A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol
Back by popular demand following the outstanding success of our February event, we are delighted to invite you to our Dickens Christmas House Party weekend, taking place from 13th–15th November at The Royal Hotel.
The response to our first event was exceptional, with guests describing it as “a wonderful weekend for all of us”, “truly memorable” and “another Dickens triumph”. With standing ovations for both Gerald Dickens’ world-renowned performance and Head Chef Jacob Gough’s award-winning dining at The Royal, the weekend proved to be an unforgettable experience.
This unique event exclusively at The Royal brings together both Gerald Dickens and his brother Ian Dickens, as both hosts and performers. This November, guests will experience Gerald’s most celebrated production, A Christmas Carol, his most popular performance across the UK, USA and worldwide. Renowned for his one-man theatrical performances, Gerald is joined by Ian, a long-time Isle of Wight resident and joint guardian of the family legacy, offering a personal and authentic insight into their famous ancestor’s life and works, brought to life through storytelling, humour and theatrical brilliance.
Expect a weekend filled with warmth, atmosphere and festive spirit, described by previous guests as “honestly brilliant, the standing ovation said it all.”, “a real buzz from start to finish” and “absolutely fantastic”.
The Royal Hotel has been the Isle of Wight’s most sought-after luxury retreat since 1832; the hotel restaurant has held 2 AA Rosettes for over 30 years and is the centre of fine dining on the island.
Charles Dickens himself stayed at The Royal in 1838 and returned to the island for four months in 1849 while writing ‘David Copperfield’. He famously described Bonchurch and Ventnor as “it is the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, either at home or abroad.” And now you are invited to follow in his footsteps.
Inclusive of:
Optional Extras:
A Royal Afternoon Tea
Smoking Bishop a Victorian warm, mulled wine cocktail mentioned in “A Christmas Carol"
Self-Guided Charles Dickens Trail*
If you joined us in February, you already know how special this is. If you didn’t, this is one not to miss.
We encourage early reservations.
Reserve your room today
Call our team on 01983 852186
* The free, self-guided Charles Dickens Trail — visiting many of the places where Dickens stayed, lived and found inspiration during his time on the Island — is available for guests who wish to explore it at their leisure. Complimentary route maps are provided. Please note that this is an independent, self-guided walk and is not organised or supervised by The Royal Hotel.
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Gerald Dickens is an actor, director and producer who has devoted his career to celebrating the work of his great-great-grandfather, Charles Dickens. Since creating his first one-man show of A Christmas Carol in 1993, he has toured the world with his acclaimed performances, bringing Dickens’s characters to life on stage in theatres, festivals, hotels and even on cruise ships.
He has written and performed a range of shows based on Dickens’s stories, and is also the author of two books, Dickens and Staplehurst: A Biography of a Rail Crash and My Life on the Road With A Christmas Carol. Gerald’s deep knowledge and lively storytelling make him a captivating guide to the world of Charles Dickens.
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Writer, artist, and great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, who has deep ties to the Isle of Wight and its literary heritage as President of the Dickens Pickwick Club. An Island resident who is passionate about the island where his ancestor once stayed and wrote, Ian helped create the Dickens Walk, a beautifully curated trail linking Shanklin, Ventnor and Bonchurch, bringing to life the landscapes that inspired Dickens in 1849.
Hear Ian share stories from his family’s history, insights into Dickens’s time on the Isle, and the origins of the new trail that allows visitors to quite literally walk in Dickens’s footsteps.
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Charles Dickens had a long and fascinating connection with the Isle of Wight, first visiting Ventnor in 1838 when he stayed at what is now The Royal Hotel and declared the local area (Bonchurch/Ventnor) as “the prettiest place I have ever seen.” Drawn by the fresh sea air and dramatic coastline, he returned in 1849 to spend a golden summer in Bonchurch, writing David Copperfield, walking the cliffs with local friends and finding inspiration in the Island’s people and places.
From the real-life Miss Havisham to the Dick family behind the beloved character Mr Dick. At this special event at The Royal Hotel, Gerald and Ian Dickens (Charles’s great-great-grandsons) will bring these stories to life, offering a fascinating insight into his time on the Island and the origin stories behind some of his most memorable characters.
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The Royal invites you to experience fine dining at its best with exclusive set menus created especially for our Dickens House Party. Our restaurant has proudly held 2 AA Rosettes for over 30 years.
Across the weekend, you’ll enjoy beautifully crafted dishes, from elegant seafood and slow-cooked favourites to indulgent desserts - all bringing a touch of Victorian theatre to your plate - as well as great company.
We are experiencing an unprecedented demand for bookings at the current time.
When booking rooms online, please be advised that if our Dinner, Bed and Breakfast or Ferry Inclusive Packages are not available, our restaurant is fully booked for your chosen dates.
