Launch of A Sit-Down Walk at Ventnor Arts Club, 12th May 2025
Wendy Barton introducing the talk
at The Ventnor Arts Club
A Sit-Down Dickens Walk: Bringing Bonchurch to Life — Without the Hills
Bonchurch, with its winding roads and dramatic cliffs, is a place steeped in history and literary charm. For some, it’s best known for its connection to Charles Dickens, who spent the summer of 1849 here with his family. The landscape and the people he encountered during that time helped shape two of his most celebrated novels — David Copperfield and Great Expectations.
But there’s one catch: Bonchurch is hilly. Very hilly.
As much as visitors are eager to trace Dickens’ steps, the steep terrain can be a challenge.
That’s why I launched A Sit-Down Dickens Walk during the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. A specially designed illustrated talk for Dickens enthusiasts who might struggle with the hills but still want to experience the rich stories and settings of his time here. It’s a seated journey through the Bonchurch that Dickens knew, told through engaging visuals, anecdotes, and historical insights, where we meet his friends and important local people.
The Ventnor Arts Club kindly provided their beautiful venue for the event, creating the perfect atmosphere for storytelling. Even better, all box office proceeds were donated to the Isle of Wight Mountbatten Hospice — a cause close to the community's heart.
Visitors have responded with warmth and enthusiasm.
Here’s what a few had to say:
“Beautifully told. I felt like I was walking the lanes without ever leaving my seat.”
“Thank you for making Dickens’ Bonchurch accessible to everyone.”
Whether you’re a lifelong Dickens fan or simply curious about the stories hidden in Bonchurch’s lanes and stones, A Sit-Down Dickens Walk offers a chance to connect — comfortably — with a remarkable chapter of literary history.
Following the sell-out event at the Ventnor Arts Club, I was delighted to be invited to give a talk at Carisbrooke Castle — a venue steeped in its own rich history. Once again, I was met by an enthusiastic audience of over 50 people, all eager to delve into the world of Charles Dickens and his time in Bonchurch.
Who would have thought that, more than 170 years later, Dickens would still draw such interest and affection? It’s a testament not only to his enduring storytelling but also to the deep local connection he forged with this corner of the Isle of Wight.
The next talk will be at Ventnor Arts Club on 21st July 7pm for tickets contact wendy@ventnorartsclub.com