"We really enjoyed it and were so impressed with all your thorough research"
"Thank you again for such a lovely and insightful walk on Monday. It was wonderful to explore Bonchurch and we learnt so much!"
The Dickens Walk
Join the best selling guided walk re-discovering the forgotten history of
Charles Dickens visit
to Bonchurch in 1849.
Local historian and resident Sue Lowday, will share her latest research uncovering some of the extraordinary hidden histories.
​
2024 - Celebrates 175 Years Since Dickens Visit to Bonchurch.
Bonchurch Discovery Walk
Join one of Sue's sell out walks and discover the hidden histories of Bonchurch.
Bonchurch was 'the place' before Ventnor was developed.
​This all changed in only a few years when the tiny village population boomed and
'cottage orné' villas attracted artists, musicians, actors, poets and writers.
"Lots of information and none of it we knew! Great to take in a sea stop and take in the sea air. We loved it."
"Dear Sue, we had a wonderful day, thank you! You really brought the past to life!”
"Thank you SO much for an absolutely wonderful afternoon. We loved it. I thought I knew Bonchurch … not so!
Book Your Walk Here
Book a walk by contacting me by email at questions@suelowday.co.uk
with your phone number. I will be in touch as quickly as posssible.
With thanks, Sue Lowday.
The Dickens Walk
About the Walk
Celebrating nearly 175 years since Charles Dickens’ visit to Bonchurch, walk leader Sue will share her most recent discoveries about the holiday during 1849.
Before visiting the Isle of Wight, Dickens suffered from writer’s block working on
David Copperfield.
We shall see the introduction of several important new characters during the visit staying at Winterbourne.
Many family friends joined the holiday, and you will discover the activities they revelled in.
The visit was influential on the future of the Undercliffe becoming a hub for artists and writers.
The walk is illustrated with photos and drawings and readings from the period to
bring to life to the holiday adventures.
The Walk
We meet at The Pond in Bonchurch Village Road at the bench and notice board near the top of Shore Road. We begin looking at ancient local maps and Sue talks about the history of the village and why Dickens came to stay in Bonchurch.
We stroll onto Winterbourne, the Dickens summer holiday home to hear of the many friends and of family activities. There are more discoveries as we progress uphill to visit the home Dickens' friend, the illustrator John Leech and his wife stayed during holiday taking a route uphill via one of the secret paths of Bonchurch.
The tour group returns downhill walking along The Pitts down the steep 101 steps.
We turn down Shore Road to the waterfront where Sue will describe more holiday activities and finish with Sue's interesting recent discovery marking the holiday.
​
Important. Please read the 'Walking Information' here
Contact
I am looking forward to discussing your walk. Please get in touch by email.