The landscape of literature is vast and varied. From the sonnets and stories set among the misty moors of the British Isles, to the great epics that explore the depths of time and space, no destination is too farfetched for the discerning reader. Few have ventured out into the world to follow in the footsteps of those characters whose tales have promised such wonder. Now, however, with the advent of travel and technology, embarking on a journey to explore these literary landmarks is easier than ever before. From the imagery and artistry of William Blake to the winding words of Roald Dahl, these destinations will transport readers to a realm of unrivaled enchantment.
1. Setting Foot On Famous Literary Grounds
Exploring the Famous Literary Grounds
From classic novels to cinematic adaptations, literature has served as a timeless source of inspiration for centuries. Visiting the grounds where notable literature was born is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one that is sure to bring to life the stories and characters we’ve fallen in love with.
For those classic literature fans ready to walk the steps of famous authors, here are some of the best literary grounds to consider:
- Shakespeare’s Globe and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-Upon-Avon
- The Harry Potter Studio Tour, London
- Haworth Parsonage, Yorkshire
- Arles, Provence
- The Poets’ Path, Edinburgh
Stratford-Upon-Avon is the most obvious spot to start, owing to the monumental works of William Shakespeare. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the world-famous Globe Theatre, with daily tours and workshops. The more inquisitive Shakespeare fans can join a unique tour of his wife’s cottage, Anne Hathaway, to discover more about the playwright’s life and loves.
Sticking with the capital, London is chock full of literary hotspots. No Harry Potter fan can pass up the chance to explore the Harry Potter Studio Tour which, amongst other things, features a true-to-life recreation of the Great Hall and the Burrow. There are props and costumes galore, creating the perfect opportunity to channel the wizard in you.
Those looking to explore the ancestral home of the Bronte sisters should look no further than Haworth Parsonage. The house famously inspired the writing of classics such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, and visitors can take a guided tour of the property and wander the surrounding moors, filled with romantic and inspirational landscapes, surely displaying the true magic of the Bronte sisters’ writing.
2. Exploring the Landmarks of Celebrated Storytellers
The inevitable group of celebrated storytellers bring forward an idea of the lands they have known, and from which their stories spring. The landmarks of these storytellers spread out like an atlas of tales, with each one familiar in its own way.
For many, the first landmark to explore would be the windy hills of Scotland, the birthplace of Robert Louis Stevenson. From here the beloved story of Treasure Island sprung, and it is easy to imagine the daring opening scenes being set against these treacherous Scottish tundras. Then, turning to America, the foundations of the renowned works of Mark Twain can be found in the quaint New England town of Hannibal – the very epitome of the small-town hometown.
Moving further afield, journeys will bring travellers to the open fields of India where the work of Rudyard Kipling began. Where The Jungle Book was pieced together by observing the vast array of life found within the lands. Finally, the imagination of J. R. R. Tolkien can be found among the hills and forests of Wales, where his words paint a picture of the towering
- Misty Mountains
- Cloudy Valleys
- Magical Woods
that form the very backdrop of Middle Earth.
These spots are sacred for storytellers, remembered for their influence on literature and creativity. Here, inspiration is as abundant as the stories they produced, and so for those with a love of adventure and discovering the depths of literature, they should explore these landmarks of celebrated storytellers.
3. Travel Back in Time to the Homes of Iconic Writers
From the Boston house of the “Scarlet Letter” author Nathaniel Hawthorne to the mountain estate of Ernest Hemingway in the Cuban village of San Francisco De Paula, get ready to take a tour of the homes—old and new—of some of fiction’s greatest minds.
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s House
Located on the iconic Louisburg Square, Hawthorne’s house is an architectural masterpiece in Boston. Filled with history and secrets, you’ll enter into a world of romance and colonial charm. Take an audio tour of the building or grab a ticket to Hawthorne’s home museum for an amazing journey across time. Either way, visit the home of one of America’s most beloved authors.
Ernest Hemingway’s Estate
If you’re an Ernest Hemingway fan, make sure to swing by the town of San Francisco De Paula in Cuba. Nestled in the countryside and hiding in plain sight, Hemingway’s breathtaking estate and museum preserve the rough-and-tumble writer’s life in Cuba. From the beautifully ornate furnishings to the original typewriters where Hemingway crafted his masterpieces, this estate offers more than a museum experience: it’s a chance to get a glimpse of the great author’s life and works while surrounded by the lush Cuban landscape.
Virginia Woolf’s Home
Meanwhile, in the English countryside near the River Ouse, you’ll find the home of English luminaries Leonard and Virginia Woolf. This estate is known for its impressive library, which still contains many of the original editions of the books by the famous author. Here you’ll discover Woolf’s living quarters, her atelier and garden, and take a tour of the grounds that inspired much of her writing.
Leo Tolstoy’s Estate
Follow the Volga River to Ishnya, Russia and explore the expansive estate of Russian greats, Leo Tolstoy and his wife, the author Sophia Andreevna Tolstaya. Blessed with gorgeous scenery, this estate gives visitors a chance to visit Tolstoy’s famous novel, War and Peace, and have tea time in the veranda, all the while adjusting to life at the Count’s estate. From the library to the estate’s rose garden, you’ll be filled with stories and marvels from the Tolstoy’s life and creative pursuits.
Travel the world and get a chance to take a peek into the lives of some of history’s finest authors. From the timeless Boston estate of Nathaniel Hawthorne to the Russian jewel of Tolstoy’s estate, you won’t regret taking the time to explore the homes of these iconic writers.
4. Discovering the Authentic Landmarks of Classic Writers
If you’re passionate about classic literature, discovering the landmarks that inspired some of your favorite writers is an unforgettable way to dive into their works. Below, we’ve gathered a few of the iconic spots to provide some literary inspiration.
- Virginia Woolf – Those who have read To the Lighthouse might feel a strange familiarity when looking at the view of St Ives bay from the Godrevy Lighthouse. Located on the north coast of Cornwall, it was often featured in the writer’s visions of life in the seaside town.
- Ernest Hemingway – While Florida often hosts the wild nights known from The Sun Also Rises, it also holds the home where Hemingway penned some of his greatest works. Visitors to his house on Whitehead Street can marvel at the pool, see the cats that call the estate home, and even pretend to be scratching out their own incredible stories.
- Harper Lee – Monroeville, Alabama is the small town that provided the inspiration for Lee’s critically acclaimed novel To Kill a Mockingbird. While the courthouse which served as a backdrop to the scene between Atticus and Tom is still standing, the town must always remain a special place in the soul of every reader.
The secluded reaches of the American Southwest have also become somewhat of a literary legacy. The estate of Edgar Allen Poe can still be found in Baltimore, while the awe-inspiring mountains of New Mexico were home to both D.H. Lawrence and Cormac McCarthy.
Setting off on a literary journey is sure to bring to life some of the great works of the past. Whether you’re a fan of classic American lit or a devotee of 20th century British writing, visiting the unique landscapes that inspired these authors is a captivating way to experience their storytelling.
As you stand atop the highest peak of this literary tour, take a moment to marvel at the wondrous words of humanity that have been explored. They have made us laugh, cry, and think. They have inspired us to make sense of the world, to understand ourselves, and to create new stories. To reflect upon such words is to reaffirm our commonality and our boundless potential as a species. May the words of the past—and of the future—guide us ever onward as we continue in our journey.
