Walking with Dickens — Bonchurch, Isle of Wight

In the summer of 1849, Charles Dickens rented a house in Bonchurch and fell in love with the village. He was writing David Copperfield at the time, and the people and places around him left their mark on the novel in ways that can still be traced today.

Sue Lowday has spent years digging into the hidden history of Bonchurch — the kind of detail that doesn't make it into guidebooks. On this illustrated walk, she follows Dickens' footsteps through the village, uncovering the locations he knew, the real people who inspired his characters, and the stories that quietly shaped two of English literature's most beloved novels.

It's a walk that works equally well whether you know Dickens well or are simply curious about this remarkable corner of the Isle of Wight.

The Details

• 📍 Start: The bench at the top of Shore Road, by the pond, Bonchurch PO38 1RG — please do not go to the Parish Church

• 🏁 Finish: Seafront at the bottom of Shore Road, Bonchurch

• ⏱ Duration: 2.5 hours

• 📏 Distance: 3 miles

• 💷 Price: £20 per person

• 👥 Maximum 10 places

• 🥾 Grade: Moderate — some slopes, steps and stiles. Good walking footwear is recommended

How to Book

Reserve your place through Eventbrite.

Please note that your place is reserved but not confirmed until payment of £20 per person has been received. Contact Sue at questions@suelowday.co.uk.

Places are limited, your place is reserved for 3 days until payment has been made, after which time your place will be released