moderate
90 minutes
Participants should be able to walk for around 1.5 hours over uneven ground including cobblestone streets and steps.
Step into the streets that inspired Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol with this 90-minute guided walk through London’s historic City. Encounter Scrooge’s world, festive surprises, and hidden alleys rich with Victorian history.
90 Minutes • All Ages
Embark on a captivating 90-minute walking tour through the City of London, exploring the streets that inspired Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Led by an engaging guide, uncover the historical context, visit significant locations, and enjoy festive surprises, including a surprise appearance from Scrooge himself. Experience Dickensian London like never before!
Immerse yourself in the world of Charles Dickens this festive season with a captivating walking tour through the heart of the City of London. Explore the streets, alleyways, and landmarks that Dickens himself knew so well, and which vividly come to life in his most famous ghost story, A Christmas Carol.
Join us for a 90-minute journey as we delve into the mystery of where Ebenezer Scrooge might have lived and worked. Though the exact location of the spartan offices of Scrooge and Marley is never pinpointed in the novel, we’ll uncover clues hidden within Dickens' masterful prose that lead us to some intriguing possibilities. As we walk, you’ll be transported back to Victorian London – a world of bustling markets, smoky taverns, and narrow cobblestone lanes where the shadows of the past still linger.
Led by a professional guide, this tour offers much more than just a literary exploration. It’s an opportunity to uncover the social and political history of the City of London during Dickens' time. Learn about the harsh realities faced by the poor and destitute in Victorian society, the stark contrast between wealth and poverty, and how Dickens used A Christmas Carol to highlight the urgent need for social change. You’ll discover how many of the themes in this beloved story were drawn directly from the streets you’ll be walking along.
We’ll wind our way through the hidden nooks of the City, stopping at spots that echo with the spirit of Dickens' era, including sites that evoke the spirit of Scrooge’s redemption and newfound generosity. Along the way, hear fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts about Dickens’ life, his influences, and how this classic tale has shaped Christmas traditions as we know them.
Tour Details: Start: Monument Station Finish: Bank
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes, packed with stories, history, and festive cheer.
Accessibility: Please note the tour involves 12 steps and some cobblestones, so comfortable footwear is advised.
Private Tours: Seeking a more bespoke experience? We can collect you from a historical pub to set the mood for your Dickensian adventure.
So, wrap up warm and join us for an unforgettable stroll through the narrow lanes and grand squares of the City.
Anne(5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I really would recommend this walk. The guide was not only knowledgeable but had a real way of connecting with her audience whatever age they were and whatever historical knowledge they had. She really brought things to life including a surprise appearance by Scrooge himself. It certainly livened up our Christmas Eve."
Frank (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved our tour of the areas Charles Dickens used as a backdrop for his novel A Christmas Carol. Hazel, our tour guide, was fantastic bringing to life all the various areas we traversed during the rich, fact filled, fun walk. I live in London and passed many of these locations without any idea what happened there. London is so rich in places like there I look forward to doing some additional tours in my backyard. Highly recommended."
Janet (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A wonderful evening spent in the company of Hazel who is very knowledgeable and upbeat. My partner really enjoyed seeing parts of the area he didn't know existed and the appearance of Scrooge and the humbugs were wonderful unexpected delights as was the Christmas music being played in Leadenhall Market."
Maxine (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lots of nice touches on this walk - mhumbugs, an appearance from Scrooge. Heather conjured up the days of Charles Dickens and took me to all sorts of places in London that I’d never been to."
Ash (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Hazel was an excellent guide who was a mine of information about the background to A Christmas Carol. She imparted the information at each of the stops with enthusiasm and humour. The walk was on a cold wet and windy day but 90 minutes sped by due to Hazel's knowledge and choice of things to see. Having lived in the capital for over 40 years I discovered new areas on this tour to explore further."
Margaret (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A wonderful experience in spite of Storm Darragh. Hazel took us down hidden alleyways and into secret corners of Scrooge's City of London. Even in familiar spots like Leadenhall Market, she found entertaining clues to the past. Many of the group, like me, were repeat customers who know that Hazel always does her research and creates a memorable event. And humbugs!!"
Becky McAlees (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Hazel was a good tour guide and I definitely learnt new things and saw new sights in the City. I would have liked more reading from the book and follow the narrative of the book e.g. visit Scrooge's office first, then Cornhill, chop house, Scrooge's home, mansion house, the Exchange."
Brenda (5/5) - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Another great walk with Hazel. Always very interesting and so knowledgeable on the subjects Thank you"
The route includes cobblestones and some steps, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential to enjoy the walk fully.
London weather can be unpredictable—bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella especially in colder months.
Be sure to arrive at Monument Station at least 10 minutes before the start time to check in and meet your guide.
The path includes uneven surfaces; watch your step for a safe and enjoyable experience.
The City of London served as the setting for much of Dickens’s work, reflecting the social conditions of Victorian England.
The guided walks promote responsible tourism by encouraging walking over motorized tours, reducing crowd impact on historic sites.
To navigate cobblestones and steps safely and comfortably.
London’s fall weather can be rainy and cold, so waterproof gear keeps you dry.
fall specific
Ideal for carrying water, snacks, and extra layers during the walk.
For those who want to jot down historical facts or personal reflections.