Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum

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Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum

Charles Dickens was born in this house on 7th February 1812. Charles Dickens was born in this house, then known as 1 Mile End Terrace, on 7th February 1812.

The Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is the perfect place to start exploring and experiencing the work of one of England’s most famous and best-loved writers. It was the first married home of his parents, John and Elizabeth Dickens. Here you can experience the authentic atmosphere of the comfortable Regency home which would have greeted the new-born Dickens. Much of Victorian Portsmouth still rem

ains in the city’s streets and heritage, drawn upon by Dickens himself in Nicholas Nickleby. The Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is the perfect place to start exploring and experiencing the work of one of England’s most famous and best-loved writers.

2015 - 2016 Opening Hours
Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum is closed between October 2015 to the end of March 2016, with the following exceptions;

Christmas Weekend Opening
Open from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th December, 10am - 5pm

Special opening to celebrate Dickens' Birthday Sunday 7th February, 10am - 5pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.

30/07/2026

This Saturday 1st August, don't miss John McLaverty here at Charles Dickens Birthplace museum! John will be performing scenes from Charles Dickens' novels which you can enjoy as part of your entry fee and, as always, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience.

25/07/2026

Once again, we are lucky enough to have Annie Elliot with us next Thursday 30th July at Charles Dickens Birthplace! Annie will be enacting scenes from her novel "Mr & Mrs Charles Dickens" between 11am and 2pm and will also be signing copies which can be purchased here at the museum. You'll be able to enjoy Annie's performance as part of your entry fee to the museum so don't miss her!

11/07/2026

Don't miss the wonderful Annie Elliot next Saturday 18th July at Charles Dickens Birthplace! Annie will be enacting extracts from her novel "Mr & Mrs Charles Dickens" between 11am and 2pm. You can enjoy this unforgettable experience as part of your entry fee to the museum and Annie will also sign copies of her novel if you'd like to purchase one.

18/06/2026

We're excited to announce that this Saturday (20th June), we will have author Annie Elliot with us at Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum, doing a costumed reading from her best-selling novel "Mr & Mrs Charles Dickens - Her Story -So That The World May Know He Loved Me Once". The readings will take place at 11am & 2pm and are included in your entry fee - do come along to hear her as this is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

18/03/2026

Exciting news - thrilled to hear Portsmouth has made it in the UK City of Culture longlist! Brilliant to hear during the Portsmouth100 celebratory year!

We are Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum and we're backing Portsmouth's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Portsmouth Creates
We Are Pompey 2029
Portsmouth City Council
Department for Culture, Media and Sport

09/02/2026

Saturday 7 February marked the 214th anniversary of Charles Dickens birth. The Mayor and Mayoress laid a laurel chaplet on the door to Dickens' birthplace.

The museum was also open for free for all visitors.

28/01/2026

We are Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum and we’re backing Portsmouth’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Portsmouth is a city rich in history, culture and creativity, and this bid celebrates its heritage and future potential.

At Portsmouth Museums we are champions of Portsmouth's history and culture. We are welcoming, inclusive and community driven and know that being UK City of Culture 2029 brings amazing opportunities for everyone.

We back the bid.

Portsmouth Creates

Portsmouth City Council

02/01/2026

We’re proud to support - a citywide celebration of Portsmouth’s
centenary as a city.

It’s a moment to reflect, connect and look ahead.

Everyone’s invited. Be part of the story.

👉 Visit www.portsmouth100.co.uk to get involved

19/12/2025

Portsmouth is stepping onto the national stage. We’re proud to support the city’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.

Portsmouth Creates

📷Millstream Productions

13/12/2025

This Christmas experience A Christmas Carol at the birthplace of its author Charles Dickens.

Immerse yourself in the story as each room relates to a chapter in the book, also don't forget to take part in our trail.

All dates can be found online.

https://charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk/visit/

Address

393 Old Commercial Road
Portsmouth
PO14QL

Telephone

02392 827261

Website

http://www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk/

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