If you love to read or have a favourite author that has captured your imagination and may be your heart too, then you may want to take a self-catering holiday in an area with links to an author or book that has been written that has truly inspired you.
The UK has been home to and inspired so many wonderful authors and books, it’s impossible to list them all so we’ve listed some of the best places to visit, some of which will appeal more to adults and some of which may appeal to kids.
Places for Self-Catering Holidays for those with a Love of Literature
Discover Agatha Christie Attractions in Devon
Fans of Agatha Christine love the suspense as the story unfolds in the ‘who dunnit’ detective novels. If you adore the Agatha Christie novels and films why not pay tribute with a visit to Greenway in Devon. Greenway is an impressive large Georgian country house set in tranquil gardens, which was the holiday home of Agatha Christie. Visit to learn more about Agatha Christine, her time at the house and her travels and collections.
Situated by the River Dart, Greenway House is conveniently located for those enjoying a cottage holiday close to Dartmouth and the Devon coast.
Bronte Country
Most people with a love of romantic fiction know of and adore novels such as Wuthering Heights. Many people too will have seen the film if they haven’t read the book. The Bronte sisters each wrote some marvellous novels. Whether your favourite is Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre or one of Emily Bronte’s pieces, the Brontes are a truly fascinating family which continue to fascinate people long after their deaths. Bronte Country centres around Haworth in Yorkshire, learn more about the novels of the Bronte’s in this village and feel the inspiration when exploring the moors and windswept landscape that so featured in novels such as Wuthering Heights.
There is enough to keep Bronte’ fans entertained for days in Bronte Country. Also close by for those enjoying more than a few days in Yorkshire, is the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Harrogate.
Find a place to stay in Bronte Country.
Thomas Hardy Country
Thomas Hardy is another inspiring novels that takes up back in time with his stories to the charming English countryside and a bygone way of life. Discover Hardy Country in the Dorset Hills, visit the village and cottage where Thomas Hardy was born, see the townhouse where he lived and learn about his literary works with a visit to the Dorset County Museum and visit the Hardy Statue in Dorchester.
A visit to Thomas Hardy country can easily be combined with a break in the Dorset countryside or along the Dorset coast.
Find holiday homes in Dorset.
Ideas for Holidays with Kids who love Books
Visit and stay in Hertfordshire or Bucks to See Roald Dahl Attractions plus Harry Potter World
Roald Dahl was and is one of Britain’s best known children’s authors and with marvellous creations such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and amongst others to his name, this gentleman knew how to capture a child’s imagination. If your kids love one or more of Roald Dahl’s stories then why not visit the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire.
Not too far from this superb museum is Harry Potters World; the Warner Brothers Studio Tour where you can learn about the making of Harry Potter. Situated in Watford, not too far from Great MIssenden, whether your kids have read the Harry Potter books or watched the films or a combination of the two, this Harry Potter attraction is a popular place for family day out.
Whilst in this part of the country you may also be able to fit in visits to other family-friendly attractions in the area such as the Natural History Museum in Tring or Whipsnade Zoo for a wild day out.
Whether you’re young or old, if you love to read then there are loads of places to inspire and delight you with literary connections in Great Britain.