
Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour worth booking?
Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $107 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (11)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $107 per person
Treat yourself to a very small group tour around the sites immortalised by one of the most famous authors in the world, Charles Dickens. This tour takes you on a journey through Dickens life, and to the very sites that still survive much as he would have remembered them. Your guide will bring to life the Hidden Courts, Alleys and Taverns featured in novels such as Oliver Twist, The Old Curiosity Shop, Little Doritt and many more. The tour includes free entry to the Charles Dickens Museum located in the very house he wrote Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and The Pickwick Papers. • See the places Charles Dickens lived and worked • Real locations featured in the stories • Explore hidden Alleys, Courts, and Taverns • A very small group tour for more personalised attention. • Includes hidden sites
What you get
About this experience
Treat yourself to a very small group tour around the sites immortalised by one of the most famous authors in the world, Charles Dickens. This tour takes you on a journey through Dickens life, and to the very sites that still survive much as he would have remembered them. Your guide will bring to life the Hidden Courts, Alleys and Taverns featured in novels such as Oliver Twist, The Old Curiosity Shop, Little Doritt and many more. The tour includes free entry to the Charles Dickens Museum located in the very house he wrote Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and The Pickwick Papers. • See the places Charles Dickens lived and worked • Real locations featured in the stories • Explore hidden Alleys, Courts, and Taverns • A very small group tour for more personalised attention. • Includes hidden sites
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Fleet Street
Home of the printed press since 1500, with many important links to Charles Dickens and locations from his stories.
10 minutes here
Inner Temple
Let's explore the area where Dicken's worked as a junior Clerk. From the mysterious Inns of Court he took inspiration that would later find it's way in to David Copperfield, Great Expectations, and Martin Chuzzlewit.
15 minutes here
A Tavern with Cellars dating to the 13th Century. This Pub was a haunt of Dickens and a meeting place for the Hellfire Club. David Copperfield drinks here in the Novel of the same name.
30 minutes here
St. Paul's Cathedral
The first location mentioned in A Christmas Carol, and a major London landmark. We will walk by this incredible Cathedral and through the Church yard as we pass deep in to the old City of London.
Pass by without stopping
The Guild Church of ST Mary Aldermary
This ancient Church now houses a popular Cafe, and is still a working Guild Church right in the heart of the city. A perfect place for a short rest and a refreshment stop.
10 minutes here
Royal Exchange Building London
Right next to the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange is where the Ghost of Christmas yet to come takes Scrooge to see his colleagues discussing his funeral. The steps of the Exchange are the traditional spot where Royal announcements are made. Today you can cross the trading floor, but the bankers are long gone. Now designer shops, and Champagne bars attract the visitors attention.
10 minutes here
Leadenhall Market
Featured in A Christmas Carol, and most recently as a filming location for the Harry Potter Movies.
10 minutes here
Let's get off the beaten path and head deep into the world of Ebeneezer Scrooge and 'A Christmas Carol' as we visit Scrooge's Counting House, the place where he took supper on Christmas Eve, and Charles Dickens favourite Chop House the George and Vulture. If Dickens was on this tour with us, he would be able to go in to the George and Vulture, find his favourite table, and even order his favourite meal. Not a lot has changed. This atmospheric old tavern was the meeting place of the Pickwick Club and is mentioned over 20 times in the Pickwick Papers. The equally unchanged Tavern round the corner, Simpsons is most likely Scrooge's favourite eating spot. Your guide will explain why!
15 minutes here
Is this small court the location of Ebeneezer Scrooge's house? Let's examine the evidence.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Outside by the base of the the steps
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Richards Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
One of the best tours I’ve been on
Richard is a wonderful tour guide. It was clear that he has thoroughly researched his subject matter. He presented it with passion and enthusiasm. He made history, and Dickens’ characters, come to life before my eyes. I will reread Charles Dickens books now.
via Viator
A Treat while in London
To be thoroughly immersed in Dickens London was a really special treat for me, him being one of my favourite authors. Our guide was very knowledgeable and took good care of us on our meanderings through the streets and hidden alleyways. He gave us extra pieces of interesting facts along the way that weren’t related to Dickens but added to the experience. Very well presented tour, nice for it to be a small group also as some of the places you go would be difficult in a large group.
via Tripadvisor
Real life Dickens London locals!
Our guide, Richard, was very friendly, arrived on time, and had lots of fun historical facts and side stories relating to Charles Dickens. We loved how he showed us, based on Dickens own writings, exactly the London locations used in his novels. Really brought it all to life! Would highly recommend.
Response from the operator: This is such a great review. Thank you so much, I truly appreciate it. Hope to see you again on a future trip!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Walking Tour for History Buffs and Dickens Fans
This was an informative and interesting tour that covered almost 3 hours and the life of Dickens. I was actually the only one in the tour so was able to ask questions. Richard is an interesting and knowledgeable guide, both about Dickens’ life and great works as well as the history of the City of London where most of the tour took place. Richard also pointed out locations where scenes from famous films such as Bridget Jones’ Diary, Harry Potter, and Da Vinci Code were shot. I highly recommend this tour to see areas of the City of London that are off the beaten path and to learn more about Dickens’ life.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Suzanne. It was a pleasure to meet you. I really appreciate your kind words and great review. Thank you.
via Viator
Dickens Live in London!
Whether you are a reader or not, this walking tour will introduce you to Dickens and his characters living in Victorian London. Richard is a phenomenal guide brimming with history, steaped in Dickens and grounded in modern day Britain. Lots of iconic pictures and inspiration, to read Dickens as a social advocate and keen observer. Meeting place is very easy to find and the tour ends near Leaderhall which has many great eating establishments. Thank you for this memorable morning.
Response from the operator: What a wonderful review! Thank you so much Julia. It was a pleasure to meet you and show you around the oldest parts of London. I enjoyed having such an interesting, and interested guest. Hope to see you on one of my other tours! Thanks again. Richard.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Richards Tours, who run 20 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.4.
See everything Richards Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour cost?
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Prices start at $107 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 11 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour?
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Included: Professional guide. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour?
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Outside by the base of the the steps Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Charles Dickens Old London - Very Small Group Tour?
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Across 11 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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