Charles Dickens Private Walking Tour

Exploring London with a focus on Charles Dickens offers a captivating perspective on the city’s historic streets and literary past. Priced at $240.40 per person, this private walking tour lasts about 3 hours and is operated by Ye Olde England Tours. The tour begins at Borough High Street and ends at the Charles Dickens Museum, with pickup offered for added convenience. It’s best booked 76 days in advance, making it an appealing choice for those who love history, literature, or simply want a personalized experience of London’s Dickensian past.

This tour emphasizes a highly personalized and flexible approach, allowing guides to tailor the experience to your interests. It excludes entrance to the Dickens Museum itself, but the tour includes numerous stops at historic sites, exteriors of important landmarks, and hidden corners of London connected to Dickens’s life and works. The focus on insider stories and lesser-known sights makes it especially appealing for literature enthusiasts and history buffs who enjoy discovering authentic local stories beyond typical tourist spots.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience led by an expert guide
• Visit 17+ stops, including Dickensian landmarks and hidden alleyways
• Includes pickup and group discounts available
• Ends at the Charles Dickens Museum, with optional exploration of the house
• Tour costs $240.40, lasting about 3 hours
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness and interest in literature and history

Exploring Dickens’ London: The Starting Point at Borough High Street

The tour kicks off at Borough High Street, a central location rich with history. From the start, the guide provides an overview of Dickens’s connection to this part of London, setting the scene for a detailed journey through the city’s literary and social past. The local guide offers insights into Dickens’s childhood and early influences, giving visitors context before heading to the first stops.

This initial setting introduces the drama of Dickens’s early life, including the imprisonment of his family at the St George the Martyr site. The guide’s storytelling style is engaging, making it easy to imagine Dickens navigating these streets as a boy. The tour is designed to be flexible, with options to customize the experience based on your interests.

Visiting the Site of Dickens’s Family Imprisonment at St George the Martyr

The first significant stop is St George the Martyr, where you’ll see locations related to Dickens’s famous novel Little Dorrit. Here, the guide points out where Dickens’s family was imprisoned, connecting the scene to the social issues Dickens explored in his writing. This stop lasts about 20 minutes and includes an admission ticket.

This site offers a glimpse into Dickens’s childhood hardships, emphasizing the impact of debt and imprisonment on his life. The guide shares insider stories about Dickens’s family, making this a meaningful start to understanding the social commentary woven into his novels.

The Significance of Marshalsea Prison’s South Wall

Next, the tour visits the Marshalsea Prison South Wall, a debtors’ prison that deeply influenced Dickens’s early years. Standing at the site of the old prison, visitors learn how Dickens’s experiences here inspired his later works. This stop takes 10 minutes and is free of charge.

The guide explains how Dickens’s firsthand encounters with poverty and injustice shaped his perspective and literary voice. Walking around this historic site provides a tangible connection to Dickens’s social consciousness and the struggles of the 19th century London poor.

Red Cross Cottages & Gardens: A Social Reform Connection

The tour then moves to the Red Cross Cottages & Garden, created by a contemporary of Dickens and a notable social reformer. This largely unvisited garden was developed in one of London’s worst streets, close to Dickens’s childhood home. The stop lasts 10 minutes with free admission.

Here, visitors get a peaceful break and a look into social reform efforts that aimed to improve living conditions. The guide discusses Dickens’s interest in social justice, relating this site to themes present in his novels.

Standing on Nancy’s Steps at London Bridge

At London Bridge, visitors stand on Nancy’s Steps, where Dickens’s Nancy meets her end in Oliver Twist. This 5-minute stop includes admission and offers a visual connection to Dickens’s portrayal of poverty and crime.

The guide recounts Nancy’s story, highlighting Dickens’s talent for creating compelling characters from London’s underclass. The spot provides a dramatic moment in the tour, illustrating Dickens’s vivid storytelling.

Borough Market: The Poignant Scene of Dickensian Poverty

A 25-minute visit to Borough Market allows exploration of sites that inspired Dickens’s descriptions of poverty. The market, once a hub for poor vendors and pickpockets, features in works like Oliver Twist. The guide points out specific locations where criminal activities took place.

This stop combines visual sights with stories about the social conditions Dickens depicted. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of London’s divided society in Dickens’s era.

Passing by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Old Bailey

The tour includes a pass by the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, providing historical context about public entertainment in Dickens’s London. The guide shares details about nearby legal districts, including the Old Bailey, which was the oldest court and the site of public executions.

While entry isn’t included, the exterior views and narration enrich the understanding of London’s theatrical and judicial history in Dickens’s time.

Winchester Palace and the Lives of the Poor

Next, the tour visits Winchester Palace, where the guide discusses Winchester Geese and the poverty endured by London’s forgotten classes. This 15-minute stop illuminates Dickens’s concern for social injustice.

Walking through this historic site, visitors learn how Dickens’s daily walks to work often took him past such locations, inspiring his depiction of poverty and social stratification.

The Impact of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Temple Church

Two significant religious sites are included: St. Paul’s Cathedral, where the guide explains Dickens’s unintentional connection to the church, and Temple Church, which features in Dickens’s stories about law and justice.

The 5-minute stops at each involve exterior views, with the guide sharing stories of Dickens’s interactions with these iconic London landmarks.

The Old Curiosity Shop and Fleet Street’s Literary Roots

The tour takes you past The Old Curiosity Shop, claimed to be the oldest shop in London, and the nearby Fleet Street, famous as London’s newspaper hub and a setting in Dickens’s literature. These 15- and 10-minute stops highlight Dickens’s connection to London’s commercial life.

The guide describes how Fleet Street’s taverns and alleyways feature in Dickens’s stories, adding colorful details to this literary walk.

Dickensian Streets of Bloomsbury and Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Passing through Bloomsbury, the guide points out where Dickens lived after his rise to fame. The 20-minute stroll includes sights of literary history and sumptuous streets.

Next, Lincoln’s Inn Fields is explored for its Dickensian history, especially related to Bleak House. 20 minutes are spent here, with a focus on notable Dickensian connections and the home of Dickens’s biographer.

Visiting Pubs and Dr. Johnson’s House

The tour also features visits to pubs Dickens himself frequented, where characters in his stories might have visited or drank. The 5-minute external visit enhances the sense of authentic London life.

A stop at Dr. Johnson’s House offers a look at the home of the man behind the Dictionary, adding a layer of literary context. This 5-minute stop is outside only and includes no admission fee.

Ending at the Charles Dickens Museum

The final destination is the Charles Dickens Museum on 48-49 Doughty Street, his well-preserved former home. The guided tour lasts about 1 hour, offering an opportunity for self-exploration of Dickens’s personal artifacts and surroundings.

Admission to the museum is not included, but many visitors choose to explore the house and enjoy the café afterward. The tour ends at the museum’s doorstep, making it a natural conclusion.

Practicalities and Booking Details

The tour departs at 9:30 am from Borough High Street. The meeting point is accessible via public transportation, and pickup at your hotel can be arranged. The experience is private, meaning only your group participates, and groups can benefit from discounts.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is advised. Walking shoes are recommended, and the pace is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.

Final Thoughts on the Dickens Tour Experience

This private walking experience offers a detailed and personalized journey through Dickens’s London. The guided narration combines historical facts with stories about Dickens’s life and characters, bringing the city’s literary past vividly to life. The stops at hidden alleyways, famous landmarks, and less-visited sites create a rich tapestry of Dickensian London.

With positive reviews praising guide knowledge and storytelling, the tour is a hit among literature enthusiasts. The cost reflects the private and tailored nature, and the end at the Dickens Museum provides a perfect opportunity for further exploration.

While it doesn’t include entry to the museum, the combination of outdoor sites, stories, and personal guide attention makes this a comprehensive and rewarding experience for those interested in Dickens and historic London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking through many historic sites and streets, so it is best for those with moderate physical fitness. Pacing can be customized but be prepared for some walking over uneven surfaces.

Does the tour include entry to the Charles Dickens Museum?
No, the museum admission is not included. The tour ends at the museum’s front door, and visitors can choose to explore further on their own.

Can I customize the tour itinerary?
The tour offers variety of options and is private, allowing personalization based on your interests and preferences.

What should I wear for the tour?
Dressing appropriately for weather conditions and wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended, as the tour involves outdoor walking in different parts of London.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, hotel pickup can be arranged, but the standard meeting point is at Borough High Street. It operates in all weather, so plan accordingly.