A London Walking Tour to Rediscover Charles Dicken’s Life

Charles Dickens is one of the most eminent figures in the British literary canon. As Portsmouth was his birthplace, he spent most of his life in London city. If you are a fan of Charles Dicken’s incredible work, you would love to know that London has plenty of places where the legendary English novelist and critic left his mark. Explore the famous sites that inspired his work, places he called home and more. Read on to take a fabulous journey, discovering the man’s life as you take this self-guided walking tour of the city and explore its unique side!

Tavistock House

Your walking tour starts at Tavistock House where Dicken lived from 1851 to 1860. The famed house is located on the Northern side of Tavistock Square in Central London’s Bloomsbury area. The building which is now the headquarters of the British Medical Association is where Charles Dickens lived with his family and wrote some of his notable works. This includes Hard Times, Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities and Little Dorrit.

It’s always the best decision to choose a supremely comfortable base in the heart of the city with The Barbican Rooms Hotel. This way, you won’t have to think twice before taking a scenic walk and exploring London at your own pace. After you’ve taken in the view of Dicken’s residence, it’s time to get to your next stop, as you find the Charles Dicken’s Museum on Doughty Street.

The Charles Dickens Museum 

The popular Charles Dickens Museum beautifully makes its home out of the residence where the legendary writer lived at the start of his career. The iconic museum is where he finished writing The Pickwick Papers and most important of all, Oliver Twist. A well-worth checking out stop on the tour, it remains open from Wednesday to Sunday, and the opening time is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Easily accessible from opulent hotels near Barbican, the museum’s very new ‘Mutual Friends’ exhibition opens on 15th November and celebrates the most pivotal friendship of Dicken’s life with writer Wilkie Collins.

Gray’s Inn

Take a small stroll down Doughty Street, turn left on Roger Street, follow the High Holborn route and you’ll find yourself at Gray’s Inn. This centuries-old legal institution is part of London’s Inns of Court where Dicken’s once worked as a Solicitor’s clerk. Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore this iconic site, featuring a few of his most notable novels. Find the chambers of Mr Perker from The Pickwick Papers and Tommy Traddles in David Copperfield, here. Take some time to wander through the tranquil gardens and soak in the vibe of this place as famous book characters knew it.

Lincoln’s Inn

Located in Holborn, with your luxe hotel in London city, right at the doorstep, you’ll find Lincoln’s Inn. It also features heavily in Charles Dicken’s works. The most dramatic mentions of this historically rich spot can be seen in Barnaby Rudge, a novel based on real-life events during the Gordon Riots.

Be it any type of trip you’re planning, a short business trip or a family stay, find the best meeting rooms in the city of London, with bespoke service for utmost convenience.