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London: A Christmas Carol & Dicken's Inspiration Walking Tour

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| London, England
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from $242.73 per group (up to 15)

Lowest Price Guarantee
The Royal Exchange Building. Somewhere that both Dickens and Scrooge would know very well.
The George and Vulture Pub which was a favourite 'haunt' of Charles Dickens.
The stunning Leadenhall Market.
Explore hidden parts of London
Leadenhall Market, where your tour will finish.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.
2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore the world of Charles Dickens and discover the magic of 'A Christmas Carol' where it all began — in the heart of Victorian London.

Follow your expert guide and storytellers as they lead you through atmospheric streets that inspired Charles Dickens’ beloved tale. From the narrow alleys of the City to the historic buildings that echo with the spirit of Scrooge, Marley, and Tiny Tim, this tour reveals the experiences, sites, and city that inspired Dickens’ most famous creation. Led by expert guides, you'll uncover the real-life locations and hidden corners of London that shaped Dickens’ world, hear fascinating insights into the author's life and times, and explore the social history behind the novella. Along the way, enjoy dramatic readings, seasonal charm, and hidden corners of London that many visitors miss.

Perfect for literature lovers, families, and holiday travellers — this tour is a festive journey through the past, full of warmth, wonder, and Dickensian cheer.

What's Included

  • Guiding Fees
  • As part of the tour we will take the London Underground. Customers will need a valid ticket, oyster card or contactless payment method to use the Underground network.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Embankment station
Embankment Place, London WC2N 6NS, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Gracechurch Street
London EC3V 1LT, UK

The tour will finish at Leadenhall Market, a short walk from Bank and Monument Stations

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Villiers Street

At the first stop, it will be revealed how the Dickens family's financial difficulties in the 1820s led to the twelve-year-old Charles having to work at Warren’s Blacking factory at Hungerford Stairs. This traumatic chapter in Dickens’ childhood instilled a great fear of poverty in the future literary genius. The guide will reveal how much of Dickens’ work was inspired by the event and how it was kept secret by Dickens for his whole life.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Craven Street

Dickens knew this street well and it has hardly changed since it was laid out in 1730. Craven Street was the home of two American Founding Fathers and a contemporary American literary rival to Dickens also stayed here. Although the two writers never met you will learn what macabre event they both attended. Dickens was accompanied by John Leech, the illustrator of A Christmas Carol and the guide will explain the illustrator's importance to the famous story. And what feature of Doctor David Rees’ house inspired one the most famous images in literary history?
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Adelphi Theatre

Your guide will explain how the stories of Charles Dickens were very often, quickly turned into plays and most of the time without his consent and without him receiving any money. A Christmas Carol was turned into theatrical productions very quickly but Dickens did have an official version at the Adelphi Theatre. Your guide will reveal how theatre had a huge impact on the popularity of A Christmas Carol and Dickens’ other Christmas books.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

180 Studios

At the former site of Dickens’ publishers Chapman and Hall, the guide will reveal the genesis of A Christmas Carol. By the early 1840s, Charles Dickens was world famous so why was he having money problems, and how did this influence the creation of one of the world’s most famous stories? Hear how this quintessential London story was actually thought up during Dickens’ visit to the north west of England.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. Mary le Strand

Charles Dickens’ parents were married at St Mary Le Strand. Discover how they met and how Charles was named after a relative who narrowly escaped the hangman’s noose.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Brabant Court

At this little-known gem, the guide will reveal the living conditions for the characters in A Christmas Carol and what London looked like in 1843 when A Christmas Carol was published. Learn how Dickens thought up the character of Scrooge, and your guide will go through the story beginning with Stave One - Marley’s Ghost, the first of five parts of the Christmas classic.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mansion House of City of London

Your literary guide will talk about Stave Two - The First Of The Three Spirits and reveal A Christmas Carol locations with links to Dickens’ past. Is it a coincidence that Scrooge’s sister has the same name as Charles Dickens’ favourite sister? Learn about Dickens’ first and unrequited love and the reunion he had with her many years later.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Newman's Court

Your guide will explore Stave Three - The Second Of The Three Spirits. Bob Cratchit is one of Dickens’ most well-known and best-loved characters. You will hear what it was like for Bob to work as a clerk and why this was important in the City of London. How did everyday people live? Why did Dickens place Cratchit and his family in Camden Town?
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The George & Vulture

Your guide will reveal one of the oldest places to eat and drink in the City of London and a place where Dickens regularly visited. How was Christmas observed in 1843? Your mouth may water and stomach rumble as you hear about the food and drink featured in A Christmas Carol and how working people prepared their Christmas dinners.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St Peter-upon-Cornhill Church

Your guide will explore Stave Four - The Last Of The Spirits, the eeriest chapter of the classic Christmas book. How did the early Victorians bury their dead? And why were thousands of bodies moved years later? You will visit Scrooge’s final resting place and learn about the true horror of City churchyards.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Leadenhall Market

We end the tour with hope and Christmas cheer at the stunning Leadenhall market as we explore Stave Five - The End Of It, the final part of Dickens’ timeless classic. Where would Scrooge's gift of a turkey have come from? What happened after the publication of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and how did the reading public react to it. Hear how the book changed people's attitude to Christmas and how it led to four further Christmas books. How did it become the most well-known of Charles Dickens’ books and one of the most well-known stories in the world?
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London: A Christmas Carol & Dicken’s Inspiration Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-192133P65

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 19 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the London: A Christmas Carol & Dicken’s Inspiration Walking Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Guiding Fees.
The following is NOT included:
  • As part of the tour we will take the London Underground. Customers will need a valid ticket, oyster card or contactless payment method to use the Underground network.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the London: A Christmas Carol & Dicken's Inspiration Walking Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for London: A Christmas Carol & Dicken’s Inspiration Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Guiding Fees
  • As part of the tour we will take the London Underground. Customers will need a valid ticket, oyster card or contactless payment method to use the Underground network.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name