Private Tour
Secret Legal London & Dickens' London Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This atmospheric and quirky area is tucked away to such an extent that many Londoners are not even familiar with it. You will see unusual architecture from bygone centuries in this "oldie-worldy" area, such as Temple Church, which has stood on the same site for more than 800 years. You may even see barristers going past wearing their distinctive wigs and gowns.
For fans of Charles Dickens you will follow in the footsteps of the great writer, as your guide brings Dickensian London to life with stories and annecdotes about the author of "A Christmas Carol" and "Great Expectations".
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Inns of Court
This unique walking tour covers 2 different themes which are intertwined, as the novelist, Charles Dickens, worked in the area of Legal London, and used the area as the setting for scenes in his novels. Your guide will take you through a hidden and wonderful area that is “off the beaten track”. Much of the area is pedestrianised and very peaceful. The walk is around the Temple area, covering the Inns of Court (professional legal institutions), passing their historic buildings with grand dining halls, chapels, attractive gardens, and quaint alleyways . Your guide will include several stops for external views of the buildings, which are still occupied by barristers and other legal professionals today. You will also see where Charles Dickens worked as a legal clerk. Your guide will show you where Dickens set the opening scenes of "Bleak House", the shop which was probably the inspiration for "The Old Curiosity Shop" and the site of Dicken's first home after his marriage.
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Refreshments are not included in the cost of the walking tour, nor are gratuities.
Options
German/French/ Italian languag
English-language tour
English language tour : Flexible dates and times - please ask the guide Carol if you'd prefer a different start time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding walking tour of the life and times of Charles Dickens
bleakleyc,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carol was an outstanding guide on our Charles Dickens Walking Tour. She effortlessly wove together the history, architecture, and fascinating stories of Dickens’s life and times. Our tour focused on the atmospheric Temple District, which she brought vividly to life.
Fantastic tour with Carol!
ilmagodellafinanza,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day exploring London with Carol — she’s not only incredibly knowledgeable but also warm, engaging, and full of fascinating stories that brought the city’s history to life. Her passion for London is contagious, and she tailored the tour perfectly to our interests, making every stop memorable. Thank you, Carol, for showing us the city in such a special way — we couldn’t have asked for a better guide! Highly recommended!
Fantastic walking tour for a group of young professionals
354keirar,Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carol was a lovely and incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of each site to life with fascinating stories and insights. Her passion for the subject made the tour engaging and fun, even for those without a legal background. The route was well-planned, covering all the major highlights while allowing plenty of time for questions. I left with a much deeper appreciation for the city’s legal history and would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in law, history, or simply exploring the city in a unique way.
marygJ2256DU,Jul 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carol gave a very interesting and enjoyable tour of Chelsea with just the right level of information. Lovely opportunity to explore the streets and areas of this fascinating part of London with someone who could answer all our questions.
G6044HEphilippel,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting visit to the old quarter of Chelsea. Numerous anecdotes about the historical figures who stayed there and the architectural richness of the place. Carol is a very enthusiastic and professional guide.
Expert guide
claudiasI1823YO,Jul 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carol is a really good person and an experienced tour guide. You can tell that he loves his job very much and it is a great fortune that he can speak English, Italian, German and French. It made the National Gallery tour very interesting and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Tours well worth exploring and worth every penny!
Compass819473,Jun 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend Carol Howard, Blue Badge Guide, for any tour! I enjoyed a private, all-day, walking and Tube tour of London with Carol in June 2025. I scheduled online, and Carol and I corresponded prior to the tour via email. As this was a private tour, Carol arranged an itinerary that included a few requests and my interests. Carol brought me to several popular sights, helped me explore interesting places off of the beaten path, and made suggestions for the rest of my time in London. Popular sights included the Tower of London, where she shared fascinating historical details without having to queue and join throngs of other tourists for a closer look. We also visited the Churchill War Rooms, a request of mine (Carol went ahead and secured a ticket in advance when she saw low availability for the date of our tour), and once again, Carol guided me through the site. Although we were amidst other tourists, I did not need to rely upon an audio guide or book one of the Churchill War Rooms own tours. At times, I did notice other visitors nearby also listening to Carol. Also at my request, Carol took me to places that factored into the public and private lives of Charles Dickens and T.S. Eliot and their written works. As just one example of a place that I would have not found on my own, we stopped by the wig shop responsible for fashioning the differing pieces that British barristers wear to court, and we talked about the modern meaning of that tradition. Carol punctuated our walk with strolls through the greenery of parks, and she was more than willing to take breaks as needed — although I just wanted to keep going! Carol is extremely knowledgeable and experienced as a tour guide; however she was very approachable as well, answering my questions without judgment or a stuffy nature that I have encountered on other tours. She was also very good company. I learned much more about London that I ever could by walking about based upon tour books and my own research. And before our time concluded, Carol, who lives in London, gave me recommendations and practical advice for the remainder of my London trip. My tour with Carol was a vacation investment worth every penny (pound!), and I highly recommend exploring her offerings.
Great guide
W6324CAalexg,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just been on my third guided tour with Carol. Now covered Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, Greenwich with a river trip, and the Temple legal area. Still stunned at her knowledge, and on one occasion, she even emailed me afterwards with an update. Now looking forward to having her guide me around Windsor Castle. Lovely guide with a very pleasant, caring style.
Cheerful Hampstead
919olek,Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were a group of five friends and had a lovely late afternoon seeing around Hampstead with the Heath. I’ve been coming to London for the past 25 years but never made it to this green and historic part. This is strange, as it’s only 15 minutes by tube form the inner city. Full marks to Carol for suggesting this area to go to and embrace with all her knowledge the history and famous inhabitants of the traditional houses, in particular. A most enjoyable afternoon was had by all. Thanks very much and all the best until next time in the Metropolis. Ole
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Operated by CAROL HOWARD London Blue Badge Tourist Guide - Private Tours