Itinerary
- Start your tour in front of Devonshire House, where you'll embark on a journey through the life and haunts of Oscar Wilde in London.
- Walk through Berkeley Square, where characters from Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" resided, immersing yourself in the world of his literary creations.
- Pass by Maison Estelle, a historic establishment associated with Wilde's time in London, where you can imagine him strolling the streets of Mayfair.
- Outside Brown's Hotel, hear the poignant story of Wilde's conviction and imprisonment for homosexuality, reflecting on the societal attitudes of his time.
- The Royal Arcade: Stroll past the Royal Arcade, where Wilde's poem "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" was published after his release from prison, symbolizing his struggles and resilience.
- Burlington Arcade: Continue your walk through Burlington Arcade, soaking in the ambience of the elegant shopping district frequented by Wilde and his contemporaries.
- Royal Academy of Arts: Pass by the Royal Academy of Arts, where Wilde and James Abbott McNeill Whistler gave lectures, reflecting on their intellectual contributions and friendships.
- Hatchards: Walk by Hatchards Bookshop, a literary landmark where Wilde and his wife, Constance, were acquainted with the owner, fostering connections within London's literary circles.
- Piccadilly Arcade: Pass through Piccadilly Arcade, imagining Wilde browsing for his signature Fedora hat at Lock & Co Hatters, a storied establishment with a rich history.
- Beau Brummell Statue: Marvel at the Beau Brummell Statue, commemorating another influential figure of the era, as you reflect on the cultural milieu of 19th-century London.
- Pass by Smithson Plaza, where you'll glimpse architectural marvels and contemplate the changing landscape of London over the centuries.
- Walk past James J Fox, a renowned tobacconist frequented by Wilde and other luminaries, evoking the ambiance of London's past.
- St. James's Palace: Catch a glimpse of St James's Palace, a historic royal residence that adds to the rich tapestry of Wilde's London.
- Pickering Place: Explore Pickering Place, a hidden gem steeped in history, where you can envision Wilde navigating the vibrant streets of St James's Square.
- St. James' Square: Wander through St James's Square, soaking in the atmosphere of one of London's most prestigious neighborhoods, where Wilde left his mark.
- Stroll along Pall Mall, a thoroughfare lined with exclusive clubs and institutions, reflecting on the social milieu of Wilde's time.
- Reform Club: Catch a glimpse of The Reform Club, an iconic institution synonymous with Victorian London, as you contemplate Wilde's connections to the city's elite.
- Haymarket Theatre Royal: Conclude your tour outside the Theatre Royal Haymarket, reflecting on Wilde's enduring legacy and the impact of his literary contributions on the world stage.
Includes
- Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
- The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Smartphone and headphones
Details
On this self-guided walking tour, you will relive the highs and lows of the much-loved playwright's time in the city. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this tour, published by Blue Badge guide Brian Cookson.
Oscar Wilde moved to London in the late 1800s, where he would become the city’s most popular playwright. On this walking tour, I'll show you the places the Irish-born writer and poet frequented and share details about his life here and the work he created. You’ll also hear about some of the people he knew and two other earlier trendsetters, Lord Byron and Beau Brummel.
I’ll point out the theatres, shops and hotels Oscar Wilde frequented, many of which remain in the aristocratic areas of Mayfair and St James. I’ll also show you the former site of St James’s Theatre, where two of Wilde’s plays had their premieres. Outside the Theatre Royal Haymarket, you’ll hear how a palm reader rightfully predicted Wilde’s ruin at age 40.
Oscar Wilde moved to London in the late 1800s, where he would become the city’s most popular playwright. On this walking tour, I'll show you the places the Irish-born writer and poet frequented and share details about his life here and the work he created. You’ll also hear about some of the people he knew and two other earlier trendsetters, Lord Byron and Beau Brummel.
I’ll point out the theatres, shops and hotels Oscar Wilde frequented, many of which remain in the aristocratic areas of Mayfair and St James. I’ll also show you the former site of St James’s Theatre, where two of Wilde’s plays had their premieres. Outside the Theatre Royal Haymarket, you’ll hear how a palm reader rightfully predicted Wilde’s ruin at age 40.
Know Before You Go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
