A few other enjoyments require a little bit of additional planning. While you could spend the day grazing on candied almonds, roasted chestnuts and little pies (I've done it!), a full sit down meal in a quaint setting is another option. A tea served at Cuthbert's Tea Shoppe includes all the standard fixings - scones, cucumber sandwiches, trifles and the like - while The Tippling Toad offers more hearty fair. Advance reservations for both places are recommended.

A meal at The Tippling Toad also includes a ticket to the French Postcard revue. The limited number of tickets, which don't cost a thing but are required to be allowed admission to the popular show, can also be picked up at the Telegraph Booth on a first come, first serve basis - if you are 18+ years of age, that is. Taking place twice in the late afternoon in the Victoria & Albert Bijou Music Hall, the French Postcards are salacious 19th century photos come to life, with each year's tableaux featuring a theme, from nymphs and satyrs frolicking about, to bewhiskered captains and blushing maids caught in flagrante. By modern standards, the scenarios are quite tame, but, true to their burlesque spirit, they are a cheeky glimpse into the titillations of the era.

Photo credit: Rich Yee (Photo credit: Rich Yee)

With pasties of both kinds bookending the day, there are plenty of activities for all ages to fill the time in between, when you're not shopping for presents and souvenirs from the many local (yay!) vendors at the fair. In fact, for a lot of people the Fair is entirely about shopping and people watching, but if you want to take a break from the temptations of beautiful leather masks, hand milled soaps, and loads of other unique crafts, here are some suggestion -- in no particular order -- to make for a well-rounded visit to Victorian London:

The Crummles Theatrical Company presents its newest production, Revenge of the Bandit Queen, promising sword-play and hilarious hijinks. Francis Farrington’s Metropolitan Music Hall & Pandemonia Britannia, meanwhile, is a family-friendly comedic musical showcase happening twice daily, and each performance is unique. Both are new additions to the stage of the Victoria & Albert Hall.
Across from the V&A Hall, pop by the print shop booth for a demonstration of a printing press from 1860 and snag a copy of the Fair's Bulletin (a new issue is printed each weekend).
A great deal of innovation and ingenuity took place in the 19th century, from the development of railroads and gas lighting, to photography and new modes of communication. It was also a great time for culture, with the Pre-Raphaelites shaking up the art world. At the Adventurers Club, you can get into that spirit of 19th century innovation by listening to talks given by intrepid explorers, historians and artists. At the Great Exhibition Stage, you can also behold marvels of science and engineering, like the Tempest Prognosticator, a barometer powered by leeches.
Stop by the Telegraph Booth to place a message and it will be delivered to a friend at the fair by a young fleet-footed messenger.
Learn some sea shanties by the Paddy West Stage at the London Docks, or if you haven't got impressionable youths with you, make your way to Mad Sal's for more salty entertainment.
At the Dickens Family Parlour, peeking through the windows into someone's household is not only allowed but encouraged.
Rested? Sated? Head on over to Fezziwig's for some dancing and occasional parlor games. The dance floor has room for dancers of all experience levels, and the seasoned Dickens Fair regulars are often eager to introduce newcomers to a polka, reel or waltz.

Charles DickensCharles Dickens

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