London in 1 Day for Couples - Meet at Temple Station and enter the Inns of Court where Dickens worked
In Collaboration with Richard's Tours. Updated on January 31, 2026.
A private, atmospheric 2.5-hour guided walk through Dickensian London — hidden alleys, old taverns, the Royal Exchange and Leadenhall Market. Includes a cosy pub stop (mulled wine by the fire) and photo moments tailored for couples seeking a warm, literary and slightly romantic winter stroll.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Richard's Tours, inspired by the tour A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens Old London Walking Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Meet at Temple Station and enter the Inns of Court where Dickens worked
- Cosy pub stop with a fire and optional mulled wine at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
- Royal Exchange exterior and the steps of Victorian London
- Charles Dickens' favourite Chop House (George & Vulture) and Simpsons area
- Stroll through historic Leadenhall Market — Harry Potter filming location
Itinerary
Day 1
Late-afternoon private Dickensian walking tour (2 hrs 30 mins). Best in December for festive atmosphere — starts at Temple station and finishes at Leadenhall Market. Includes cosy pub stop.
Meet your guide at Temple Station
Gather at the Temple (District/Circle) station exit on Victoria Embankment. Quick introduction to the tour, warm-up, and route & safety notes for the walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early to avoid crowds at the Station — the guide will be holding a small Dickens-themed sign.
- Winter tip: keep a lightweight thermal or scarf handy — London evenings in December are chilly but romantic.
- Photo tip for couples: the riverfront and the temple forecourt make a quiet, atmospheric first-shot location before the walk.
Inner Temple — Inns of Court (Dickens' working neighbourhood)
A guided stroll through the Inner Temple courts where Dickens worked as a junior clerk — admire the quiet courtyards, carved stone, and the legal world that inspired scenes in his novels.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a quiet courtyard corner for a private moment; many nooks are candle-lit at dusk in winter and are very romantic.
- Couples accessibility: paths here are largely level and stroller-friendly; wear shoes with good grip for damp cobbles.
- Ask your guide for the short Dickens anecdote about his clerkship here—it makes for a great audio moment and photo caption.
Walk along Fleet Street toward Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
A short atmospheric walk down historic Fleet Street; your guide will point out former printing houses and other Dickensian landmarks en route to the tavern.
Tips from local experts:
- Hold hands and walk close — Fleet Street can be breezy in winter; your guide will stop for quick photo opportunities.
- If it’s drizzly, your guide can reroute under covered arcades — bring a compact umbrella for comfort.
- Local tip: watch for blue heritage plaques marking writers and journalists — they make sweet scavenger-hunt style couple’s memories.
Pub stop at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese — cosy mulled wine by the fire (special moment)
Relax at one of London’s most atmospheric historic pubs (used by Dickens). Settle by the fire; enjoy a seasonal mulled wine or warm non-alcoholic alternative while your guide recounts relevant passages from A Christmas Carol.
Tips from local experts:
- Special moment: ask your guide to reserve a snug table by the fire in advance — perfect for a cosy couples photo.
- Winter menu tip: order mulled wine or a hot spiced cider to savour the Dickensian atmosphere; indoor seating is intimate but limited, so letting the guide pre-arrange is best.
- Couples comfort: seating can be on uneven floors and narrow benches — request a quieter corner if you prefer more privacy.
Walk to the Royal Exchange — through the historic City streets
A pleasant walk east toward the Royal Exchange. Your guide will tell the story of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and point out the vestiges of Victorian banking life.
Tips from local experts:
- Sunset in December is early — the walk to the Royal Exchange often catches beautiful amber winter light on stone façades; perfect for couple portraits.
- Stay close during narrow alley sections — some alleys are dimly lit in winter evenings; follow the guide for safe routes.
- If you prefer less walking, ask your guide for a short taxi hop — they can adjust pace to keep the experience relaxed.
Royal Exchange steps & exterior (Scrooge's 'yet to come' scene)
Explore the exterior and steps of the Royal Exchange where Dickens places a pivotal scene — excellent for dramatic photos and brief history shared by your guide.
Tips from local experts:
- Romantic photo tip: stand on the Exchange steps with the ornate façade behind you; the guide will time the shot to avoid crowds.
- Winter coat tip: bring a stylish wrap or shawl for cosy photo poses on the stone steps as it can be cold and windy.
- Local tip: the Exchange houses boutiques and bars — if you want a post-tour champagne toast, ask the guide for a quiet spot recommendation.
St Michael's Alley — hidden courts and Dickens corners
Slip off the main streets into the narrow, historic alleyways Dickens loved. These hidden courts capture Old London ambience and make for intimate discoveries.
Tips from local experts:
- Couples tip: alleyways are atmospheric but can be narrow; hold hands and enjoy the sense of discovery together.
- Winter note: some alleys have lamps and twinkle lights during December; small details like signage and door knockers are charming photo subjects.
- Safety tip: wear sensible shoes — some surfaces are cobbled and can be slippery after rain or frost.
George & Vulture / Simpsons area — Dickens' favourite chop houses
Visit the atmospheric area of the George & Vulture — a favourite of Dickens and the Pickwick Club — and hear why these taverns featured heavily in his novels. Your guide will point out Simpsons nearby as another Scrooge-era haunt.
Tips from local experts:
- Insider romance: the George & Vulture’s snug corners are perfect for whispering Dickensian quotes to each other; ask the guide for the seat Dickens might have used.
- If you'd like to dine here after the tour, ask the guide to call ahead — December evenings fill quickly and a reservation secures a cozy table.
- Couple photo tip: peek into the tavern doorway for a classic wooden-beam framed shot with warm interior light behind you.
Leadenhall Market — festive finale and photo stroll
Finish with a short stroll through the covered Leadenhall Market — beautifully decorated in winter and known for its ornate Victorian roof and Harry Potter film scenes. A perfect festive ending for couples.
Tips from local experts:
- Special finale: if market stalls or nearby bars are open, your guide can recommend a nearby spot for a private brief toast to end the tour.
- Leadenhall is very photogenic at dusk in December — the rooftop lights and boutique shopfronts make dreamy evening shots.
- If you want to extend the evening, the market area has cosy restaurants nearby — ask your guide for a romantic dinner recommendation and they can point you to quieter options.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Outdoor, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Culture, Shopping |
