Charles Dickens Private Walking Tour
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Charles Dickens Private Walking Tour

Active
(19 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This walking tour will take us to places that both inspired Charles Dickens the writer but also those real locations that shaped Dickens the man.  All writers take inspiration from the people they meet and places they visit, and Charles Dickens was no different.  His novels are so successful because he so enjoyed wandering the streets of London and picking up the rich details of everyday life.

Available options

Charles Dickens Private Walking Tour

Pickup included

A Christmas Carol

2 hour walk + Dickens drinks!: More bang for your bucks. A condensed Charles Dickens Walk with drinks in a famous pub he stayed & wrote in.<br/>Pickup included

5 hour Dickens Extravaganza!

Duration: 5 hours: This tour includes everything in the basic tour but visits numerous extra locations and goes through the old City of London.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Local guide
Private tour
Professional guide
Hotel pickup

Detailed itinerary

1

See locations relating to Little Dorrit and visit where Dickens family were imprisoned.

2
Stop 2

The site of the old debtors prison that so influenced the young Charles Dickens.

3

These beautiful and largely unvisited gardens were created by a contemporary pf Charles Dickens and in her own way equally famous social reformer in what was one of the worst streets in London and close to where Dickens lived as a boy.

4
Stop 4

Stand on Nancys Steps where poor Nancy met her end

5
Stop 5

Visit sites of poverty that inspired Dickens to write. See the places where the pick-pockets operated in Oliver Twist and much more

6
Stop 6

We will pass by this famous theatre and learn about the history and locations nearby.

7

The oldest court in the western world in effect is next to the notorious old Newgate Prison and site of public executions to Victorians in fact and fiction.

8

Learn about Winchester Geese and the lives of the poor and forgotten as we follow in the footsteps of how Dickens would walk to work.

9
Stop 9

Find out about an inadvertent impact St Pauls had on the life of Charles Dickens

10
Stop 10

As well as seeing the outside of this very famous church we will visit the legal districts where characters such as Pip would feature. Please note sometimes at weekends, access to this area is closed to the public.

11
Stop 11

Visit the outside of the actual Old Curiousity Shop, perhaps the oldest shop in London and right next to what was then a place of terrible poverty.

12
Stop 12

The most famous newspaper street in the world which amongst other things not only played an important role in the life of Charles Dickens but the alleys and taverns also feature in his literature.

13

This area is full of Dickensian history especially relating to Bleak House and is also the home to the biographer of Charles Dickens

14
Stop 14 Pass by

See some of the pubs that Dickens himself drank in and where characters visited in the novels.

15

We visit other literary places along the way, including the outside of the home of the man who wrote the Dictionary.

16

Visit the alleyway where poor Krook spontaneously combusted infront of his shop.

17

Pass through parts of Bloomsbury and see where Charles Dickens lived after he had become successful and enjoy the sumptuous streets of this literary hotspot.

18
Stop 18

We finish the tour at the front door of the Charles Dickens Museum, his perfectly preserved house which you'll no doubt want to explore and perhaps have a well deserved cup of tea in the delightful restaurant at the back.

What's not included

London Underground Tube ticket
Entrance to Charles Dickens House Museum

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
12 reviews
5★
12
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
We have earmarked this tour as especially safe during the Coronavirus outbreak due to generally quiet places that we visit where social distancing is generally not a problem. All of our tours are private so it is just you/your family and your guide.  To make it easier and safer for all concerned we would suggest starting this tour a little later than the usual time, perhaps around 10.30-11am which allows us all to miss rush-hour. We are happy to still come to your hotel to meet you but for the moment we would suggest meeting us at the tour starting point.  This allows you to arrive by a taxi or uber rather than public transport. Please feel free to wear masks throughout or at times during the tour.  Your guide will also have a mask with them.

Meeting point

Just outside the entrance next to the newspaper vendor

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Dress code is smart casual

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
  • • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air
  • Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
  • Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton
80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

  • Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
  • Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
  • Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
  • Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
  • Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 15-99
1
Childs
Age 5-14
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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