Chasing Dickens: A Writer’s Journey Through London

4.58 (53 ratings)
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You came to London to write—but the words won’t come, and the nights grow longer. Then one evening, wandering through foggy streets in search of clarity, you see him: a man in a black top hat, with an intensity in his eyes that stops you cold. He looks just like Charles Dickens. You know it can’t be, but something about him feels real… important.

In this atmospheric walking quest, you’ll follow the figure through the streets that once inspired Dickens himself. Solve puzzles, uncover literary clues, and explore hidden corners of London’s Victorian past.

Perfect for curious minds, history lovers, and creative souls, this real-world adventure blends story, movement, and memory-making. Will this journey unlock the writer within—or lead you somewhere even more unexpected?

Availability:

  • Can be played on
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • During these hours
    Whole day

  • Languages
    English

Highlights

  • Learn about Dickens’s extraordinary life, from child labourer to celebrated writer.

  • Explore the once brutal and crime-ridden streets of Clerkenwell and the stately legal district of Holborn where Dickens studied and worked.

  • Discover the darkened bars and inns where lawyers once jostled with scoundrels and Dickens met the colourful characters that would crowd his novels.

Storyline

You are an aspiring writer in London. 

Since you have been here, you haven’t been able to write or sleep. You go for a walk to calm your mind and see an intense young man in a black top hat and coat. 

He resembles Charles Dickens, the famous Victorian writer who first inspired you to write. You know Dickens is long dead, but you become convinced that this man holds the key to breaking your spell of writer’s block. You decide to follow him.

Experience's route

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Starting point Charles Dickens Museum
48-49 Doughty St, Holborn, London WC1N 2LX, UK
Finish point Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU, UK

Places you will visit

12

It will take you

48-78 mins

You will walk

4600 steps

Total distance

3.5 km

  • Best during the day
  • Kid friendly
  • Best for couples
  • Recommended activity for families
People exploring Glasgow with Questo

Get the Questo app and you’re all set

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Ratings and Reviews

4.58

53 ratings

5 Stars
68%
4 Stars
25%
3 Stars
6%
2 Stars
2%
1 Star
0%
Reviews
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lizzi

09 Mar 2025
a few of the places we needed to be were closed as we did this on a Sunday. but it didn’t hinder the search. we just used a hint. brilliant search. thanks so much.

Dave

09 Mar 2025
Great way to explore London. Lots of places closed on a Sunday though but doesn’t take away from the experience.

John Leggett

03 Oct 2024

Gina Medaglia

20 Aug 2024

pauli

28 Oct 2023

What does a Questo Experience look like?

  • Walk, Solve & Explore the Real World

    Download the Questo app, pick your self-guided adventure, and start exploring. Follow clues, solve puzzles, and unlock hidden stories as you discover new locations—all at your own pace.

  • Visit cities with Sightseeing Quests

    For your next trip, explore by going on a sightseeing quest without a guide. Enjoy the flexibility of starting and stopping the experience whenever you want, without the fear of missing out on the best places to visit or the best stories to learn.

  • Make Your Date Unforgettable

    Turn an ordinary date into an adventure for two. Stroll through scenic streets, solve puzzles together, and share memorable moments. Perfect for couples, first dates, or even proposals.

  • Role-play in your city

    Attend a Questo Event, and immerse yourself in your favourite stories. Dress up in a costume for extra fun.

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