"We really enjoyed it and were so impressed with all your thorough research"
"Thank you again for such a lovely and insightful walk on Monday. It was wonderful to explore Bonchurch and we learnt so much!"
The Dickens Walk
Join the best selling guided walk re-discovering the forgotten history of
Charles Dickens visit
to Bonchurch in 1849.
Local historian and resident Sue Lowday, will share her latest research uncovering some of the extraordinary hidden histories.
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2024 - Celebrates 175 Years Since Dickens Visit to Bonchurch.
Bonchurch Discovery Walk
Join one of Sue's sell out walks and discover the hidden histories of Bonchurch.
Bonchurch was 'the place' before Ventnor was developed.
​This all changed in only a few years when the tiny village population boomed and
'cottage orné' villas attracted artists, musicians, actors, poets and writers.
"Lots of information and none of it we knew! Great to take in a sea stop and take in the sea air. We loved it."
"Dear Sue, we had a wonderful day, thank you! You really brought the past to life!”
"Thank you SO much for an absolutely wonderful afternoon. We loved it. I thought I knew Bonchurch … not so!
Book Your Walk Here
Book a walk by contacting me by email at questions@suelowday.co.uk
with your phone number. I will be in touch as quickly as posssible.
With thanks, Sue Lowday.
Walking Information
Meeting points, bus stops and car parking areas are marked on the map.
Both walks take nearly 3 hours at a relatively slow pace, with some long pauses in areas that can be very chilly even on a sunny day, so please be prepared. At these times you may be standing up to twenty minutes while Sue describes the location and stories about the residents and visitors.
There is very uneven ground in several locations and a few steep ascents. There is a steep descent down the 101 steps when we walk down in to the village. There is also some slippery paths and there is loose rubble in some areas. Good walking shoes are essential and walking poles recommended if required.
I recommend that you bring layers of clothing, a hat and a drink and maybe a picnic for the end of the walk.
The Bonchurch Inn or The Seapot are highly recommended for a drink and food (check their opening times on the links below) and there are public toilets at the sea front at the end of the walk.
- If the weather is fine, the seafront is excellent for a picnic and swimming.
- I am insured to take guided walks, however this does not cover general mishaps or typical countryside perils.
- I usually start the walks at either 10am or 2pm, timing can be discussed.
- The Meeting Points are either;
*"Dickens Walk"- The top of Shore Road by the Pond in the Bonchurch Village Road.
Bus Route 3
Alight at Trinity Road and walk into the village along Bonchurch Village Road where you will see the pond, a five minute walk.
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*"Bonchurch Discover Walk" - Walk down Bonchurch Shute to the first bend, there is a bench and notice board.
Bus route 3
Closest bus stop/s: 'Bonchurch Letter Box' at the top of Bonchurch Shute and walk down to the bend in the road for the "Bonchurch Discovery Walk", about 2 minutes.
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- The walks are for over16 years of age and walkers should be able to walk easily and quickly around the steep and sometimes slippery areas of the village.
Dogs are not allowed on the walks.
Parking
There are usually parking places available as you approach Bonchurch from Ventnor. If there are no spaces, carry on driving past the pond and take the first right and park in the area by East Dene and The Turrets. Alternatively there is more free parking towards the top of Bonchurch Shute near the Bonchurch Inn.
There is paid parking in Shore Road, and a car park on Leeson Road.
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