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:
16-10-2026
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
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!
Philip Haddow –
We did the Charles Dickens Walk with Simon on Friday and it was excellent. Lots of interesting facts delivered with passion and good humour.
Judd Burton –
When booking a trip to London I knew I needed to see some sights of my most favorite author, Charles Dickens. Our guide Simon did not disappoint! Our whole family(kids included) had a wonderful time exploring the London of Dickens.
Shona Lawson –
An absolutely fabulous tour today with Simon. I have seen parts of London and learned such interesting facts which I had no idea excised. I couldn’t recommend these tours highly enough. If you come to London do one of these tours you will not be disappointed.
Rebecca M –
My family group really enjoyed Charles Dickens’s London with David P. He went at our pace and as a former Londoner I found out some things I didn’t know about the great city. I will definitely be reading a bit more Dickens in future. A lovely way to spend an afternoon in London.