Ever wished to walk a mile in the shoes of a literary giant?
Well, dust off your most flamboyant footwear and prepare yourself for a journey through the life and locations of Oscar Wilde — the unparalleled wit of the 19th century.
From the cozy corners of Dublin to his final resting place in Paris, Oscar Wilde’s sharp tongue — and even sharper pen — will lead us to the very places that shaped his life and tragic end.
So, hop on a Wilde ride with us through the UK, Ireland, and France!
Image Credit: Getty Images, burcintuncer. Image Location: Home of Oscar Wilde, Chelsea, London
Oscar Wilde’s London: a Victorian playground
Wilde’s London was a whirlwind of high society gatherings, theatrical premieres, and scandalous trials. While we don’t sell tickets to the past, you can still explore Wilde’s London with a keen eye and a wry smile.
- Visit Wilde’s home. Though not open to the public, a stroll past 34 Tite Street in Chelsea offers a glimpse into Wilde’s domestic life and aesthetic splendor.
- The Wilde statue at Charing Cross. Catch a selfie with the dashing statue of Wilde, languidly reclining on a granite sarcophagus, quipping, “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
- Read also: Where to see Shakespeare in London
Dublin: where Wilde’s wit was whetted
Dublin is where the young Wilde cultivated his razor-sharp wit and charm. The city teems with sites commemorating its famous son.
- Don’t miss the statue of Oscar Wilde in Dublin. Merrion Square hosts a colorful statue of Wilde lounging on a rock, casting a sardonic gaze towards his childhood home on the opposite side of the square.
- Remember, Trainline doesn’t sell tickets in Ireland, but you can easily get from London to Dublin without flying with a SailRail ticket.
- Read also: Your guide to Rail and Sail from London to Dublin
Image Credit: Getty Images, Bruno De Hogues. Image Location: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris, France
Paris: the final curtain
Wilde’s last act took place in the City of Lights, where he spent his final days in both creativity and sorrow.
- Pay respect to the grave of Oscar Wilde. The Père Lachaise Cemetery houses Wilde’s magnificently ornate tomb. A note to would-be romantics: while once a tradition, kissing the monument with lipstick is now frowned upon. The grave is protected by a glass barrier to preserve the stonework. As Wilde might say, “A kiss may ruin a human life” — and nowadays, it might also attract a fine.
- Read also: Chic & cheeky: your guide to the Latin Quarter in Paris
Travel tips for Wilde enthusiasts
- Literary pilgrimages need planning. Wilde was nothing if not prepared for life’s dramas. Check opening times and public access for sites where applicable. And don’t sweat missing your train — the Trainline app’s real-time updates have got your back.
- Respect the resting. Remember, Oscar Wilde’s grave is a site of respect.
- SailRail to Dublin. Though we don’t sell train tickets in Ireland, you can journey from London to Dublin without flying, embracing the scenic route Wilde himself might have appreciated himself.
- Dress for the occasion. Wilde had a flair for fashion, so why not add a touch of your own style when visiting his haunts? Whether it’s a fancy scarf or a subtle boutonniere, a nod to Wilde’s aesthetic could enrich your pilgrimage.
- Engage with Wilde’s works. Before you go, read some of his plays, poems, or his novel. Visiting places with his words fresh in your mind will deepen your connection and understanding of the man behind the quill.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Stephen Gabriel. Image Location: Hotel L'Hotel, Ile de France, Paris, France
FAQs: Wilde’s world uncovered
How did Oscar Wilde die?
Wilde’s life came to a somber close in Paris when he succumbed to meningitis in 1900, his wit sharp until the end.
Where is the grave of Oscar Wilde?
Oscar Wilde’s final resting place is over at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, right among other world’s artistic giants. It’s a must-visit for any Wilde fan, offering a quiet moment with the legend in one of Paris’ most peaceful spots.
Am I allowed to leave my mark at Wilde’s tomb?
The grave of Oscar Wilde, marked by a modernist angel sculpture by Jacob Epstein, used to be a hotspot for fans leaving lipstick kisses. There’s a glass barrier now to keep the grave nice and clean, and slapping a kiss on it could get you fined. So, when you swing by to pay your respects, maybe just blow a kiss instead.
Can I visit Wilde’s home in London?
While the exterior of Wilde’s Chelsea home can be admired, it remains a private residence.
Is the statue of Oscar Wilde in Dublin accessible to the public?
Absolutely, and it’s a must-visit for a chat with the aesthete.
As you trace Oscar Wilde’s steps across Great Britain, Ireland, and France, take a moment to reflect on the enduring legacy of a man who believed that “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
So, live a little! Explore, discover, and maybe — just maybe — pen your own quotable quip along the way.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, RapidEye. Image Location: United States
