Visitor Information for Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum

The Museum's address is:
Charles Dickens Birthplace
393 Old Commercial Road
Portsmouth
PO1 4QL

Location Map
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Don't miss Dickens' 200th Birthday Celebrations!

This year it is 200 years since Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth on the 7 February 1812 and there is lots throughout 2012 for you to take part in. To mark this occasion, Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum will be open earlier in the year so you can visit from 28 January 2012. From that date onwards there will also be a special exhibition at the City Museum called 'A Tale of One City' which will show what life was like in Portsmouth during 1812 – 1870. This exhibition will run until Sunday 4th November 2012.

On 11 and 12 February 2012, and on other dates throughout the year, you can meet the volunteer guides and handle a range of artefacts. See our Events Page for more details of any events at the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum.

Special opening times for the Birthplace during the 2012 bicentenary

Charles Dickens' Birthplace is open Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, until 4 November 2012 (closed on Mondays, except for Bank Holiday Mondays). Opening times 10.00am - 5.00pm in January - March and October, 10.00am - 5.30pm in April - September. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.

This year the Birthplace is open to the public for an extended season, from 28 January to 4 November 2012 (normally open daily mid-April - September).

Come and hear readings of Charles Dickens' work
On the first Sunday of each month (April to September 2011 inclusive), 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.

Admission

For a complete listing of admission charges for our museums click here>
UB40: Holders of UB40 admitted at student rate.
Senior Citizens: Concessions for adults aged 60 or over.
Families: Children aged 17 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Visitors with a Portsmouth Library Card get free admission to Charles Dickens' Birthplace throughout 2012. Please bring your library card with you when you visit.

Dickens Quote:

Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true.