Welcome to Bonchurch Walking Tours!

I’m Sue Lowday, a Bonchurch resident and your guide on this fascinating walk of discovery. My passion for Bonchurch’s history began over twenty-five years ago when I first visited the Island and stumbled upon charming early guidebooks from the 1800s. These beautifully illustrated books, created before the age of photography, captured my imagination and led me to explore deeper into the rich history of this remarkable village.

As my collection expanded, so did the depth of my investigations into Bonchurch's past. When historian Alan Cartwright sought contributions for his investigation into the connection between Miss Havisham and Haviland Cottage, I was delighted to take part. He subsequently invited me to lead a walk for his guests at the cottage, which prompted me to curate the extensive collection of historical illustrations I had amassed over the years into a coherent and enriching experience for visitors.

The walks have since attracted considerable interest. Ian Dickens, great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens and an Island resident, has joined me on four of my Dickens-themed guided walks — and it was at his request that I went on to arrange dedicated group tours for the Dickens Fellowship and the Pickwick Club.

My research draws on primary sources — old diaries, private letters, and rare books — and continues to yield new discoveries, particularly from the period 1830 to 1880. Each year brings fresh insights into this remarkable village, and I look forward to sharing the latest findings with you as we walk.