Charles Dickens Museum
Step into the world of Charles Dickens at his only surviving London home, where history, literature, and Victorian life come alive.
Step into the London townhouse where Charles Dickens lived and wrote some of his most famous novels. The Charles Dickens Museum preserves the author's home, offering an intimate look at his life, work, and Victorian London. Explore carefully restored rooms, personal artefacts, and a peaceful garden, all set in a historic Georgian townhouse in Bloomsbury.
A brief summary to Charles Dickens Museum
- 48-49 Doughty St, London, WC1N 2LX, GB
- +442074052127
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, especially during peak times and special events.
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the house and its exhibits, more if you’re a keen Dickens fan.
- Visit the walled garden for a peaceful spot to reflect on your experience, and enjoy a snack or tea at the on-site café.
- Photography is allowed for personal use without flash, but always check for specific signage or ask staff if unsure.
- Pushchairs and prams are not allowed in the historic house due to space restrictions, but can be left in the cloakroom.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground
The nearest tube station is Russell Square, a 5-minute walk from the museum. Russell Square is served by the Piccadilly Line.
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Bus
Several bus routes stop near the museum, including the 7, 17, 19, 38, 45, 46, 55, and 243, all within a 10-minute walk.
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Walking
From Kings Cross/St Pancras Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the museum, passing through the lively streets of Bloomsbury.
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Cycling
Cycle lanes run through Bloomsbury, and there are bike racks near the museum for secure parking.
Charles Dickens Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Charles Dickens Museum
A Literary Home in Bloomsbury
Nestled in the heart of London’s Bloomsbury district, the Charles Dickens Museum occupies the only surviving London home of the great novelist. At 48-49 Doughty Street, Dickens lived from 1837 to 1839, a period that saw the creation of classics like Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby. The house itself is a Georgian townhouse, typical of the era, and has been lovingly restored to reflect how it might have looked during Dickens’s time. As you wander through the rooms, you’ll encounter original furnishings, personal belongings, and rare manuscripts that bring the author’s world vividly to life.Rooms That Tell a Story
The museum’s layout spans five floors, each revealing a different facet of Dickens’s life. The ground floor features the drawing room, where Dickens entertained guests and hosted lively readings. Upstairs, you’ll find the bedrooms, including the children’s rooms, which are sparsely furnished and divided by iron bars—a haunting reminder of Dickens’s own childhood trauma. The top floor holds the study, where Dickens wrote many of his masterpieces, and the basement kitchen, a warm and bustling space that evokes the daily rhythms of Victorian family life. The museum also includes a walled garden, a peaceful spot to reflect on the experience.Personal Artefacts and Literary Treasures
The collection at the Charles Dickens Museum is one of the most comprehensive in the world, featuring letters, first editions, paintings, and personal items that belonged to Dickens and his family. Highlights include Dickens’s original writing desk, the mirror he used to practise facial expressions for his public readings, and the ring he wore in memory of his sister-in-law, Mary Hogarth. Temporary exhibitions and special events keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors, offering new insights into Dickens’s life and work.A Living Connection to Victorian London
Visiting the Charles Dickens Museum is more than a historical tour; it’s an immersive journey into the world that inspired Dickens’s vivid descriptions. The house’s authentic atmosphere allows you to step back in time and see London through the eyes of one of its greatest storytellers. Knowledgeable staff and audio guides enhance the experience, sharing anecdotes and historical context that bring the author’s world to life. The museum’s intimate setting makes it a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and anyone interested in Victorian London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Brunswick Square Gardens
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Well Court
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Essential places to dine
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
