| Free entry for UK schools | Parking nearby (fee applies) | Quiet space for reading or discussion | Perfect for small groups | Museum trail |
The Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum is small but perfectly formed. You’ll find it tucked away in Landport, on what remains of Old Commercial Road, once a main route between Portsmouth and London. Entering through what was the kitchen, visitors can view three Regency-style furnished rooms: the parlour, the dining room and the bedroom where the world famous author was born on 7 February 1812. An exhibition room features a display on Charles Dickens and Portsmouth and a small collection of memorabilia. This includes the couch on which Dickens died at his adult home in Kent. Up in the attic, where the servants would have slept, there’s space for small group reading, writing and discussion. Whatever the focus for your visit and however long you stay, we look forward to welcoming you and your pupils soon.
| So much to see on your doorstep: Charles Dickens memorabilia and souvenirs Clothes, fabrics and textiles of the period Dickens’ snuff box, inkwell and paper knife Furniture, ceramics and glass Household objects and decorations Illustrations of Dickens’ characters Facts about Dickens’ visits to Portsmouth Pictures of Dickens and Portsmouth The attic The bedroom where Dickens was born The couch on which Dickens died The dining room and parlour Horse-drawn tram tracks (outside) | With great links to KS1 and KS2: Art and design Author study Creative writing Drama and role play Homes and houses Local geography Local history Observational drawing Portsmouth past and present The Regency period and the Georgians The Victorians |
Suitable for up to 15 pupils and with typical visit times around 1 hour. Why not combine your outing to Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum with:
- A trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and The Mary Rose.
- A visit to Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery (free admission) with its displays on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes.
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