Celebrate book lovers day on the 9th August by immersing yourself in the literary greats of England. With visits and experiences surround the works of the renowned authors such as Beatrix Potter, C.S. Lewis and Charles Dickens, there’s plenty to keep the avid book worm busy.
Charles Dickens Museum, London, England
Former home to the legendary Dickens, 48 Doughty Street, boasts many notable artefacts from the novelist including a portrait known as Dickens’s Dream by R.W. Buss, the original illustrator if The Pickwick Papers and his last known clothing item in existence worn by him when he was presented to the Prince of Wales in 1870. In the time in which Dickens lived at the Camden home he finished The Pickwick Papers, wrote Olive Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and worked on Barnaby Rudge. He lived here with his wife, Catherine, and their three eldest children of ten from 1837 – 1839. This is the perfect visit for classic book lovers.
The Eagle & Child, Oxford, England
This small pub has a wealth of history attached to it. It was once the lodgings of the Chancellor of the Exchequer during the English Civil War and served as a pay house for the Royalists with pony auctions taking place in the courtyard. Most famously however, it was the meeting place of the Oxford writers’ group, The Inklings. The Inklings had many famous members including C.S. Lewis author of The Chronicles of Narnia, and J.R.R Tolkien of The Lord of The Rings series. The group would meet to exchange and discuss unfinished works in the private room called the ‘Rabbit Room’ and it was at these meets that Lewis shared proofs for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
221B Baker Street, London, England
Home to the fictional Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s book series this now museum transports it’s visitors to the Victorian times offering a glimpse into the private life of this famous detective. Guides dressed in period costume take you through this room-to-room tour in this small and intimate setting to explore some of Holmes most famous cases. The museum is host to the largest collection of memorabilia in the world and has a gift shop offering a range of quirky goodies for the die-hard fan.
Hill Top House, Lake District, England
Inspired by her family visits to the scenic Lake District when she was a child, Beatrix Potter purchased Hill Top House is 1905. She was a regular watercolour painter of the landscape and features around her which can now be seen in her home turned museum. The legendary writer and illustrator’s characters are brought to life for all ages as the home has been left as it was when Potter handed it over to the National Trust. Visit the land that inspired the antics of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck and Tom Kitten. Be sure to pre-book as this experience isn’t open all year round and is the most popular visit in the Lake District.
Shakespeare’s Globe, London, England
The history of the original Globe theatre is one of tragedy which is fitting for a theatre with Shakespeare’s name attached to it. It opened in 1594 and was home to the Bard’s acting company, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Since then, it has been dismantled and relocated, the roof burned down and rebuilt. Disaster struck again in 1642 when the government ordered that all London theatres should close which led to its eventual demise in 1944 as the Globe was destroyed and the land sold. In the 70s theatre maker, Samuel Wanamaker, set out to reconstruct the building which was finally finished as authentically to the original as modern safety laws allowed in 1997.
The globe is a functioning theatre, education centre and cultural landmark which is a fitting visit for any classical theatre fan.
Jane Austen’s House, Hampshire, England
Former home turned museum; this experience houses an unmatched array of items of Jane Austen’s. Visitors can enjoy a selection of letters, first edition novels and jewellery belonging to Austen. The acclaimed author lived here for the final eight years of her life. The museum boasts a step back in time to 1816 to immerse yourself in Jane’s day-to-day experience as they travel through the rooms where she spent her final years. With a series of temporary exhibitions all through the year you can return several times to see something new.
For more book lovers experiences in the UK see our themed packages for Ireland.
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