trove of architectural delights, from Art Deco flats to Sir Herbert Baker designed homesteads.  Many homes in Upper Houghton and neighbouring Parkhurst are declared national monuments.

Houghton's greatest claim to fame is its renowned residents – the late anti-apartheid activist and politician, Helen Suzman and, currently, Nelson Mandela.  This is one of the greenest suburbs of the Johannesburg and a stay is incomplete without visiting Brenthurst Gardens and The Wilds.  For excellent food and art galleries, the neighbouring suburbs of Parktown and Parkwood are a short drive away.

Best Kept Secret

Adler Museum of Medicine

Various collections of a medical nature including a 19th Century Apothecary shop front, a reconstructed African herb shop and an operating theatre.  Set in the foyer of the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School. 7 York Road, Parktown. Phone 011-717-2081. http://web.wits.ac.za/Academic/Health/Museums/AdlerMuseum.

Getting there

To reach Houghton Estate from the airport, follow the R24 to Johannesburg. At Gillooly's Interchange, take the N3 northbound to Pretoria.  At the Sandton Buccleuch Interchange, follow the M1 south and take the M1 Houghton Drive/Harrow Road exit. Houghton is located approximately 25 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.