Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum is a writer's house museum in Landport, Portsmouth, England situated at the birthplace of the eminent English author Charles Dickens; and as such played a prominent part in the 2012 bicentennial celebrations.
When Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in Portsmouth, on 7th February 1812, Britain's Navy was still at war with Napoleonic France. Charles's father, John Dickens, a clerk in the Navy Pay Office, had brought his young bride Elizabeth down to Portsmouth in the summer of 1809, renting the house as the first home of their married life.
The furniture, ceramics, glass, household objects and decorations faithfully re-created the Regency style which Charles's parents would have favoured, although their actual possessions have long since been dispersed.
There are three furnished rooms: the parlour, the dining room and the bedroom where Charles was born. The exhibition room features a display on Charles Dickens and Portsmouth, as well as a small collection of memorabilia: the couch on which he died at his house in Kent, together with his snuff box, inkwell and paper knife, poignant reminders of an author celebrated for his prodigious talents and creative output.
About the displays
The displays bring the birthplace to life, perfectly presenting the furnishings and style of the Dickens family.
A fully-furnished parlour, dining room and bedroom feature genuine Regency furniture and household items, allowing you to step into the world of the 19th century Dickens family. See exhibits belonging to the man himself, including personal possessions such as his snuff box and even the very couch on which he died.
Charles Dickens Guided Walks
Discover the area where the Dickens family lived and worked! These walks are led by Portsmouth Tourist Guides and take place on various dates over the year. They all start at the Victory Gate (the entrance to the Historic Dockyard) and finish at the Portsmouth Museum, Museum Road. This also provides an opportunity for you to see the "A Study in Sherlock" exhibition at the Portsmouth Museum, which showcases the largest collection pertaining to Doyle and his creation Sherlock Holmes in the world, making Portsmouth the home of great writing.
Come and hear readings of Charles Dickens' work
On the first Sunday of each month (April to September), come and hear readings from a selection of Charles Dickens' works, by members of the Dickens Fellowship. The readings are 'in the style of Dickens', and take place at 3.00pm, lasting around 45 minutes. Included in the usual admission price, no booking required.
Please contact Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum on the day to confirm that the readings will be taking place.
Access Statement for your visit
Due to the number of narrow steps within the building it is not accessible to people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users.
Download our full Access Statement for Charles Dickens Birthplace here.
A DVD guide to the Birthplace is available to view at the City Museum and Records Office, which is completely accessible. It can also be purchased in the shop at the Birthplace and the City Museum & Records Office. Click here for more information.
Parking
Old Commercial Road is now a precinct with limited access for vehicles. Coaches however, can gain access via Nelson Road and Victoria Street to allow access for passengers. Car and mini-bus parking opposite the Inscape building. Toilets are available.
