Short read: A sojourn into a lost city – an Atlantis.
Long read: Dickens and London? He wrote London. You read him, it’s part of you, you’re part of it. Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Little Dorrit – all part of English literature. Same goes for walking his London. Pip’s lodgings in Great Expectations (“who enters here leaves noise behind”); the bank which employed “resurrection man” Jerry Cruncher in A Tale of Two Cities; Tulkinghorn’s chambers (“where lawyers lie like maggots in nuts”) in Bleak House; even the “original” Old Curiosity Shop (or is it?).
Dickens’ immortal Sam Weller had “extensive and peculiar” knowledge of Dickensian London. This walk keeps that tradition alive. Tradition and peculiar being the watchwords. Because we thread our way into a Victorian London of nooks and crannies and alleyways and gas lamps and 18th- and 19th-century houses – and no cars! It’s the part of London where Dickens lived and worked: Chancery Lane, Gray’s Inn, Holborn, Doughty Street, River Thames, London Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s the London of David Copperfield and Pip and Pickwick papers. It’s “Inimitable” – like Dickens himself. And on a Dickens tour of all things you don’t want a “guide” with the expressive range of a turtle.Step forward accomplished actors Richard III and Richard IV (he of the thrilling, velvety voice, as all of those audiobooks he narrates for Audible eloquently attest).
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Don’t just take it from us…
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Get to know David P.– find out a bit about him (spoiler alert, he’s warm, friendly, and ever so likable). All of which well and truly comes across in this recent London Calling podcast interview I did with him.
THE CHARLES DICKENS’ LONDON WALK – THE PRACTICALS
The Charles Dickens’ London Walk takes place every*Friday at 2.30 pm. The meeting point is just outside the Villiers Street exit of Embankment Underground Station Tube. *Not Dec. 25[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, Charles Dickens's London it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Charles Dickens's London walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LONDON WALKS
A private London Walk makes a fab gift – be it a birthday or anniversary or Christmas present or whatever. Merchandise schmerchandise (gift wrapped or not) – but giving someone an experience, now that’s special. Memories make us rich.
We did the tour with David P. on October 29th, 2024 and it was fantastic. The locations we saw were great to get a sens of Dickens’ life and art. David is very knowledgable, not only about Dickens, but London in general. He’s also funny and engaging. We had a great time!
Rated 5 out of 5
Amy S. –
I am a forty year (!) veteran of London Walks and found David P to be one of the best guides I’ve had. He was engaged, personable, and highly knowledgeable — not just about Dickens, but about other literary and historical figures. He was able to put Dickens into a literary and historical context which I found extremely helpful.
Rated 5 out of 5
Helen Baker –
We thoroughly enjoyed our walk around central London with Richard (the Third!), learning about places Dickens lived, worked, and the sites from his writings. Richard was entertaining, full of information, and engaging. I highly recommend his tours!
Rated 5 out of 5
Leonard Bottleman –
Richard (3rd) led an entertaining walk around parts of London that had been frequented by Charles Dickens. Richard was an engaging guide and the information he shared fascinating. The walk itself was easy and led to interesting locations we would not have gone on our own. If you are even the slightest bit interested in Dickens or the history of London then this walk is for you.
Rated 5 out of 5
Jim Bosscher –
Richard III did an outstanding job—very insightful commentary!
Rated 5 out of 5
Dan Geva –
Great tour with Simon interesting, fun, intriguing. Thanks
Rated 5 out of 5
Jules –
Fabulous Charles Dickens walk with David today, so much knowledge as well as perfectly pitched recitation and humour.
Rated 5 out of 5
Camilla Thornton –
Richard III is an excellent guide with his dry humour which added to the walk. His knowledge and enthusiasm for Dickens is catching. I also loved the actual walk through parts of London I didn’t realise existed.
I recommend Richard III and this walk
Rated 5 out of 5
Teresa S –
We went on this walk last week with Richard (III). It was very enjoying and informative. Richard was very knowledgeable and injected some humour into the talk.
Rated 5 out of 5
Charlotte Voake –
David’s walk was brilliant. So much history under our noses – and in spite of the cold and wind (it was a freezing day in May…) he had his audience captivated . And we could hear every word ….! Highlights included the site of the blacking factory where Charles Dickens was sent aged 12, coutts bank who funded philanthropical ventures suggested by him, and the actual old curiosity shop which is part of the LsE campus . I would highly recommend.
Hugo P. –
We did the tour with David P. on October 29th, 2024 and it was fantastic. The locations we saw were great to get a sens of Dickens’ life and art. David is very knowledgable, not only about Dickens, but London in general. He’s also funny and engaging. We had a great time!
Amy S. –
I am a forty year (!) veteran of London Walks and found David P to be one of the best guides I’ve had. He was engaged, personable, and highly knowledgeable — not just about Dickens, but about other literary and historical figures. He was able to put Dickens into a literary and historical context which I found extremely helpful.
Helen Baker –
We thoroughly enjoyed our walk around central London with Richard (the Third!), learning about places Dickens lived, worked, and the sites from his writings. Richard was entertaining, full of information, and engaging. I highly recommend his tours!
Leonard Bottleman –
Richard (3rd) led an entertaining walk around parts of London that had been frequented by Charles Dickens. Richard was an engaging guide and the information he shared fascinating. The walk itself was easy and led to interesting locations we would not have gone on our own. If you are even the slightest bit interested in Dickens or the history of London then this walk is for you.
Jim Bosscher –
Richard III did an outstanding job—very insightful commentary!
Dan Geva –
Great tour with Simon interesting, fun, intriguing. Thanks
Jules –
Fabulous Charles Dickens walk with David today, so much knowledge as well as perfectly pitched recitation and humour.
Camilla Thornton –
Richard III is an excellent guide with his dry humour which added to the walk. His knowledge and enthusiasm for Dickens is catching. I also loved the actual walk through parts of London I didn’t realise existed.
I recommend Richard III and this walk
Teresa S –
We went on this walk last week with Richard (III). It was very enjoying and informative. Richard was very knowledgeable and injected some humour into the talk.
Charlotte Voake –
David’s walk was brilliant. So much history under our noses – and in spite of the cold and wind (it was a freezing day in May…) he had his audience captivated . And we could hear every word ….! Highlights included the site of the blacking factory where Charles Dickens was sent aged 12, coutts bank who funded philanthropical ventures suggested by him, and the actual old curiosity shop which is part of the LsE campus . I would highly recommend.