Charles Dickens Museum, London, England, U.K. - Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Inside the elegant Georgian townhouse in centrally-located Bloomsbury where Dickens wrote both Oliver Twist and Nicolas Nickelby, his much-loved novels come to life. The author lived here for just a handful of years, which is perhaps why this museum isn’t as well known as it might be. Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it? More than 100,000 objects—including original manuscripts, letters and portraits—that give an insight into the life of one of Britain’s favorite writers. The blue dining room, with its elaborate gold curtains, is a highlight; the table set as if waiting for the Dickens family to come down for tea. What did you make of the crowd? Unless you time your visit with the arrival of a tour group, the house is generally not too crowded, which is just as well given the narrow staircase. On the practical tip, how were facilities? There is elevator access to the first four floors, but only stairs up to the attic. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? The café is a cake and coffee kind of place rather than somewhere you’d stop for a full-blown lunch. It has tables in the pretty walled garden and service from a bloke in a flat cap, which feels fun rather than tacky. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? An hour is enough to get a satisfactory taste for the place but you need two not to feel rushed." - Laura Goulden