Dickens House Party

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Dickens House Party returns!

Taking place from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026, the weekend will again be hosted by Ian and Gerald Dickens, great-great-grandsons of Charles Dickens, and will feature Gerald Dickens's much-loved one-man performance of A Christmas Carol.

The February event received glowing guest feedback, with comments including "an absolutely fantastic weekend", "another Dickens triumph" and "truly memorable." Now The Royal is bringing the house party back with a seasonal twist, combining Dickensian storytelling, Victorian charm, fine dining, island scenery and relaxed hospitality in one of the Isle of Wight's most historic hotels. Charles Dickens stayed at The Royal in 1838 - before later staying much longer at Winterbourne House in Bonchurch.

The weekend opens on Friday evening with a welcome drink hosted by Ian and Gerald Dickens, including light-hearted extracts from Dickens's works and anecdotes from the author's life and family history, followed by dinner in The Royal's 2 AA Rosette Geranium Restaurant.

On Saturday, guests can step further into Dickens's world. Options include following the self-guided Charles Dickens Trail, exploring places connected with the author's time on the Isle of Wight, or enjoying a closer look at Dickens family memorabilia, accompanied by readings and personal reflections.

There will also be time to explore Ventnor and the surrounding area before the highlight of the weekend: Gerald Dickens's acclaimed performance of A Christmas Carol, which he has performed to audiences around the world.

The evening continues with a specially created seven-course tasting experience from The Royal's award-winning Head Chef, Jacob Gough, with guests also able to round off the night with an optional Smoking Bishop, the warm Victorian mulled wine drink famously mentioned in A Christmas Carol.

Booking Information

Prices start from £585 per room for a two-night stay in a Classic King/Twin Room including return car ferry and access to the full programme (excluding optional items).

Special prices are offered for Single Room bookings and for island residents