Old Portsmouth and Dickens Walk

This 90-minute guided tour traces Charles Dickens' connection to Portsmouth - where he lived as a child and drew inspiration for stories. You'll walk narrow cobbled streets unchanged since the 1800s, see his birthplace (still standing), and hear tales of Georgian taverns and shipyard life. The tour combines literary history with Old Portsmouth's medieval street layout and defensive walls. Best for literature lovers and photography enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 1.5 hours. Group size: 2-15. You meet at Square Tower, Old Portsmouth. Key highlights: Walk the birthplace streets where Dickens spent early childhood, Enter Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum (entry separate), See original 300-year-old timber-frame buildings still in use.

Price: £12

Duration: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-15

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: literature lovers and photography enthusiasts

Best time: Summer evenings (June-August) offer light until 9pm for photography. Spring (April-May) has fewer tourists. Avoid November-February for wet, slippery streets.

Meeting point: Square Tower, Old Portsmouth

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Meet time Assemble at Square Tower and receive tour briefing with historical context - Guide explains Dickens' family background and why Portsmouth shaped his writing.

First 20 minutes Walk uphill from Square Tower through steep narrow streets to Commercial Road - Streets remain largely unchanged since the 1800s, with original Georgian shopfronts and doorways.

20-40 minutes Visit Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum at 393 Commercial Road - The museum occupies his actual childhood home; audio displays cover his Portsmouth memories.

40-70 minutes Walk through Old Portsmouth's medieval street network (High Street, St Thomas Street, Broad Street) - Tour highlights surviving Tudor buildings, 17th-century taverns, and shipyard history.

70-90 minutes Return via the seafront and historic walls with views across the Solent - Guide explains the Round Tower's role in coastal defence and points out gun emplacements.

The whole experience takes 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Square Tower, Old Portsmouth.

• Walk the birthplace streets where Dickens spent early childhood
• Enter Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum (entry separate)
• See original 300-year-old timber-frame buildings still in use
• Learn shipyard history that inspired Dombey and Son
• Photograph narrow lanes used as film locations for period dramas
• Accessibility: Steep cobblestone streets throughout. Not wheelchair accessible. Several flights of stairs between street levels. Groups move slowly, allowing rest stops.

What is included: Guided walk with local guide, Access to Old Portsmouth public streets and walls, Historical storytelling and literary context.

Not included: Entry to Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum (£4 additional), Entry to Round Tower (£4 additional), Food and refreshments. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (steep uneven streets), Camera for period architecture photography, Notepad if taking literary notes, Waterproof jacket (tours run in drizzle). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Summer evenings (June-August) offer light until 9pm for photography. Spring (April-May) has fewer tourists. Avoid November-February for wet, slippery streets..

Tip: Evening tours available in summer

Tip: Small group sizes guaranteed

Accessibility: Steep cobblestone streets throughout. Not wheelchair accessible. Several flights of stairs between street levels. Groups move slowly, allowing rest stops..

Operator: Portsmouth City Guides | Phone: +44 (0)23 9268 3900

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum (2 min walk)
• Portsmouth Cathedral (5 min walk)
• Round Tower (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Portsmouth City Guides.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before; 50% refund 12-24 hours prior; non-refundable within 12 hours.

Accessibility: Steep cobblestone streets throughout. Not wheelchair accessible. Several flights of stairs between street levels. Groups move slowly, allowing rest stops..

Best time to go: Summer evenings (June-August) offer light until 9pm for photography. Spring (April-May) has fewer tourists. Avoid November-February for wet, slippery streets..

Is the Dickens tour suitable for children?

Children 8+ with interest in history enjoy the tour. Younger children find the steep streets and long walk tiring. The tour includes literary content that ages 8-12 may find less engaging than pure history. Groups welcome families and adjust pace accordingly.

Can I visit the Dickens birthplace during the tour?

The tour walks past the birthplace at 393 Commercial Road and points out the exterior. Entry to the museum costs £4 extra and isn't included in the walking tour price. Museum hours are limited (often closed Mondays). Most visitors book separate museum visits.

What's included in the Old Portsmouth walking tour price?

The £12 price covers the 90-minute guided walk, access to public streets and the medieval town layout, and expert commentary on Dickens and local history. Museum entries, photos of interiors, and any refreshments are extra. Parking is available nearby for £2-8.