A Bankside Christmas Carol, with Mr Londoner

Explore Bankside, a historic corner of London rich with Charles Dickens’s legacy. This vibrant neighborhood, with its river views, old wharves, and ancient alleys, embodies the grit and charm celebrated in Dickens’s works. Especially during the festive season, Bankside sparkles with life, making it the perfect setting for a Dickensian journey.

Our tour begins at bustling Borough Market, where locals and visitors alike stock up on seasonal delights. As we walk along the Thames, marvel at the twinkling lights reflecting on the water and enjoy stunning views of the City of London, framed by St. Paul’s Cathedral. These scenes bring to life the vivid settings of Dickens’s novels, which capture the realities of Victorian city life.

Dickens celebrated the everyday – churchyards, markets, and pubs – over grand palaces. We’ll honor this spirit as we follow the Low Line, an old railway viaduct now being transformed into a green, sustainable corridor linking people and places. Our path winds through tranquil gardens and historic cemeteries, past Victorian cottages on Copperfield Street, and a Blitz-scarred churchyard. Along the way, we’ll reflect on Dickens’s A Christmas Carol and its themes of transformation and humanity.

Our journey concludes at an iconic Bankside inn, perhaps The Glad, where we’ll toast Dickens’s enduring influence.

Themes of A Christmas Carol

Dickens’s 1843 novella, a cultural icon, centers on redemption. Scrooge’s transformation from miser to philanthropist underscores the importance of compassion and community. Dickens’s critique of inequality and environmental degradation resonates today, echoing efforts like Better Bankside’s push toward sustainability and Net Zero.

Having collaborated with Better Bankside for over five years, I would be delighted to lead these festive tours, celebrating Dickens’s timeless legacy and Bankside’s unique character.