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When it comes to literature, the UK sets the standard! With so many famous authors and books, it’s only normal that we can find a lot of places that have inspired famous stories around the country.
If you are like me and love discovering places that are linked to the books you’ve read, then this article is for you.
Here are seven literary places in the UK that all book lovers should add to their travel bucket list.
1. Edinburgh (Harry Potter)
If there is one literary destination in the UK, it’s definitely Edinburgh in Scotland! This is where J.K. Rowling wrote most of the Harry Potter books which means there are loads of sources of inspiration and sites to visit.
For example, Victoria Street is known as the real life version of Diagon Alley. It’s a stunning street with colourful shops and restaurants that will truly make you feel like you’ve stepped into the Harry Potter world.
There are a lot more places that are connected to Hogwarts such as Greyfriars Kirkyard (where you can see the grave of Tom Riddell).
But if you are a fan of the author, you should also go to the Elephant House café where Rowling wrote early novels or even stay at the Balmoral castle, which is where she wrote the last book.
💡 PRO TIP: You should consider booking this Harry Potter walking tour. It’s so much fun, the guide is extremely knowledgeable and they also do a quiz during the tour!
2. Torquay (Agatha Christie)
Torquay is a seaside town located on the stunning English Riviera in Devon.
It’s famous for being the birthplace of the queen of crime, Agatha Christie.
Here you can go to the Agatha Christie Mile and discover significant sites related to the author’s life, including her childhood home and the Grand Hotel, where she spent her honeymoon in 1914.
The annual International Agatha Christie Festival is also an event worth considering if you are a fan of her work and mystery literature in general.
Walks, writing competitions, murder mystery parties, guided tours… They have a bit of everything. It’s a lot of fun!
💡PRO TIP: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Greenway, Christie’s holiday home near Dartmouth, now managed by the National Trust.
3. Baker Street (Sherlock Holmes)
Baker Street in London is a must-visit for fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective, Sherlock Holmes.
It’s a famous address because that’s where Sherlock lives in the book but in real life, you can actually find the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street.
It’s very well done and was meticulously created to match Conan Doyle’s descriptions. Just stepping inside feels like you’ve walked onto the pages of the novels.
Another fascinating site is the Sherlock Holmes statue near the Baker Street Underground station.
💡PRO TIP: Check out Speedy’s Cafe, just around the corner from the Sherlock Holmes Museum. It’s often featured in the BBC series “Sherlock” and is a great spot to grab a bite and immerse yourself further in the world of Sherlock Holmes.
If you want to learn more about Sherlock Holmes and all the related stories in this area, make sure to join this themed walking tour.
4. Burgh Island (Hercule Poirot)
For Agatha Christie fans, Burgh Island in Devon is another gem.
This small yet picturesque island inspired the setting for two of her novels, “Evil Under the Sun” and “And Then There Were None”.
To get there, you need to go to Bigbury-on-the-sea and cross over to the island.
Please note that this is a tidal island which means you can walk across the beach to get there but you need to check the tides.
Alternatively, if you want the proper Poirot experience, you should take the unique sea tractor during high tide.
The main source of inspiration on this island is the stunning Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, which transports guests back to the glamour of the 1930s.
💡 PRO TIP: Book a stay or visit the hotel for afternoon tea. It’s the perfect way to experience the elegance and mystery of Christie’s world. Plus, the views of the Devon coast are spectacular.
5. Haworth (Brontë Sisters)
Haworth, located in West Yorkshire, is intrinsically linked to the Brontë sisters since that’s where they used to live.
This is definitely a must visit for any book fans. The Yorkshire Tourism board even describes the town as a literary mecca.
The main attraction is the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the family home where Charlotte, Emily, and Anne wrote their masterpieces.
The surrounding moors that inspired novels like “Wuthering Heights” and “Jane Eyre” are just a walk away from the village, offering dramatic and windswept landscapes.
💡 PRO TIP: Visit in early spring or autumn to see the moors in their full glory. Also, the Brontë Society often hosts events and workshops at the museum, offering a deeper dive into the sisters’ lives and works.
6. Bowness-on-Windermere (Beatrix Potter)
The Lake District is very famous for its literary connections. Throughout the years, a lot of authors (especially poets) came to the Lake District to write their pieces.
It’s such a beautiful part of England so it’s not surprising that writers find it particularly inspiring.
Out of all these authors, the most famous one is Beatrix Potter who wrote Peter Rabbit.
If you head to Bowness-on-Windermere, you’ll find The World of Beatrix Potter. This attraction brings her beloved characters to life through interactive exhibits.
For a more personal glimpse into Potter’s life, visit Hill Top, her home, which remains exactly as she left it. It’s managed by the National Trust and is free for members.
💡 PRO TIP: Combine your visit to Hill Top with a cruise on Lake Windermere. It’s a serene way to appreciate the stunning landscapes that inspired Potter’s tales.
7. Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare)
No literary tour of the UK would be complete without Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Here you can follow Shakespeare’s life, from his birthplace to his grave at the Holy Trinity Church. For theatre lovers, a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company is a must.
💡 PRO TIP: To fully immerse yourself in the Shakespearean experience, book a walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon. You’ll learn about the history of the town as well as Shakespeare’s life.
These seven destinations offer a unique journey through the UK’s literary history, bringing the stories and their authors to life.
Whether you’re a fan of detective novels, classic literature, or magical tales, these places provide a wonderful insight into the worlds of some of the UK’s most beloved writers.
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