Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum

Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum is a Georgian townhouse in Portsmouth where the famous author was born in 1812. The building contains period furnishings and household items that illustrate how the family lived during that era.

The house was originally built as a family residence and remained private property long after Dickens moved away until Portsmouth acquired it in 1904. The city opened it to the public as a museum in 1953 after carrying out restoration work to preserve its character.

The museum reveals how the Dickens family lived and conducted daily life within this home during the early 19th century. Visitors can understand the middle-class world that shaped the young author before he became one of England's most important writers.

The museum is located in a residential area of Portsmouth and is easy to reach on foot or using the city's public transport. The interior spaces are compact, so visiting during quieter times allows you to explore at a comfortable pace.

The house retained its original layout and room arrangement, allowing visitors to see the actual spaces and stairways that young Dickens used in his daily life. This unchanged configuration makes the visit more authentic and personal.

Location: City of Portsmouth

Inception: 1953

Operator: Portsmouth City Council

Address: 393 Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth PO1 4QL

Opening Hours: Friday-Sunday 10:00-17:30

Phone: 02392821879

Website: http://charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 50.80708,-1.08724

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:20