Celebrating World Book Day with a Literary Inspired UK Getaway
Attractions | Events | Pub Accommodation | Staycation | Uk Pubs | Posted 2025.03.03
Celebrating World Book Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in your love for literature while exploring the places that inspired some of the greatest authors of all time. From quaint villages to rolling countryside, the UK is filled with destination that have influenced classic stories and literary legends. Here are some of the best places to visit for book-lover’s getaway.
Devon – Agatha Christie’s Crime Solving Inspiration
Photo Credit: allou
Begin celebrating World Book Day by visiting Devon, where the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie was born. She spent much of her life in the region. Fans of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple can explore her former holiday home, Greenway, now a National Trust property, set along the picturesque River Dart. Torquay itself hosts an annual Agatha Christie Festival, celebrating her life and works with themed events, talks and murder mystery experiences.
Book a stay at Hope & Anchor, a stone’s throw away from the beach. The pub has a lovely mix of coastal double bedrooms, dog friendly rooms, a family suite and a self-catering cottage. The perfect leap pad for discovering Agatha Christie’s region.
Alternatively stay at The Saint George & Dragon. The pub strikes a beautiful balance between rustic charm and 21st century comfort and has 21 beautifully refurbished bedrooms.
Dorset – The Magical World of Enid Blyton
Photo Credit: Dmytro Abroskin
Enid Blyton, the beloved children’s author, was deeply inspired by the Dorset coast. Locations such as Corfe Castle are believed to have influenced the setting of Kirrin Castle in The Famous Five series. The stunning Jurassic Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, also echoes the adventurous spirit of Blyton’s tales. Take a nostalgic trip to Dorset and step into a world of mystery and childhood adventure.
Book a stay at The Duchess of Cornwall, a welcoming three-story West Country inn, designed on a grand scale. Choose from 20 Georgian-inspired en-suite double bedrooms.
Or enjoy a stay at The Crown Hotel. The pub has views over the nearby Stour meadows and boasts a collection of 27 characterful double, twin, family and dog friendly bedrooms.
Ashdown Forest, Sussex – The Hundred Acre Wood of A.A. Milne
Photo Credit: munro1
Step into the world of Winnie the Pooh by visiting Ashdown Forest, the real-life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood. Located in East Sussex, this charming woodland is where A.A. Milne created the adventures of Pooh, Piglet and Christopher Robin. You can even play a game of Poohsticks on the original Pooh Bridge and take a leisurely walk through the rolling countryside whilst celebrating World Book Day.
Book a stay at The Cat Inn, a dog friendly pub situated in a pretty hilltop village. Step inside and you will find flagstone floors, oak beams and cosy inglenook fireplaces. Stay in one of four bedrooms and relax after a long day reliving childhood nostalgia.
Or stay at The Griffin Inn. The pub has a collection of 13 charming en-suite bedrooms, each decorated with classic country house style. Enjoy al fresco drinks in the garden and soak in the breathtaking countryside views.
Haworth, Yorkshire – The Brontë Sisters’ Wild and Romantic Moorlands
Photo Credit: Jack Holliday
The remote village of Haworth in Yorkshire was home to Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, whose novels are deeply influenced by the surrounding moorlands. Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where they lived and wrote, and take a walk on the Yorkshire Moors, which provided the atmospheric setting for Wuthering Heights. The rugged landscape perfectly captures the gothic romance of the Brontës’ works.
This trip would not be made without booking a stay at The Fleece Inn. The inn sits on the main street of the picturesque village of Haworth. They have ten cosy bedrooms and serve hearty pub classics.
The Lake District – Beatrix Potter’s Countryside Haven
Photo Credit: Khrizmo
The Lake District is synonymous with Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit and many other cherished animal characters. Her former home, Hill Top Farm, is a must visit for fans wanting to see where she wrote and illustrated her famous tales. The stunning lakes, rolling hills and quaint villages of the region transport visitors into the charming world of Potter’s beloved stories.
Book a stay at the Queens Head Inn, a dog friendly pub. The pub has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years and serves brilliant cask ales and delicious home cooked food. Choose from a collection of 16 inviting and newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms.
Hampshire – Jane Austen’s Elegant Countryside
Photo Credit: AmandaLewis
Fans of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility can walk Jane Austen’s footsteps in Hampshire. Visit Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, where she wrote some of her most famous novels, and explore the surrounding countryside that inspired her stories of romance and society. Winchester, where Austen spent her final days, is also home to her resting place in the magnificent Winchester Cathedral.
Book a stay at The White Hart, a beautifully refurbished, dog friendly pub. The pub has 12 en-suite bedrooms, each of which is the ideal base for those travelling for a weekend stay.
Hay-on-Wye, Wales – The Book Lover’s Paradise
Photo Credit: Graham King
Known as the Town of Books, hay-on-Wye in Wales is a dream destination for bibliophiles. With over 20 bookshops, many specialising in rare and second-hand books, it is the perfect place to get lost among the shelves. The town also hosts the world-renowned Hay Festival, an annual literary event that attracts authors and book lovers from all over the globe.
Book a stay at The Riverside Inn, a multi-award-winning pub. The pub dates to the 1600’s and has a collection of beautifully furnished bedrooms, suites and garden lodges.
Plan Your Literary Escape
Whether you are a fan of mystery, romance, adventure, or childhood classic, the UK is brimming with literary destinations that bring your favourite stories to life. Celebrate World Book Day by visiting these inspiring locations and stepping into the worlds of your favourite authors.
Written by Lucille Skinner
Social Assistant