Dickens World opened in Chatham Maritime in 2007 and is located in part of a regenerating complex with outlet stores, a large movie theater and more than 1,000 parking spaces. It’s a day trip from London.
Dickens World – How it came about
It was the brainchild of theme park designer Gerry O’Sullivan-Beare and he wanted to create an entertaining attraction based on the life, books and times of Charles Dickens. Dickens lived in Chatham, Kent, when he was 5-10 years old and his father worked at the Royal Dockyards. Dickens also returned to the area later in his life, so the location is well chosen. You can also visit the historic Chatham Dockyard on the same day as its opposite.
When Gerry O’Sullivan-Beare died, Kevin Christie, the Managing Director, took over and made sure the dream came true. Dickens Fellowship participated and ensured that the production of authentic stories, characters and atmospheric streets, courtyards and alleys were true to the time.
What to expect
When I visited it was possible to walk around and stay as long as I wanted, but now there are 90 minute tours. Dickens World The Grand Tour is a 90-minute interactive guided tour experience that takes visitors to the Victorian England that Charles Dickens knew and wrote about in his novels and short stories.
Don’t be put off by the outside of this attraction, as everything is happening inside. It’s a huge space and you feel like you’ve stepped into a Dickensian London movie set as it’s incredibly atmospheric and there’s a real ‘wow factor’ when you arrive. There is little light so you can imagine the darkness of the narrow alleys of the time.
Once at the Courtyard, you will see shops and feel like you are in a 19th century urban setting, especially with the actors wandering around. This is the place for daily shows that last around 15 minutes. I found the evening show much more fun, as the audience was larger and some children dressed up and participated. The audio is pre-recorded and the actors play the roles that seem a little strange at first, but it means they don’t. they have to project their voices in such a large space and everyone can hear.
(Note that it can get cold inside, as it is essentially a large warehouse.)
There are two levels to explore and there are bathrooms on both floors. Also on the ground floor, you’ll find the Dotheby’s Hall Victorian Classroom, which has a touch-screen set of snakes and ladders on each desk. Most were not working when I visited, but I hope this is a great room for a school visit.
For the brave, there’s the Haunted House where you enter in groups with the sound of thunder before climbing the stairs to find three terrifying Dickens stories projected as life-size ghosts.
The most popular attraction on the ground floor is the Great Expectations Boat Ride . Yes, a covered boat ride! The idea is to take him through the depths of London’s sewers on a flight across the rooftops of the city. Keep in mind that you will get wet as there is an almighty splash and let’s just say don’t go down the slope looking straight ahead. Boats are mopped between rides, but you’ll probably want to bring a waterproof jacket or buy a poncho. I found sitting in a plastic bag and putting on the hood of my coat helped, but you have to get into the spirit of things.
While the ride is fun I think it could be enhanced with a narration as it was not totally clear which exhibits we were going through and why.
Last floor
Up the stairs, there is the Britannia Theater, which has an animatronic show on the weekends that lasts about 25 minutes. As a former teacher, I know that many people learn well through a more visual context, so I can see why this was created. Charles Dickens is on stage and interacts with some of his characters. The show focuses on where it got its inspiration for its characters from, but it’s confusing and it’s unclear what story each one comes from. But I saw young children and adults watch the whole show and have fun for the visitors to like it.
Fagin’s Den is a ‘hidden’ soft play area for younger visitors and there’s also the Peggotty’s Boathouse 4D Show, which is an animated film about Dickens’ travels across Europe. You wear the provided 3D glasses and additional effects are produced in the room. The animation could be improved but the 3D effect is good. For younger visitors, be aware that there are some gruesome moments, but that’s the real story. Hope you enjoy ‘spitting’, which is part of 4D effects.
Visitor facilities
On the upper level, there is the Porters Pub, serving reasonably priced food and drinks. There are also picnic tables available in the Courtyard and a cafeteria for drinks and snacks.
As is traditional, you walk out to the gift shop which has Dickens books suitable for all ages, traditional toys and little ‘pocket money’ souvenirs as well. Note that the gift shop is on the upper level.
I spent four hours here quite easily. I tried everything that was offered and didn’t rush, but I think you would need at least 2 hours to see everything, especially during school holidays.
Opening Hours: Dicken’s World is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. and open from 10 am to 5:30 pm
Dirección: Dickens World, Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4LL
Tickets: call 0844 858 6656 or book online on the official website.
Transportation: The nearest train station is Chatham. There are public bus routes that go to Chatham Maritime with a travel time of around 10 minutes, or you can walk there in about 30 minutes.
Official Website: www.dickensworld.co.uk
