Charles Dickens Old London – A Private Tour

Explore Dickens’s London with a Private Guide for a Personal Touch

This private walking tour offers a highly personalized way to see London’s historic landmarks connected to Charles Dickens. Priced at $233.97 per person and lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours, the tour is ideal for fans of Dickens or those interested in London’s past. With a professional guide leading the way, you’ll visit notable sites such as the Marshalsea Prison, Crossbones Graveyard, Borough Market, and the Old Curiosity Shop, among others. The itinerary is flexible and tailored to your interests, ensuring a meaningful experience.

One of the standout perks is free entry to the Charles Dickens Museum at the end of the tour, housed in Dickens’s former home. This tour is suitable for most travelers, as most steps are accessible and no specific physical requirements are noted. Planning ahead is recommended, as bookings are often made 81 days in advance.

Key Points

• Private tour offering a personalized experience of Dickens’s London
• Duration of 3-4 hours, with plenty of historic sites to explore
• Includes free entry to the Charles Dickens Museum after the walk
• Visits key Dickens-related locations, such as Marshalsea Prison and Old Curiosity Shop
• Guides are knowledgeable, providing vivid stories about Dickens’s life and works
• Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests for a unique experience

Starting Point and Tour Logistics in London

The tour begins at Borough High Street, a lively area rich with history. From there, the guide leads you through some of London’s most picturesque streets, with the end point at the Charles Dickens Museum located on Doughty Street. The tour’s group size is private, ensuring an intimate and flexible experience.

The tour operates at 10:00 am, and most travelers can participate easily, with service animals allowed. While food and drinks aren’t included, the stops at markets and historic pubs mean plenty of opportunities to enjoy local flavors on your own.

Visiting Dickens’s Childhood in Marshalsea Prison South Wall

The tour kicks off at the site where a young Charles Dickens spent part of his childhood. The Marshalsea Prison South Wall remains a powerful reminder of Dickens’s early years, which haunted him throughout his life. This area served as the main setting in his novel Little Dorrit, and the guide discusses Dickens’s family life during this significant period.

Expect about 30 minutes at this stop, where all back streets are explored and stories about Dickens’s upbringing are shared. The site is free to visit, and the guide provides context about its influence on Dickens’s writing.

Crossbones Graveyard and Garden of Remembrance: A Reflection on Poverty

Next, the tour visits Crossbones Graveyard, a historic burial ground for outcasts and societal outsiders. Dickens often depicted themes of poverty and social hardship, and this site highlights those issues. The graveyard was used for those deemed unworthy of Christian burial, including prostitutes and their illegitimate children.

The Garden of Remembrance at Crossbones offers a peaceful space dedicated to those outside social conventions. This stop lasts about 10 minutes and is free to enter, providing a sober reflection on Dickens’s awareness of London’s social struggles.

The Historic George Inn, London’s Oldest Galleried Pub

A visit to The George Inn allows a glimpse of London’s past as the only surviving galleried inn. Known as Shakespeare’s local because he is believed to have performed plays there, the inn is also connected to Dickens, who was known to drink at the hotel. Dickens mentions this historic pub in Little Dorrit.

This stop is brief, about 10 minutes, and is free to explore. The pub’s centuries-old architecture and storied past make it a highlight for history buffs.

Borough Market and Fagin’s Steps in Oliver Twist

Walking through Borough Market, the guide points out the steps where Nancy waits for Mr. Brownlow in Oliver Twist. The market itself has been in operation since the 1400s, making it one of London’s oldest and most vibrant food markets. The lively atmosphere and smells of fresh produce create an authentic Dickensian setting.

While browsing the stalls is optional, the market offers a sensory experience rooted in Dickens’s era. The visit lasts around 15 minutes, with no cost unless you choose to purchase food or drinks.

Dickens and Scrooge at London’s Historic Taverns

Deep in Dickens’s London, the tour visits The George and Vulture, a favorite pub of Dickens and a setting reminiscent of Ebenezer Scrooge’s counting house. Dickens frequently met at these taverns, which were the meeting spots of the Pickwick Club and appear multiple times in his works.

This 15-minute stop lets visitors imagine Dickens at his favorite tables, with the guide explaining the significance of these historic taverns that still serve as dining and drinking spots today.

Leadenhall Market: A Filming Location and Dickens’s Setting

The tour then takes you to Leadenhall Market, a stunning covered market famous for its connection to A Christmas Carol and as a filming location for Harry Potter movies. The intricate architecture and bustling atmosphere reflect the London Dickens knew, and the market’s appearance in his stories adds to its charm.

Spending about 10 minutes here, visitors can admire the lively setting that remains true to Dickens’s time, free to explore at their leisure.

The Royal Exchange and the Ghost of Christmas Future

Next, the guide shows you the Royal Exchange Building, located next to the Bank of England. In A Christmas Carol, Dickens’s Scrooge visits the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come here to see his own funeral. Today, the steps of the Exchange serve as a traditional spot for royal announcements.

While the trading floor is accessible, it’s no longer used for banking, replaced by shops and bars. The 10-minute stop offers a glimpse into Dickens’s Christmas stories with context about the building’s historic importance.

Dickens’s Favorite Pubs: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and Fagin’s Den

A highlight is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, dating back to the 13th century. Dickens was a regular here, and the pub also hosted the Hellfire Club. Dickens’s character David Copperfield is a patron of this pub in his novel.

The tour then visits Fagin’s Den at the Old Curiosity Shop, an actual Tudor building over 300 years old. Dickens immortalized this shop in his story, and the site remains surprisingly well-preserved amid modern surroundings.

Both stops last about 30 minutes and are free to explore, offering a tangible link to Dickens’s London.

Dickens’s Early Work and Inspiration at Inner Temple

The guide takes you to Inner Temple, where Dickens worked as a junior clerk. This legal district inspired settings in books like David Copperfield, Great Expectations, and Martin Chuzzlewit. The Inns of Court provided Dickens with material for his stories and characters.

Spending about 15 minutes here, visitors learn how Dickens’s early experiences influenced his writing, with the area’s architecture and atmosphere adding authenticity to the tour.

Ending at the Charles Dickens Museum on Doughty Street

The tour concludes at the Charles Dickens Museum, once Dickens’s residence from 1837. Inside, visitors find the rooms where Dickens wrote Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist, with the tour fee including entry to the museum.

This final stop, lasting about 60 minutes, enriches the overall experience with Dickens’s personal belongings, manuscripts, and period rooms, providing a fitting farewell to Dickens’s world.

The Unique Benefits of This Private Dickens Tour

The personalized itinerary makes this tour stand out compared to generic London walks. The guide’s expert storytelling brings Dickens’s London vividly to life, connecting the locations to his writings and personal history. The option to customize the stops ensures that specific interests are accommodated.

Another strength is the free entry to the Dickens Museum, allowing for further exploration after the walk. The tour’s small group size ensures a flexible pace and an intimate atmosphere, perfect for those who want a deeper, more personalized experience.

Considerations and Who Will Enjoy This Tour

While most of the stops are accessible, the tour involves walking through historic streets, some of which may be uneven or narrow. The 4 reviews praise the guide, Richard, for his knowledge, vivid storytelling, and friendly demeanor.

This tour suits anyone interested in Dickens’s life, London’s history, or literary walks. It’s especially recommended for fans who appreciate a personalized experience and want to see London’s landmarks through Dickens’s eyes.

Final Thoughts on Dickens’s London Tour

Priced at just under $234 per person, this private tour offers a comprehensive look at Dickens’s London, blending history, literature, and local culture. The flexible itinerary and free museum entry make it a valuable choice for those who want an in-depth, tailored experience.

While the tour covers many iconic sites, its real strength lies in the storytelling and personal insights provided by a knowledgeable guide. It’s well-suited for literary enthusiasts and anyone curious about London’s past. Booking well in advance is advisable to secure your preferred date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be accompanied by an adult. The tour involves walking through historic areas, so some physical activity is expected.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, covering multiple stops and walking through historic neighborhoods.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. However, stops at historic pubs and markets offer opportunities to purchase refreshments.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Most stops are accessible, but some streets may be uneven. It’s best to check with the supplier for specific needs.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $233.97 per person, with private experience and guided narration included.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings can be made in advance, and the tour is operated by Richards Tours. Contact details and further information are available on their website or through the booking platform.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a private guide, the itinerary, and entry to the Charles Dickens Museum. Food and drinks are not included.