An Audio Guide of Oscar Wilde's Former London Haunts
At a glance
An Audio Guide of Oscar Wilde's Former London Haunts is a 45m – 1h private experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 1 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $7.99 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it, The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 18 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 45m – 1h
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Travellers
- 1–15 per booking
- Ages
- Adult 6–99
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Options & availability
-
An Audio Guide of Oscar Wilde's Former London Haunts
from $9.99
- Days:
- Every day
Times and prices come from the operator’s live schedule and are confirmed when you book.
Overview
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.
What's included
What's included
- Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
- The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
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
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
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
Outside Brown's Hotel, hear the poignant story of Wilde's conviction and imprisonment for homosexuality, reflecting on the societal attitudes of his time.
-
Stop 5
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.
-
Stop 6
Continue your walk through Burlington Arcade, soaking in the ambience of the elegant shopping district frequented by Wilde and his contemporaries.
-
Stop 7
Pass by the Royal Academy of Arts, where Wilde and James Abbott McNeill Whistler gave lectures, reflecting on their intellectual contributions and friendships.
-
Stop 8
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.
-
Stop 9
Pass through Piccadilly Arcade, imagining Wilde browsing for his signature Fedora hat at Lock & Co Hatters, a storied establishment with a rich history.
-
Stop 10
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
Pass by Smithson Plaza, where you'll glimpse architectural marvels and contemplate the changing landscape of London over the centuries.
-
Stop 12
Walk past James J Fox, a renowned tobacconist frequented by Wilde and other luminaries, evoking the ambiance of London's past.
-
Stop 13
Catch a glimpse of St James's Palace, a historic royal residence that adds to the rich tapestry of Wilde's London.
-
Stop 14
Explore Pickering Place, a hidden gem steeped in history, where you can envision Wilde navigating the vibrant streets of St James's Square.
-
Stop 15
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
Stroll along Pall Mall, a thoroughfare lined with exclusive clubs and institutions, reflecting on the social milieu of Wilde's time.
-
Stop 17
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.
-
Stop 18
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
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.
Traveller ratings
5.0
1 reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor
- 5 ★ 1
- 4 ★ 0
- 3 ★ 0
- 2 ★ 0
- 1 ★ 0
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the An Audio Guide of Oscar Wilde's Former London Haunts take?
The experience lasts about 45m – 1h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $7.99 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it; The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere; Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata; Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour; Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start.
Where does it start?
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.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 1 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.
