Charles Dickens’s London
Embankment Tube, Villiers Street exit
Guided by
David P. or Richard III
Walk Times
| Day |
Walk Type |
Start Time |
End Time |
|
|
| Friday |
Weekly |
2.30 pm |
4.30 pm |
Winter Summer |
Reserve Online
|
N.B. this walk will not take place on the following dates:
15-11-2024
03-01-2025
10-01-2025
17-01-2025
24-01-2025
31-01-2025
07-02-2025
14-02-2025
21-02-2025
28-02-2025
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 (he’s Mr. Jingle – yes, that’s right, he’s a member of the Dickens Pickwick Club) 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…
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.
LONDON WALKS – STREETS AHEAD!
Don’t just take it from us.
OTHER TOURS YOU MAY LIKE
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.
Barbara B. –
What I enjoyed the most about David P.’s walking tour was how vividly he connected the past with the present! This walk presented Dickens’ London as so much more than historic locations. David’s extensive knowledge, combined with quotes from Dickens and his contemporaries, helped me imagine the city’s 19th century people and living conditions at every place we visited, and why Dickens’ writings still matter!
Tracy Evans –
I have been on a few London Walks and they’ve all been excellent. And this one didn’t disappoint. Richard (the 3rd) clearly loved his subject and managed to bring us all into Dickens’ London (and beyond). Lots of facts and history delivered in a knowledgable yet humorous way. What’s not to like? These walks are enlightening, entertaining and enjoyable – always!
Jeff Murray & Vigdis Jacobsen –
We absolutely loved David’s tour and stayed on despite the weather! It was cold and wet, but his witty, lively, knowledgeable and clever delivery made it all special. Particularly enlightening were his cross references to other literary figures (like George Orwell) to deepen the impact of Dickens’s gifts. We are both inspired to read more Dickens now and will highly recommend London Walks and the Dickens tour in particular.