Victorian Christmas Walks with London Guided Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people comfortable with walking 1.5 miles at a leisurely pace on city streets.
Overview
Step back into Victorian London’s festive streets with London Guided Walks Private Tours. Discover how Charles Dickens shaped Christmas traditions on this 90-minute walking journey through the city’s historic heart.
Private A Victorian Christmas
90 minutes • For up to 30 People • All ages
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 90-minute walking tour through Victorian London, exploring the origins of cherished Christmas traditions. Led by an expert guide, discover how Charles Dickens influenced the festive season while wandering historic streets. Experience the transformation of Christmas from a modest celebration to a grand holiday, ending at the enchanting Somerset House.
It is on this guided walk we delve into what makes a Victorian Christmas
Suitable for all age groups. Please note all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Duration
90 minutes
About
Christmas is a time of year steeped in tradition. Want to know where some of those traditions come from?
At the beginning of the 19th century Christmas was hardly celebrated. Many businesses did not even consider it a holiday. But by the end of the century it had become the biggest annual celebration and took on the form we recognise today.
Explore the themes of a Victorian Christmas on a private tour. Take a journey through the City of London and into the City of Westminster, sharing insights and anecdotes about how Victorians celebrated Christmas. Embark on a historic journey this Christmas and discover the origins of some of the season's most cherished traditions.
The City of London is awash with narrow alleyways reminding us of its historic past and it is on this walk where we have the opportunity to explore their evocative nature. Hazel, your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the winding streets of London, sharing anecdotes and insights about how Victorians celebrated the Christmas.
This is the perfect event for history buffs and anyone who wants to learn more about the origins of Christmas traditions. You'll be able to see all the famous sights while learning about this important period in history. It's an experience you won't forget!
Your private Victorian Christmas tour starts at St Paul's cathedral, through old streets of London, exploring lives the Victorians at Christmas, dipping into Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. From carols to Christmas trees, this is an experience you won't want to miss!
Start: St Paul's Cathedral
Finish: Somerset House
We can collect you from a historical pub.
Book your private Victorian Christmas tour now.
A Victorian Christmas Tour Reviews:
Karen S, Brockley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Fantastic, full of information, unknown facts, and built a vivid picture of Victorian Christmas."
Sarah B, London ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Another great offering Hazel , expertly delivered as ever with fun and pzzazz."
Gerald, LA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Thanks Hazel for a wonderful walk! Definitely looking forward to coming to another walk soon."
Matt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Lots of fun wandering around St Paul's and Fleet Street, ending by the Somerset House Skating Rink. Hazel is such a warm and friendly person - the perfect guide. I'd recommend all her tours."
Karen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Hazel was fantastic funny interesting humorous clever informative and made the whole experience very very worthwhile (I also think she ordered NO rain !!!) would love to book with her again thank you Hazel.
We have done a few walking tours with various guides and Hazel is one of the best. Always learn something new from her and have a lot of fun too. She is so enthusiastic and takes you along with her humour and laughter."
Helen ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I love Hazel's tours! Lovely for me to be able to attend with my baby in his pram too. The walk was both informative and fun at a reasonable pace, opening my eyes to places I had never spotted before. Great stories and a friendly atmosphere."
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tour covers about 1.5 miles on mainly paved historic streets, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential.
Dress for the Weather
London’s winter can be chilly and wet; layering and a waterproof jacket will keep you comfortable throughout the tour.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Meet your guide 10 minutes before the scheduled start at St Paul’s Cathedral to ensure a prompt departure.
Bring a Bottle of Water
Though the walk isn’t strenuous, staying hydrated helps maintain energy, especially during crisp winter days.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons commonly seen around St Paul’s Cathedral
- Urban foxes occasionally spotted in the area at dusk
History
Victorian Christmas traditions grew in popularity largely due to Charles Dickens' influence, who immortalized the holiday spirit in his 1843 novella 'A Christmas Carol'.
Conservation
While primarily a city tour, London Guided Walks Private Tours promotes walk-based travel to reduce carbon footprint and encourages respectful interaction with the historic urban environment.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
To stay dry during London’s unpredictable autumn rain.
fall specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Paved city streets demand supportive footwear for a pleasant experience.
Layered Clothing
Layers help adjust to London's chill and varying indoor/outdoor temperatures.
winter specific
Camera or Smartphone
To capture atmospheric Victorian architecture and festive street scenes.