Dickens House Party at The Royal Hotel

About

Dickens House Party Weekend on the Isle of Wight

Celebrate Charles Dickens at The Royal Hotel's Dickens House Party Weekend taking place from 27 February 2026 to 1 March 2026.

The weekend will celebrate Charles Dickens' works and strong ties to the Isle of Wight and to The Royal Hotel, where he stayed during a visit in 1838.

Meet Charles Dicken's family

The weekend will be hosted by Gerald and Ian Dickens together, great-great-grandsons of the famous writer. Although both have long been involved in keeping the Dickens family story alive, this will be their first time appearing together as hosts and performers, making the weekend a genuine highlight for Dickens fans and island visitors alike.

Stories, island scenery and Victorian charm

Guests can look forward to an intimate, house-party-style programme designed to bring Dickens’ world to life:

Friday

• Welcome drink on arrival with Gerald and Ian.
• Dinner in the 2 AA Rosette Geranium Restaurant with light-hearted readings and family anecdotes from Gerald and Ian Dickens.

Saturday

• Full English breakfast.
• A choice of Saturday morning activities:
  • Guests may like to follow the self-guided Charles Dickens Trail, exploring places Dickens stayed, lived and found inspiration.
  • Or join an informal introduction to Dickens on the Isle of Wight at The Royal.
• Afternoon at leisure to explore Ventnor’s seafront, shops, coastal walks and nearby attractions including Osborne House (Queen Victoria’s home on the island), the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Ventnor Botanic Gardens and much more.
• Optional Victorian-Themed Afternoon Tea at The Royal.
• Dinner crafted by the hotel’s award-winning team of chefs.
• After dinner: a special performance by Gerald Dickens of his acclaimed one-man show, “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby”.

Sunday

• Full English breakfast and farewells from Gerald and Ian Dickens and the team at The Royal.

Dickens House Party booking

Prices start from £529 per room for a two-night stay in a classic king/twin room. Book your space online here or call 01983 852186.

Ferry travel discounts

Please contact The Royal Hotel for return car ferry discounts.