
Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour worth booking?
Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from £291 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (15)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- £291 per person
This atmospheric and quirky area is tucked away to such an extent that many Londoners are not even familiar with it. You will see unusual architecture from bygone centuries in this "oldie-worldy" area, such as Temple Church, which has stood on the same site for more than 800 years. You may even see barristers going past wearing their distinctive wigs and gowns. For fans of Charles Dickens you will follow in the footsteps of the great writer, as your guide brings Dickensian London to life with stories and annecdotes about the author of "A Christmas Carol" and "Great Expectations".
What you get
About this experience
This atmospheric and quirky area is tucked away to such an extent that many Londoners are not even familiar with it. You will see unusual architecture from bygone centuries in this "oldie-worldy" area, such as Temple Church, which has stood on the same site for more than 800 years. You may even see barristers going past wearing their distinctive wigs and gowns. For fans of Charles Dickens you will follow in the footsteps of the great writer, as your guide brings Dickensian London to life with stories and annecdotes about the author of "A Christmas Carol" and "Great Expectations".
What's included
Included
- Friendly Blue Badge Private Guide
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Inns of Court
This unique walking tour covers 2 different themes which are intertwined, as the novelist, Charles Dickens, worked in the area of Legal London, and used the area as the setting for scenes in his novels. Your guide will take you through a hidden and wonderful area that is “off the beaten track”. Much of the area is pedestrianised and very peaceful. The walk is around the Temple area, covering the Inns of Court (professional legal institutions), passing their historic buildings with grand dining halls, chapels, attractive gardens, and quaint alleyways . Your guide will include several stops for external views of the buildings, which are still occupied by barristers and other legal professionals today. You will also see where Charles Dickens worked as a legal clerk. Your guide will show you where Dickens set the opening scenes of "Bleak House", the shop which was probably the inspiration for "The Old Curiosity Shop" and the site of Dicken's first home after his marriage.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Meet outside Temple Underground Station.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet outside Temple Underground Station.
Options you can book
German/French/ Italian languag
English-language tour
English language tour : Flexible dates and times - please ask the guide Carol if you'd prefer a different start time.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CAROL HOWARD London Blue Badge Tourist Guide - Private Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 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.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Take any tour with Carol Howard!
Don't question it, just do any tour with Carol. She is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. She has a lovely kind demeanor and is sensitive to her guests' needs, as well as mindful of the timing and pacing for a complete experience. The tour was fantastic and I learned so much. I hope to take it again and bring family just to attempt to soak up a fraction more of the fantastic history and stories shared.
Response from the operator: Many thanks for taking the Legal London and Charles Dickens' London Tour, and thanks for your review. I'm really pleased to hear that you found the tour fantastic and that you're thinking of taking another tour with me ! There are plenty of interesting areas to choose from for walking tours in London, such as Chelsea, Belgravia or Hampstead. There are also other literary themed walks, including Jane Austen's London or Shakespeare's London. Do contact me if you'd like to arrange another tour, thanks.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended London guide
Excellent communication from Carol both before and during our tour set a wonderful tone for the evening. She is exceptionally knowledgeable and brought legal London to life with fascinating facts. Even as locals familiar with the area, we learned so much new history, especially regarding Charles Dickens, who was beautifully integrated into the walk. The two hours flew by. A truly fantastic experience
Response from the operator: Thanks very much for booking the tour and for taking the time to write a review. It was a joy to spend the evening with such an interested group of ladies ! The Inns of Court is a quirky area, full of unusual buildings that have remained unchanged for centuries, as well as being a virtually traffic-free area where you forget that you're in a big capital city ! Thanks again and all the best !
via Tripadvisor
The inns of court
What a wonderful eye opening tour. Secret London indeed - all revealed. Highly knowledgeable, experienced and friendly guide. Perfect
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for coming on the tour, and also for your kind review. It was great to spend the evening with such a well-informed group. The Inns of Court is a peaceful area with beautiful gardens and a unique atmosphere - perfect for an evening in late summer! Thanks again and best wishes.
via Tripadvisor
London's Legal Heart and Dickens
Carol is extremely knowledgeable and provided a wealth of facts and interesting insights into the legal centre of London and its connections to Charles Dickens. Very enjoyable tour.
Response from the operator: The pleasure was all mine, but thank you for your kind words. It's good to know that you enjoyed the tour ! I think that you're a kindred spirit, as we both love reading Charles Dickens's novels, but no prior knowledge is needed for this walking tour. The Inns of Court is a very atmospheric area where anyone can enter the world of Dickens. Thanks again and best wishes.
via Tripadvisor
Top class guide, in every aspect.
Carol was a truly superb guide. She deftly wove the legal and Dickensian themes together and was incredibly knowledgeable about both. She was extremely well organised and fitted a great deal, of fascinating interest, into the two hours.
Response from the operator: It was a joy and great fun to show the Legal London area to you and the rest of the group ! We're lucky in London in that there is always a new nook, cranny or unusual area to discover. I'm glad if I managed to show you a place that even Londoners don't always discover by themselves. Thanks and best wishes.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- £291 to £328
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at £291 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour?
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Around 5 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour?
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Included: Friendly Blue Badge Private Guide; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour?
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Meet outside Temple Underground Station. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian and French. 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking 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.
Is Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking 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 Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour?
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Across 15 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Private Secret Legal London and Dickens' London Walking Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including German/French/ Italian languag, English-language tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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