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An Audio Guide of Oscar Wilde's Former London Haunts
5.0
1 Rating
Greater London
Discover Oscar Wilde's London haunts on a GPS-guided walking tour. Relive his highs and lows, and explore historic theatres, shops, and hotels.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Devonshire House - 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.
- Berkeley Square - 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.
- Maison Estelle - Pass by Maison Estelle, a historic establishment associated with Wilde’s time in London, where you can imagine him strolling the streets of Mayfair.
- Brown’s Hotel - 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.
- Smithson Plaza - Pass by Smithson Plaza, where you’ll glimpse architectural marvels and contemplate the changing landscape of London over the centuries.
- James J. Fox - 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.
- Pall Mall - 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.
What's Included
- Unlimited, lifetime use of the tour before and after booking date
- Virtual playback option to listen like an audiobook from anywhere
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Self-guided GPS tour to explore at your own pace
- Directions to the starting point
What's Not Included
- Smartphone and headphones
Additional Information
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.
Location
Devonshire House
Mayfair Place
The walk starts near Green Park Underground Station. Take the Stratton Street exit from the station, then walk up Stratton Street away from Green Park. Turn right at Mayfair Place and the walk will start under the columned entrance to the block on your right.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
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Sazzlerc
May 8, 2024
Fun, informative walk round London - A really fun, informative walk round Green Park and beyond, learning all about Oscar Wilde's life, works and relationships. Really enjoyed the commentary and finding out about some of the more hidden gems on this route and quirks like Wilde's penchant for smoking and running up bills at his hat shop. Also enjoyed taking peaks down little alleyways and looking at statues and places you'd easily otherwise miss without this audio. Thoroughly recommend whether you're a Wilde fan or just looking for something different to do in London.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
