Hogworths Express at Harry Potter World

Literary Inspired Weekends

England’s literary landscapes and locations are as diverse as the writers they stirred. We love following in the footsteps of our favourite authors on literary holidays and seeing the places they knew and loved spring to life. Genteel strolls around elegant cities conjure up images of petticoats and parasols. Clambering to the top of a windswept crag brings dreams of dark, brooding heroes and love torn asunder. From organised trails to self-guided literary trips, there are chances for inspiration all over the country.

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Enjoy splendiferous fun at the Roald Dahl Museum

Ever wondered where Charlie and the Chocolate Factory started? This family-friendly museum has answers for children and adults of all ages.

Location: Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

 

Retrace Turner's footsteps in Durham

Durham’s landscapes and iconic buildings have inspired several of England’s great artists and writers, including the master painter JMW Turner.

Location: Durham Dales, Durham

 

Visit the dramatic landscape that inspired John Constable

Follow in the footsteps of John Constable and explore Dedham Vale and Stour Valley an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Location: Dedham, Colchester

 

Explore the ruins of Ashby Castle

Sir Walter Scott’s classic novel of 1819, Ivanhoe featured Ashby Castle as the backdrop to the famous jousting scenes.

Location: Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire

 

Visit the home of the Dymock Poets in the Forest of Dean

In the quiet village of Dymock, literacy history was being made by six of the finest poets of the early 20th century.

Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

 

Be inspired by the grand Malvern Hills

Enjoy great views on top of the Worcestershire Beacon and follow in the footsteps of writers and composers including Sir Edward Elgar and C.S Lewis.

Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

 

Ride the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

This exciting heritage steam railway runs through the picturesque Yorkshire countryside where the classic movie The Railway Children was filmed.

Location: Keighley, West Yorkshire

 

Walk in the footsteps of the famous Brontë sisters

Visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum and explore the beautiful home and surroundings that inspired classic Brontë novels.

Location: Haworth, West Yorkshire

 

Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen

Explore the city that inspired one of England’s most famous novel writers.

Location: Bath, Somerset

 

Discover Charles Dickens’ Broadstairs

Go to the quaint part of Kent that was inspiration to novelist Charles Dickens and drew him to return time and time again.

Location: Broadstairs, Kent

 

How did the leopard get his spots? Visit Rudyard Kipling’s home

Explore Bateman's, the 17th century home of the Jungle Book and The Just So Stories author, nestled in the leafy Sussex Weald.

Location: Burwash, East Sussex

 

Take a tour round Stokesay Court

Stokesay Court was the setting for the mansions scenes in the film version of Ian McEwan's best selling novel, “Atonement”.

Location: Craven Arms, Shropshire

 

Visit Shrewsbury Abbey, fictional home of Brother Cadfael

Visit Shrewsbury Abbey and follow in the footsteps of Cadfael, the monastic sleuth, where the books and TV series were set.

Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire

 

Step back in time and live like Wordsworth in Cumbria

A visit to Wordsworth House and Garden is a unique opportunity to experience late 18th-century life at first hand.

Location: Cockermouth, Cumbria

 

Take in 'Swallows and Amazons' landscapes on a relaxing cruise

Take a trip around the landscape used in the film ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and discover what inspired Arthur Ransome to write his famous book.

Location: Derwentwater, Cumbria

 

Go Walrus hunting at Sunderland Museum

Discover the inspirational statue behind the Lewis Carroll poem Walrus and the Carpenter.

Location: Sunderland, Tyne and Wear

 

Experience the locations that have inspired great literature

The constantly changing scenery, dramatic landscapes and distinctive character of Yorkshire’s people have all been sources of literary inspiration.

Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire

 

Discover DH Lawrence country

Discover DH Lawrence country on the edge of Nottingham and follow in the footsteps of the county's most controversial literary hero.

Location: Eastwood, Nottinghamshire

 

Find Byron's Nottinghamshire on the Byron Trail

Lord Byron was famous during his lifetime as a figure who could inspire love, romance, political change and liberation through his powerful works.

Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

 

Lose yourself in Neverland at Nottingham Arboretum

The Arboretum just outside Nottingham’s city centre is said to be the inspiration behind J.M. Barrie’s classic children’s tale ‘Peter Pan’.

Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

 

Discover Laurie Lee Country

Take inspiration from the BBC adaptation of the classic novel ‘Cider with Rosie’ and follow in the footsteps of author Laurie Lee through the Slad Valley.

Location: Slad village near Stroud, Gloucestershire

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