Iconic Literary Places to Visit in England

Reading books brings alive our imagination, and if you’re visiting England any time soon, 2017 is their ‘Year of the Literary Heroes.

There are so many great literary places to visit, providing inspiration to bookworms of all ages:

Roald Dahl Museum:

Are you or your little one fans of Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and BFG?

If so, (and even if not), you’ll want to visit the Roald Dahl Museum, located in the Buckinghamshire village where Dahl lived and wrote for 36 years. The museum is aimed at the 6 to 12-year-old set and includes interactive galleries, including Boy gallery which focuses on the author’s school days. Solo gallery houses his original Writing Hut, and The Story Centre is filled with activities.

Adults are £6.60, Children £4.40, and Under 5s free—plus cost of the event: £3 per person. Check their website for event dates and recommended ages.

Gruffalo:

If you love the series about Gruffalo, you can visit a Forestry Commission deep dark wood and look for clues, including little footprints for Mouse, a slithery trail for Snake and the unmistakable, great big Gruffalo footprint. 

While you’re at it, stay in a Gruffalo-themed bedroom at Chessington World of Adventures, then enjoy the world’s first Gruffalo riverboat ride where you will journey through the aforementioned deep dark wood.

World of Peter Rabbit:

Meet Peter Rabbit and his friends at The World of Beatrix Potter™. Your children (and inner child) will discover Jemima Puddle-duck’s woodland glade, Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s kitchen and the Peter Rabbit Garden, brimming with flowers, herbs and vegetables. In the summer you can see Where is Peter Rabbit?, the Beatrix Potter musical. 

Play Poohsticks at Ashdown Forest, East Sussex:

How can you go to England and not play Poohsticks? It was invented by the cuddly Winnie the Pooh, who was created by A.A.Milne. Enjoy a game or two on the famous wooden Pooh Bridge by Cotchford House, the home of AA Milne and Christopher Robin. 

READ MORE The 6 Best Museums For Little Book Worms  

Harry Potter:

From March 31 onward, fans of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series can venture deep into Forbidden Forest at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter. 

Walk beneath the giant entwined roots, where you can have a go at controlling the weather, then bow to the majestic Buckbeak.

If you want to learn to fly a broomstick, visit Alnwick castle in Northumberland. You will stand on the very spot where Harry had his first flying lesson in the film production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Sessions take place daily, but you will need a timed ticket during busy periods. Alnwick castle admission applies. 

Sherlock Holmes:

Take a two-hour guided tour of Sherlock’s London, where you’ll discover the sites that inspired author Arthur Conan Doyle, plus explore some of the locations featured in the books, films and TV series. 

The Hobbit:

Fans of the film and book The Hobbit can take a walking tour of JRR Tolkien’s Oxford, a magical, mysterious city where the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings was inspired to create his imaginary world. Visit the famous colleges and locations where Tolkien spent his life. Booking is essential.