An Audio Guide of Oscar Wilde's Former London Haunts

5.0 (one review) 45 min – one hour Free cancellation Private tour

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An Audio Guide of Oscar Wilde's Former London Haunts — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

An Audio Guide of Oscar Wilde's Former London Haunts, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 45 min – one hour
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
Included: The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphone and headphones

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

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.
Stop 2

Passing by

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.
Stop 3

Passing by

Pass by Maison Estelle, a historic establishment associated with Wilde's time in London, where you can imagine him strolling the streets of Mayfair.
Stop 4

Passing by

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

Pass by the Royal Academy of Arts, where Wilde and James Abbott McNeill Whistler gave lectures, reflecting on their intellectual contributions and friendships.
Hatchards

Passing by

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

Marvel at the Beau Brummell Statue, commemorating another influential figure of the era, as you reflect on the cultural milieu of 19th-century London.
Stop 11

Passing by

Pass by Smithson Plaza, where you'll glimpse architectural marvels and contemplate the changing landscape of London over the centuries.
Stop 12

Passing by

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

Passing by

Catch a glimpse of St James's Palace, a historic royal residence that adds to the rich tapestry of Wilde's London.
Pickering Place

Passing by

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

Passing by

Wander through St James's Square, soaking in the atmosphere of one of London's most prestigious neighborhoods, where Wilde left his mark.
Stop 16

Passing by

Stroll along Pall Mall, a thoroughfare lined with exclusive clubs and institutions, reflecting on the social milieu of Wilde's time.
Reform Club

Passing by

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.
Theatre Royal Haymarket

Passing by

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

The tour ends at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

3. Create an account

4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]