Charles Dickens’s London
Embankment Tube, Villiers Street exit
Guided by
David P. or Richard III
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
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:
06-11-2026
13-11-2026
20-11-2026
27-11-2026
04-12-2026
11-12-2026
18-12-2026
25-12-2026
01-01-2027
08-01-2027
15-01-2027
22-01-2027
29-01-2027
05-02-2027
12-02-2027
19-02-2027
26-02-2027
“It was the best of walks, it was the best of walks…..” Charles Dickens and Guide David
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: Embankment, Charing Cross, Strand, Rules Restaurant, Covent Garden, Wellington St, St Mary ‘in the Way’, Old Curiosity Shop, LSE, Central Law Courts on Fleet St, Childs Bank (formerly on Fleet St) and Inner Temple. It’s the London of David Copperfield and Pip and Pickwick papers. It’s “Inimitable” – like Dickens himself.
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
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
April De Angelis –
Brilliant guide and an excellent walk, surprising, informative and fun.
Peter Mulrooney –
Our group of 3 thoroughly enjoyed Richard III’s Dickens walk on 15th August 2025. Informative, entertaining and a great pub recommendation at the end of the walk. Dickens’ London haunts brought to life, including some parts you wouldn’t normally come across. Great value for money too.
Andy D. –
My August trip to London was highlighted by a joyous walk with my guide, Richard III. Learned so much, with stops at the Old Curiosity Shop and other small, secret markers around the city that referenced Dickens. These were spots right out in the open that I would have never noticed by myself. Recommend this walk highly.
Judith Halford –
An amazing walk with so much fascinating information about Dickrns’ life. Not to be missed
Cory Oakes –
My family and I had a wonderful walk with our guide, David. He was very fun and knowledgeable and we all learned a lot about Dickens. Very kid friendly (we have a 12yo and a 15yo) and we enjoyed having drinks at the Old Cheshire Cheese afterward. Highly recommend!
Chris Hull –
We had a very good Dickens walk with David. He was knowledgeable pleasant and very good company for our walk. Our final stop at Ye Old Chesshire Cheese was a fitting end to our experience. Highly recommended
Ryan –
The good: The guide was very knowledgeable, I learned a lot about Dickens. He was also willing to provide extra details in between stops, if you asked him to.
The not so good: It was more walk than talk, which was a bit disappointing. It was also a bit hard to hear the guide, although he had his speaker turned up.
Mary –
Great walk today with David P. His passion for Dickens was obvious. It was fun, engaging, interesting and informative tour… and ended in a beautiful old English pub.
Julie –
Had a wonderful walk with Richard III, his knowledge of all things Dickens was amazing. We learnt so many interesting facts about Dickens and places and characters that his books were based on.
Always a pleasure todo a London Walk, I recommend them to everyone!
Paula Sussman –
I went on David’s “Charles Dickens London” walk a week ago. It was truly a major highlight of my holiday in England. I learned so much about Charles Dickens, what life was like in London during the time he lived, the background behind his different novels, his interest in public health and improving lives of the impoverished. We even may have met one of Dickens’ descendants, I believe a great great grandson at one of our stops which was unexpected. David has a wealth of knowledge and kept the tour participants totally engaged. He is passionate about sharing Dickens legacy. After the tour, he invited participants to accompany him to a historic pub which Dickens frequented.
Besides learning about the history of the pub, it was interesting to learn from David more about current London, the many diverse buroughs, and to discuss social issues. I am very appreciative of the post tour follow up from David with many resources we can access to learn more about Dickens and very much look forward to reading more of Dickens’ writings having been so inspired by the tour. I also would love to go on more tours through London Walks, when I save up for my next trip to London. Many thanks and cheers!