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
Linda Cownty –
Incredibly interesting tour with Richard III today. I learnt so much from him, the tour was jam packed with information and amusing stories. This was the second London Walks tour I have been on and hope to do many more. It’s a wonderful way to explore the city in which I was born.
Coralene –
I maybe wrong, I booked months ago for the Dickens Tour today and the tour seemed to be more of a History – Literature Tour? Dickens was min included. Did I join the wrong tour? 😢It was interesting and insightful. There are a few mentioned people I plan to reach more about. Thank-you!
Anne O’Connell –
We had a brilliant entertaining and enlightening walk with Richard. Thoroughly recommend this walk!
Max Mustard –
An engaging and social walk. Our guide, David, was enthusiastic, friendly and a full bottle on Dickens. He even pointed out some other historical bits and pieces along the way which were very interesting. We particularly enjoyed the readings, which really painted us a picture of the places we were standing in. At the end of the walk, we saw an old English pub that Dickens would visit and David bought us a drink. We stayed for some time chatting with him about Dickens and all manner of tangentially related things. A very pleasant and satisfying end to a lovely walk.
It was tricky to find where to write a review, but we felt we must persevere as the walk was well worth it.
Katherine De Vere –
Richard III’s Dickens Tour is a sheer delight. A treasury of information, a quiet wit and great delivery. What Richard doesn’t know about Dickens isn’t worth knowing and indeed one can see him as an honorary member of the original Pickwick Club – if it still existed. A really riveting tour, taking in the life and literature of Mr CD himself. When Richard describes the conditions of the workhouses it really had me near to tears. ‘Umbly recommended, five stars and then some. Don’t miss it! Brilliant!
Nelle Del –
As always, we were very impressed with another offering from London Walks. Richard III was excellent in his presentation of Charles Dickens’s childhood, experiences, influences and literary inspirations from this area of London. I’m always delighted when we join a Richard III walk as I love his wit, charm, dry humour and depth of knowledge of his subjects.
In spite of a massive and extended cloudburst, Richard entertained with his adaptations to suit the situation. Long may he reign!!
Nancy Pollock –
Our Dickens walking tour with Simon on Christmas Day 2023 was a highlight of our week in London. We learned so much, and Simon’s story telling and charismatic descriptions added to the experience. It was great reminiscing about my husband’s year abroad as a Westfield College student and now seeing London from Charles Dickens’ perspective so many years after our last visit! London Walks is definitely on our to do list for future holidays!
Pete Brown –
Very interesting walk led by Richard. Lots of links about Dicken’s childhood experiences and influences and how his novels reflect his social conscience. He also touched on Dicken’s more tricky personal relationships especially with his wife and their acrimonious divorce. I’m now going to follow this up by a visit to the Dicken’s museum in London.
John Cullerton –
We learned a great deal about Charles Dickens life story and the City of London on our walking tour with Simon. Simon is very entertaining and knowledgable of both Dickens and the city. Simon indicated that he was a fill-in for Richard, but his knowledge base was top notch. Very enjoyable walk on a beautiful London afternoon.
Catherine Harrison –
I loved this tour with Simon. He is so knowledgable. He linked Dickens in with so many other relevant details. I learnt a lot and saw parts of London that are hidden gems. Thank you!