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Oliver Twist Private Tour: A Journey into 1837 London
From Angel to Farringdon – Discover the Streets of Dickensian London
Step back in time to the London of 1837, a city teetering on the edge of change. The Victorian era had just begun, yet the great social reforms of the Age of Improvement were still years away. Poverty and crime were rife, workhouses loomed over the destitute, and the city’s criminal underworld flourished in its dark, winding alleys.
On this exclusive private walking tour, led by a qualified London guide, you’ll follow the route described in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, tracing the final leg of Oliver’s journey into the capital’s most notorious corners.
Starting at Angel Tube Station, we step into the pages of Dickens’ novel, where the Artful Dodger first introduces young Oliver to the world of thieves and scoundrels. As we make our way to Farringdon, we’ll pass through streets Dickens knew intimately, uncovering the real-life inspirations behind his characters, settings, and social commentary.
What to Expect on Your Private Tour
Tailored Experience – As a private tour, this walk is exclusive to your group, allowing for a personalised experience. Whether you’re a Dickens enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about London’s past, your guide will adapt the tour to suit your interests.
Expert Storytelling from a Qualified Guide – With years of experience bringing London’s history to life, your guide will transport you to the streets of 19th-century London, painting vivid pictures of the era’s hardships, villains, and survivors.
A Deep Dive into Dickens’ World – We’ll explore:
- The real streets that inspired Oliver Twist and how they’ve changed (or not) since Dickens’ time.
- The grim reality of workhouses, the Poor Law, and the social divide between rich and poor.
- The burial practices of the time, from paupers’ graves to the scandal of body snatching.
- The infamous crime hotspots of Hockley-in-the-Hole and Saffron Hill, once teeming with pickpockets, highwaymen, and shady characters like Fagin and Bill Sikes.
A Walk Through London’s Underworld – Discover how Dickens’ work was rooted in reality, exposing the city’s hidden slums and criminal networks. Victorian London was a treacherous place, especially after dark, where thieves and rogues lurked in wait. We’ll step into that world and see it through Dickens’ eyes.
Tour Details
Start: Angel Tube Station
End: Farringdon
⏳ Duration: 90 minutes
♿ Step-free route – fully accessible
This private tour offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Oliver Twist and the Artful Dodger, discovering the story behind the story with an experienced London guide.
Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Dickensian London.
Oliver Twist Private Tour Reviews
FionaHazel is a brilliant, knowledgeable and engaging guide. Throughly enjoyable and strongly recommended.
JanA delightful and informative walk with ace Guide Hazel. So many insights into Victorian society and attitudes towards the poor, good and evil in people, how it compares to our behaviour today. I can dine out on these stories and anecdotes for months! The tour ended at The One Tun pub, described by Dickens as the haunt of Bill Sykes, now the purveyor of good beer and delicious food. Yes reader, I tried it out!
GaryPlease Sir (or in this case Mrs), may I have more?? Well, in this case, it was my third guided walk with Hazel, and yes, I did and how!! She may pick a pocket or two, but to be honest, for the pleasure of the walk, she can do it anytime. At least I know where Fagin’s lair is, so, I can get my bits back anytime. What more can I say, though ” I am reviewing the situation” I will be going back for more.
EmmaYou do not have to be a fan of Oliver Twist to go on this tour. It covers Dickens and lots Victorian generic history. As a local was particularly interested in the walk from Angel to Farringdon.
Gullible88Hazel is a truly wonderful tour guide and for this tour was extremely knowledgeable and able to paint vivid pictures of life in early Victorian times, which was far from pleasant for many people. Tripadvisor lists the excellent private tours and the company’s website also lists scheduled tours which are also excellent value for money.
RosieHazel was an excellent guide. Very informative and walked at a good pace. Great to see new areas of London and learn new things. Would go on another walk with them again.
SigiI really enjoyed this tour. The 90 minutes flew by as Hazel successfully combined literature, social history and actual locations. She is an engaging person and a knowledgeable guide who was thoroughly prepared. I actually started reading Oliver Twist again when I returned home, which is a massive compliment to our guide Hazel. Thank you.
Clive BWe thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating walk. Brilliantly conceived as a tracing of the steps of Oliver Twist arriving in London. The ‘story’ was intertwined with plenty of other material which, overall, painted a wonderfully evocative picture of Victorian London. The guide thoughtfully and skilfully involved a couple of under 10s. Plenty of invitations for questions. I would not hesitate in recommending this company’s walking tours.
SuzannahExtremely enjoyable and interesting walk in a fascinating part of London. Hazel was a compelling guide who was enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable. Great way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
