Dickensian Walking Adventures with Brit Icon Tours in London
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors; requires basic walking endurance on uneven sidewalks.
Overview
Trace the pathways of Charles Dickens through London’s historic streets with Brit Icon Tours. Discover where his characters came to life and end your journey at a pub beloved by Dickens himself.
Charles Dickens London Walking Tour
For all ages! • 2 ½ hours • Public Tour!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating journey through Dickensian London, tracing the footsteps of Charles Dickens himself. Explore iconic sites from his novels, including Oliver Twist's infamous market. Enjoy fascinating insights into Dickens' life, meet the characters that inspired him, and conclude at a charming pub beloved by his fans.
Welcome to Dickensian London!
Duration
2 ½ hours
About
Welcome to Dickensian London! Join our Dickens tour London and journey into the city of London that Charles Dickens would have known. Dickens suffered from insomnia and spent many sleepless nights walking the streets of London, collecting locations and inspiration to include in his novels. On this Dickens walk, we will follow in his footsteps and explore some of the buildings and streets that feature in Dicken’s novels and still exist today.
The Dickens London Walking Tour starts from Farringdon Tube station, heading towards some sites from Oliver Twist including where Fagin and the Artful Dodger induct Oliver into pickpocketing amongst shoppers in the busy market once held there.
The tour takes several famous London landmarks, and you’ll see ‘the great black dome of Saint Paul’s bulging at you from behind a grim stone building.’
At the end of the tour, an enchanting stop awaits you at a quaint pub you will see a pub as a gathering place for Dicken’s fans of a Tale of Two cities!
Your guide will reveal significant moments in Dickens’ life and explain how these have weaved into his books. You will learn about real-life people and the fictional characters they inspired.
Throughout the tour, there will be several opportunities to stop and take photos while your expert guide shares some extracts from Dicken’s writings and points out how they have changed or survived from Victorian London to the modern day.
The Dickens tour highlights several of London’s iconic sites. You will learn trivia about Charles Dickens and hear facts about the locations visited, both modern and Dickensian. Many of Dicken’s books are mentioned during the tour, including Little Dorritt, Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Great Expectations, Bleak House, A Dinner At Poplar Walk and A Tale of Two Cities.
More info
The tour finishes at a Dickensian pub off Fleet Street.
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tour covers several miles on city streets with uneven pavements, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Bring a Weatherproof Jacket
London’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack rain gear to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
Arrive Early to Scenic Meeting Points
Getting to the designated start spot a few minutes early ensures you don’t miss any introduction or context from your guide.
Consider Public Transit Access
The tour area is well served by the Tube and buses, making it easy to avoid parking hassles in central London.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban pigeons around historic squares
- Seasonal birdlife in nearby city parks
History
Charles Dickens authored many of his classic novels while living and working in London, capturing the stark realities of Victorian society.
Conservation
Efforts to preserve historic London neighborhoods balance modern use with maintaining the character and stories embedded in these cities' streets.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Support for several miles on city pavements is critical.
Weatherproof jacket or umbrella
Protects against London’s frequent rain and wind.
spring|fall|winter|summer specific
Water bottle
To stay hydrated during warmer weather.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
For capturing historic streetscapes and memorable pub moments.