If you’re a literary enthusiast with a penchant for the works of Charles Dickens or if you simply want to explore the city of London in a unique and informed way, a guided literary tour could be the perfect day out for you.
The UK, particularly the city of London, is steeped in literary history. Some of the most famous authors in the world have called this city home; from Shakespeare andJane Austen, to, of course, Charles Dickens. This makes the UK a literary hotspot, offering a multitude of tours focusing on these iconic figures, their lives and their works.
In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the very best guided literary tours in the UK, focusing specifically on the life and work of Charles Dickens. Let’s embark on a journey through time and literature.
London: A Dickens of a Tour
When talking about Dickens, it’s impossible not to mention London. The city is the backdrop of many of his novels and is where he spent much of his life. Therefore, it makes sense that any Dickensian tour would start here.
A ‘Dickens of a Tour’ is a guided walk around London, offering a unique insight into the city that inspired and influenced Dickens. Your guide, knowledgeable and passionate about all things Dickensian, will take you on a journey through time, showing you the places that Dickens frequented and the London landmarks that feature in his novels.
You will visit locations such as the Inns of Court, where Dickens worked as a clerk, and the Charles Dickens Museum, located in the author’s only surviving London house. Here you will get a firsthand view of his study, his personal library and even the bed in which he slept.
This tour is a must-do for any Dickens fan visiting London. However, be prepared to book in advance as these popular tours quickly fill up.
The Dickens House and Museum Tour
If you are someone who loves to delve deep into the life of an author, then the Dickens House and Museum Tour should be on your list. Go beyond the pages of Dickens’ books and step into his world as you explore this museum, housed in what was once Dickens’ home.
The museum itself is a treasure trove of memorabilia, original manuscripts, rare editions and personal items that belonged to Dickens. You can view his writing desk, his reading chair and even the bed in which his sister-in-law, Mary, died – an event that had a profound impact on him.
A professional guide will walk you through the museum, offering unique insights and answering any questions that you might have. This tour is a fantastic opportunity to truly understand the man behind the books and to gain a deeper appreciation of his work.
The Rochester Dickens Festival Tour
Outside of London, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore Dickens’ England. One such opportunity is the annual Dickens Festival in Rochester, a city that Dickens called home for many years and where he wrote many of his famous works.
The festival includes a multitude of events, including parades, performances, readings from Dickens’ works and, of course, guided tours. These tours will take you around the city, showing you the places that featured in Dickens’ works and the places where he spent his time.
Additionally, you can visit the Eastgate House, used as a setting in several of Dickens’ novels, and the Chertsey’s Gatehouse, where Dickens placed the finishing touches on ‘Great Expectations’. This day-long event is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the world of Dickens while also enjoying a fun, festival atmosphere.
The Portsmouth Charles Dickens Birthplace Tour
Finally, for those with a keen interest in Dickens’ early life, there is the Portsmouth Charles Dickens Birthplace Tour. This quaint, terraced house is where Dickens was born on the 7th of February 1812 and is now a museum dedicated to his life.
The house is preserved in the Regency style that would have been fashionable at the time of Dickens’ birth and contains numerous artefacts, including Dickens’ snuff box, inkwell and his mother’s washstand.
Guided tours will provide you with detailed insights into Dickens’ birth and early years, before he moved to London. This tour is an excellent choice for those wanting to understand the humble beginnings of this literary giant.
The Walking with the Wounded Charles Dickens Tour
If you’re looking for a unique perspective on Dickens’ life and works, the Walking with the Wounded Charles Dickens Tour is for you. This tour, run by veterans of the Armed Forces, explores Dickens’ works from the perspective of social inequality and the struggle for survival in Victorian England.
The tour begins at the Old Curiosity Shop, made famous by Dickens’ novel of the same name, and ends at the Charles Dickens Museum. Along the way, your guide will bring to life the harsh realities of Victorian England that Dickens so vividly portrayed in his works.
This tour is not only an excellent way to understand Dickens’ works on a deeper level, but also provides employment opportunities for veterans, making it a great choice for those wanting to give back while they explore.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Charles Dickens Group Tour
Looking to dive even deeper into the historical and literary world of Charles Dickens? Then you might want to consider booking a group tour to Stratford-upon-Avon. Even though it’s most famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Dickens also spent much of his time here, both personally and professionally.
In this unique tour, you’ll have the chance to walk the same streets Dickens traversed, visit the locations that inspired him, and perhaps even feel the same inspiration Dickens felt while composing his timeless works.
The Stratford-upon-Avon Charles Dickens Group Tour offers a mixture of sightseeing and narrative, all done in the company of a knowledgeable guide who can answer any questions you might have about Dickens and his connection to this historic town.
You’ll visit several important locations, including the Shakespeare Globe, where Dickens would often watch plays, which greatly influenced his own writing. In addition, you might have the opportunity to visit the British Library, where you can view some of Dickens’ original manuscripts.
Be prepared for a full day of adventure and discovery. This tour usually lasts around 6-8 hours, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!
The Lake District and Thomas Hardy Literary Tour
If you’re a fan of Dickens, you might also appreciate a tour focusing on another renowned author: Thomas Hardy. The Lake District and Thomas Hardy Literary Tour provides an opportunity to explore another aspect of English literature.
Interestingly, Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy had a connection. Hardy was a great admirer of Dickens and even attended the latter’s funeral. Their works also dealt with similar themes, such as social inequality and the human condition.
This tour will take you to the beautiful Lake District, a place loved by many authors for its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. Here, you can visit places associated with Hardy, like his birthplace and the house where he wrote some of his most famous novels.
The tour also incorporates some exciting Dickensian elements. For instance, you might visit places that Dickens frequented during his many trips to the Lake District.
Both tours highlight the lives, influences, and works of these two literary giants, offering a unique perspective into the world of English literature.
There’s no better way to explore the life and work of Charles Dickens than by embarking on a literary tour in the UK. Whether you’re a literature student, a book lover, or a history enthusiast, these tours offer a unique way to explore the country, its history, and its rich literary tradition.
From London to Portsmouth to Rochester, these tours cover the places that played a significant role in Dickens’ life and his works. Not to mention offering a deep dive into the world of other British authors such as Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, and Thomas Hardy.
Remember to book your tour in advance, and prepare for a full day of discovery. Don’t forget your comfortable shoes and your love for English literature. Whether you’re a fan of “A Tale of Two Cities”, “Oliver Twist”, or “David Copperfield”, these tours promise to bring you closer to the world that inspired Charles Dickens, making his novels come alive in an extraordinary way.
So, pack your bags, grab your copies of Dickens’ novels, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the life and times of one of the greatest authors in the world. There’s a Dickensian adventure waiting for you in the UK!
