Explore the City's Ancient Alleyways in the Footsteps of Charles Dickens

London, United Kingdom

(24)

Walking Tour

30 mins

1.2mi

About the Tour

On this walk we will see actual places that Dickens visited as well as places mentioned in his novels. Starting at St Paul's Cathedral, which dominated London in Victorian times, we wend our way through ancient alleyways and churchyards, such as St Peter's, Cheapside where the young Dickens first arrived in London. We hear stories about the characters connected with the City especially Ebenezer Scrooge who saw the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come on the steps of the Royal Exchange. We end at the ornate Leadenhall Market, a favourite place for Dickensian films.

Tour Producer

Brian Cookson

After qualifying as a Russian Interpreter during National Service, I obtained a BA in Russian and German at Oxford University. I spent most of my working life as a computer consultant, mainly working for IBM. When I retired, I qualified as a London Blue Badge Guide. I lead guided walking tours all over London and have written two books - 'London Waterside Walks' and 'Crossing the River', published by Mainstream.

Information on my tours and lectures can be found at http://www.lonwalk.ndirect.co.uk/.

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Map

Major Landmarks

St Paul's Cathedral
Guildhall London
Mansion House London
Royal Exchange London
St Peter-upon-Cornhill
Leadenhall Market

Directions to Starting Point

Take the Central Line to St Paul's Underground Station. Go up the steps at the St Paul's exit, which is the exit to the south side of Newgate.

Show Directions

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

St Paul's, Guildhall, Royal Exchange, Leadenhal Market

Best time of day

Daytime is best especially if you want to visit Guildhall. It is much quieter at weekends when offices are closed.

Precautions

Keep an eye on your belongings. Try and find Pedestrain Crossings as traffic can be unpredictable.

Comments

Superb

Posted by Anonymous Explorer , 3 months ago

Voice excellent. Route good with hidden alleys one would not find otherwise. Using Dickens as a theme helped impart a sense of story and narrative. The GPS is often unreliable due to the narrow passages and covered walkways.

Posted by TellBetter , almost 3 years ago

A good opportunity to relate familiar or unfamiliar streets to Dickens. Through some alleys with ancient pubs I used to frequent in years gone by. All in all a good guide.
(Would help to have a quick explanation of what "livery" companies are especially as many listeners will not be so familiar ... also, the spelling in the text is incorrect which will be even more confusing for some ... )

Posted by Colin , almost 6 years ago

Thank you for the heads-up about the typo, Colin. It's been fixed now.

Posted by Lauren , almost 6 years ago

Dickens would have been amazed

Posted by Kent , about 6 years ago

A great insight into some of the little alleys ways in London! An informative look into the 'Charles Dickens London!' Be sure to put on your walking shoes and listen closely as he takes you along the road less travelled!

Posted by Sara H , almost 7 years ago