Top UK Literary Stops for Book Lovers

I’ve always had a love affair with books. Across all genres, from King’s tales of horror to classic literature like The Great Gatsby, I’ve devoured page after page. But books have also inspired my travels. And almost every thought of Europe conjures up images of some of my favourite authors. So, it should be no surprise that on my last visit I went in search of some top UK literary stops for book lovers.

I was blown away by the wealth of unique and memorable literary places across the UK. From homes of authors to where they use to hang out and places that inspired them, there are truly hundreds of UK literary stops that will keep you going for ages. Among all the popular UK literary sites there are a few you may not know about.

Top UK Literary Stops in England

William Shakespeare – Stratford-upon-Avon & London, England

Want to walk in the footsteps of one of the World’s great literary figures? Head to Stratford-upon-Avon where he was born and visit New Place. Here you’ll literally be able to walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps where he called home for the last 19 years of his life.

Another great UK literary stop is a visit, and perhaps a taking in a play, at London’s Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The 16th century theatre that not only put on Shakespeare’s plays but also saw him as a shareholder, sadly burnt down during a performance of Henry VIII. The new theatre, built in the old one’s likeness, is now a buzz with plays, tours, and a top London attraction.

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Charles Dickens – London, England

Charles Dickens’ muse was London. He was a master at bringing it to life. So, there’s no surprise you can find traces of him and his novels on any stroll through London, it was the leading character in most of his novels. And to see more from the man himself, head to the Charles Dickens Museum. It was here that he penned Oliver Twist along with Nicholas Nickelby. And while he only lived here for two years it’s full of his memorabilia, from manuscripts to his possessions, and other interesting exhibitions.

Sherlock Holmes – London, England

Who hasn’t fallen for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s wise, witty, and charming Sherlock Holmes character? Through the years many have flocked to London to find 221 Baker Street. While it’s not quite there, you can find the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Shop at 237 and 241 Baker Street. And even if you decided against taking a tour of the museum, the charming gift shop is full of curiosities, period costumed staff, and fun merchandise. Along with the museum you can also find a statue of Holmes towering outside the Baker Street tube station.

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Fitzroy Tavern – London, England

Grab a pint and pay homage to those who once sat in this tavern too. The Fitzroy Tavern, at 16 Charlotte Street, became famous during the 1920’s to the 1950’s when artists and writers started using it as a meeting place. It was once the haunt of George Orwell and George Bernard Shaw, among others. And entering its doors will have you stepping back in time.

Westminster Abbey – London, England

Within the stunning halls of Westminster Abbey there lies a corner purely devoted to many of Britain’s greatest writers. Poet’s Corner is in the Abbey’s South Transept. Here you’ll find Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, and Thomas Hardy interred, along with various monuments to other iconic authors like Shakespeare and Jane Austin. Here you can reflect on these brilliant minds.

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Bloomsbury Square Garden – London, England

Want to try and channel your inner writer? Take a wander through London’s Bloomsbury, a popular neighbourhood for many classic authors. Bram Stoker, T.S. Eliot, Charles Dickens, and Yeats all lived in Bloomsbury at some point in their lives. And it’s here, at Bloomsbury Square Garden where writers, known as the Bloomsbury Group, would meet. Two of which were Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster. There are also plaques around the neighbourhood marking historic sites. And you can even indulge in a guided literary walking tour of Bloomsbury.

Monk’s House – East Sussex, England

Ever wonder what a writer’s cottage escape might look like? Look no further than Monk’s House. Virginia Woolf and her husband once lived in rural Sussex, in a small 17th century quaint cottage, surrounded by gardens. Most of Woolf’s prevalent writing was written in her writing lodge here, and she also entertained many of her famous author friends. A visit may be difficult as it’s off the beaten path, but oh so worth it.

If you’re looking for a handy map of literary inspired places to visit in London check out this awesome Tube Map!

Top Literary Stops in Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is easily one of the most literary cities across the globe. It was even designated the first UNESCO City of Literature back in 2004. It’s been home to a wealth of classic and modern authors through the ages, like Robert Louis Stevenson, Walter Scott, as well as Ian Rankin and J.K. Rowling. Many a books have taken place there like Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting and most of Rankin’s Rebus crime novels. Edinburgh is also home to the world’s largest book fair, known as the International Book Festival.

Walking its cobblestone streets will have you thinking you’re walking through the pages of many a novel. Especially if you wander past where many authors once lived or even were born. Like 8 Howard Place which is the birthplace of Robert Louis Stevenson, or the old home of Walter Scott at 39 Castle Street. And don’t forget places that inspired authors, like Deakon Brodies Tavern that is thought to be the inspiration for Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde.

Any book nerd will love the Edinburgh Book Lovers’ Tour, created and run by Allan Foster author of The Literary Traveller in Edinburgh, A Book Lover’s Guide to the World’s First City of Literature. He’ll take you on a tour of the ‘other’ side of Edinburgh, where authors lived, where they wrote, and the pubs they frequented, along with places that inspired them.

Sir Walter Scott – Edinburgh, Scotland & Scottish Borders

Statues and references to Sir Walter Scott can be found across Scotland. He was even toted as being the Father of Scottish Tourism. His tales and words bring Scotland to life. In Edinburgh, a must stop is the Scott Monument. This 200 foot tall Victorian Gothic spire was completed in 1844 to pay homage to Scott. This is the biggest monument to a writer anywhere in the world! After a wander around to nod to his statue be sure to ascend the stairs within for a panoramic view of Edinburgh.

Another must stop for any Walter Scott fan is to his home in the Scottish Borders, Abbotsford. Stroll through this incredible estate, full of Scott’s possessions, objects that inspired his works, and learn more about the man behind the words. He was so much more than just a writer. Did you know that he was a Sheriff-Depute?

As for places that inspired Scott, there was one place in particular which tugged at me. Just outside Melrose there’s a lone bench atop a hill. Here, overlooking the River Tweed and the majestic Eildon Hills is where Scott came to soak in the view, be inspired by Scotland’s beauty, and is said to be one of his favourite views. It’s even named after him – Scott’s View.

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Writers’ Museum – Edinburgh, Scotland

Another spot that should be on your top UK literary stops tour is Edinburgh’s Writers’ Museum. Just off the Royal Mile at the Lawnmarket is a square covered in famous author quotes. And standing center stage is the historic Lady Stair’s House. Within you’ll find exhibits dedicated to three of Scotland’s famous authors, Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Learn about the men behind the writing, see their journals, intriguing artifacts, and old copies of their classic works.

Other Top Literary Stops that can be Found in Ireland

Dublin is another UNESCO City of Literature. And it’s no surprise thanks to the many iconic writers who called it home like James Joyce. It’s full of literary sites, from pubs that were once frequented by the city’s writers to bookshops and libraries that will have you squealing with joy. Dublin is also home to a bunch of literary festivals including; the Dublin Book Festival that takes place in November, the Dublin Writers Festival (May), and the International Literature Festival (May).

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Dublin’s Writer’s Museum – Dublin, Ireland

Dublin was once the home of Bram Stoker, the man who brought us the legendary Dracula. But at the Dublin’s Writer’s Museum you’ll discover Stoker along with his other legends of Irish literature. The museum is set in a grand 18th century mansion and celebrates over 300 years of Irish literature. Here you’ll find personal items, including letters, books, and more from literary giants like George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, W.B Yeats, and James Joyce. The Dublin’s Writer’s Museum also hosts lunchtime theatre as well as readings.

Trinity College Old Library

Dublin’s Trinity College is home to one of the most breathtaking libraries. The Old Library is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ireland, so it’s no surprise it should be on every book lover’s literary tour. The famous Long Room was built in the 18th century and along its rich, dark oak shelves you’ll find 200,000 of the library’s oldest books, and scattered around you’ll find busts of famous authors like Shakespeare, Milton, and Swift. Entering the over 200 foot long room you’ll be struck by the fine aroma that only old books can share. It’s also home to the renowned Book of Kells, the world’s most famous medieval manuscript that contains four illuminated Gospels.

Have you ever travelled in search of your favourite authors or the places that inspired them?

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