The UK can possibly lay claim to some of the most famous, beloved authors in literary history! Classic British authors include Jane Austen, whose novels are still among the best-selling classics ever, Agatha Christie, the ‘Queen of Crime Writers’, Charles Dickens, Victorian novelist whose famous works include A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of mastermind detective, Sherlock Holmes, to name but a few! Let’s not forget the likes of Beatrix Potter, Roald Dahl, A.A.Milne and J.K. Rowling who created some of the best-loved children’s characters in the world!
We thought it might be a great idea to explore the British Isles following in the footsteps of our Literary Heroes! With that in mind, here are a few suggestions to get you started…or maybe you have some favourites of your own?
J.R.R.Tolkien- Oxford
J.R.R Tolkien, was born in South Africa, but moved to England at the age of three. A writer, poet and University Professor, he is best known as the author of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Silmarillion, from which he became known as the ‘’father’’ of modern fantasy literature. In 2001-2003 The Lord of the Rings was released as a film trilogy directed by Peter Jackson. One of the most ambitious film projects undertaken, Tolkien’s fantasy world was brought to the attention of a new generation, much to their delight!
Where to visit:
Take a trip to Exeter College, Oxford University, where Tolkien studied English Literature; sit in The Botanic Gardens, High Street, Oxford, or raise a glass in the Eagle and Child Pub, Oxford, where Tolkien would meet with a group of literary chums, who called themselves The Inklings, including famous author, C.S.Lewis.
Where to stay:
Fyfield Manor (11 miles from Oxford)
Hill View Farm, Bicester (14 miles from Oxford)
Manor Farm, Lechlade (17 miles from Oxford)
J.K.ROWLING – Edinburgh
Joanne Kathleen Rowling (born 31 July 1965), is best known for writing the ‘Harry Potter’ novels. Having sold more than 500 million copies, it has become the best- selling book series ever! Interestingly, words created in her stories like ‘Muggles’ have even found their way into the Oxford English Dictionary!
Where to visit:
J.K.Rowling made her home in Edinburgh and could often be seen writing the Harry Potter novels in the city cafes. The colourful and historical Victoria Street is thought to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley and George Heriot’s School, Hogwarts. The Writers’ Museum pays tribute to a wealth of authors including J.K.Rowling.
Visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour in London where many of the films were made or Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station.
Where to stay:
Straven Guest House, Edinburgh
Rathan House, Eskbank (7 miles from Edinburgh)
Ashcroft Farmhouse, East Calder (10 miles from Edinburgh)
Whitecroft, East Calder (10 miles from Edinburgh)
Glenalmond, East Calder (10 miles from Edinburgh)
A.A.MILNE – Ashdown Forest
Alan Alexander Milne touched the hearts of generations with his stories and amusing quotes about the thoughtful and lovable bear, Winnie the Pooh.
Where to visit:
A.A Milne lived on the edge of Ashdown Forest (aka The Hundred Acre Wood to Pooh and friends!), which is located at the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and boasts spectacular views over the surrounding Sussex countryside. Located just 40 miles from London, enjoy the tranquillity of 6,500 acres of enchanted forest and heathland, steeped in history dating back almost to the Norman Conquest. Follow the footsteps of A.A. Milne to Gills Lap at the heart of the forest and see, as Christopher Robin did, ‘’the whole world spread out until it reached the sky’’.
Where to stay:
Holly House, Haywards Heath (2 miles from Ashdown Forest)
Little Tidebrook Farm, Tunbridge Wells (12 miles away from Ashdown Forest)
ROALD DAHL – Great Missenden
Roald Dahl was born in Llandaff, South Wales, on September 13, 1916. His long writing career included children’s favourite stories such as James & the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox and the BFG.
Where to visit:
For Roald Dahl enthusiasts, a trip to the village of Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, located in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is well worth a visit, as he lived there for 36 years and gained much inspiration for his books from the surrounding countryside. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre is located at 81-83 High Street.
Where to stay:
76 Duke Street, Windsor – 16 miles away from Great Missenden
DAPHNE DU MAURIER – Cornwall
Daphne du Maurier, born 13th May 1907, became one of the most successful authors of her time! She is particularly associated with Cornwall having had three homes there during her writing career – Bodinnick, her beloved home, Menabilly ( the inspiration for ‘Manderley’ in Rebecca) and Kilmarth.
Where to visit:
‘Jamaica Inn’, built in 1750 as a coaching inn, exists to this day on Bodmin Moor, and is now a welcoming place to stay whilst travelling in Cornwall! Daphne du Maurier and her husband leased Menabilly for 25 years, having vowed to live there one day, following her discovery of it as a girl whilst out rambling. The coastal walk from the pretty town of Fowey runs close to the property’s grounds and it’s easy to let the imagination run and sense the atmosphere of one of the nation’s most loved books! Antony House in Torpoint, is an 18th-Century property set within stunning landscape gardens, and home to a portrait of Rachel Carew, the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s title character in My Cousin Rachel.
Where to stay:
Reddivallen Farmhouse, Boscastle
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