• Villiers Street - At the initial stop, the guide will discuss how the financial struggles of the Dickens family in the 1820s forced a young Charles, at the age of twelve, to work at Warren’s Blacking factory at Hungerford Stairs. This difficult period in Dickens’ early life instilled a deep fear of poverty in the future literary icon. The guide will explain how this experience influenced much of Dickens’ work and how he kept it a secret throughout his life.

• Craven Street - Dickens was familiar with this street, which has remained largely unchanged since its establishment in 1730. Craven Street was home to two American Founding Fathers, and an American literary rival of Dickens also resided here. Although the two writers never met, you will discover the eerie event they both attended. Dickens was joined by John Leech, the illustrator of A Christmas Carol, and the guide will highlight the illustrator’s significance to the renowned story. What aspect of Doctor David Rees’ house inspired one of the most iconic images in literary history?

• Adelphi Theatre - The guide will discuss how Charles Dickens’ stories were frequently adapted into plays, often without his permission or financial compensation. A Christmas Carol was swiftly turned into theatrical productions, but Dickens did have an official version at the Adelphi Theatre. The guide will reveal how theatre significantly boosted the popularity of A Christmas Carol and Dickens’ other Christmas tales.

• 180 Studios - At the former location of Dickens’ publishers Chapman and Hall, the guide will unveil the origins of A Christmas Carol. By the early 1840s, Charles Dickens was globally renowned, so why was he facing financial difficulties, and how did this influence the creation of one of the world’s most famous stories? Discover how this quintessentially London tale was actually conceived during Dickens’ visit to the northwest of England.

• St. Mary le Strand - Charles Dickens’ parents were married at St Mary Le Strand. Learn about how they met and how Charles was named after a relative who narrowly avoided execution.

• Brabant Court - At this hidden gem, the guide will describe the living conditions of the characters in A Christmas Carol and what London looked like in 1843 when the book was published. Discover how Dickens created the character of Scrooge, and the guide will walk you through the story starting with Stave One - Marley’s Ghost, the first of five parts of the Christmas classic.

• Mansion House of City of London - The literary guide will discuss Stave Two - The First Of The Three Spirits and reveal A Christmas Carol locations connected to Dickens’ past. Is it mere coincidence that Scrooge’s sister shares the name of Charles Dickens’ favorite sister? Learn about Dickens’ first love, which was unrequited, and the reunion he had with her many years later.

• Newman’s Court - The guide will delve into Stave Three - The Second Of The Three Spirits. Bob Cratchit is one of Dickens’ most beloved characters. You will learn about Bob’s experience working as a clerk and why this was significant in the City of London. How did ordinary people live? Why did Dickens place Cratchit and his family in Camden Town?

• The George & Vulture - The guide will introduce one of the oldest dining and drinking establishments in the City of London, a place Dickens frequently visited. How was Christmas celebrated in 1843? Your appetite may be piqued as you hear about the food and drink featured in A Christmas Carol and how working-class people prepared their Christmas meals.

• St Peter-upon-Cornhill Church - The guide will explore Stave Four - The Last Of The Spirits, the most haunting chapter of the classic Christmas tale. How did early Victorians bury their dead? And why were thousands of bodies relocated years later? You will visit Scrooge’s final resting place and learn about the grim reality of City churchyards.

• Leadenhall Market - The tour concludes with hope and festive cheer at the beautiful Leadenhall Market as we explore Stave Five - The End Of It, the final part of Dickens’ timeless classic. Where would Scrooge’s turkey gift have originated? What occurred after the publication of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and how did the public respond? Discover how the book transformed attitudes towards Christmas and led to four additional Christmas books. How did it become the most famous of Charles Dickens’ works and one of the most renowned stories worldwide?

• Guiding Fees

• Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)

Delve into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens and experience the wonder of ‘A Christmas Carol’ right where it all started — in the heart of Victorian London.

Join knowledgeable guides and storytellers as they take you through the evocative streets that inspired Dickens’ cherished story. From the narrow lanes of the City to the historic structures resonating with the essence of Scrooge, Marley, and Tiny Tim, this tour unveils the experiences, locations, and city that sparked Dickens’ most renowned work. Guided by experts, you’ll discover the real-life settings and hidden nooks of London that influenced Dickens’ universe, gain intriguing insights into the author’s life and era, and explore the social backdrop of the novella. Throughout the journey, enjoy captivating readings, seasonal allure, and the hidden gems of London that many visitors overlook.

Ideal for literature enthusiasts, families, and holiday travelers — this tour is a festive voyage through history, brimming with warmth, wonder, and Dickensian joy.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.