Many people will read, or study well known novels in the classroom, at home, even in the local library, but there is something special about getting out and about to experience Literary Tourist Attractions. All across the United Kingdom there are places to visit , which will help to bring alive the authors work, his/her life, and the era in which they lived. Here are just a selection of authors, and attractions pertaining to them.
Charles Dickens
DIckens World, Chatham, Kent
One of the U.K's newest tourist attractions, Dickens World is a stunning trip back in time, celebrating not only the work of Charles Dickens, but the world he inhabited too. Situated near the docks in Chatham, the site owners have recreated many of the authors best known sites, and scenes. Visitors can take a boat ride through the streets, young Pip explored in Great Expectations, and see a mix of technology and traditional character actors.
Charles Dickens' House, Camden, London
Less of an attraction, and more of a museum for Dickens fans, his only suriving London house has been greeting visitors since 1925. Original furniture, and paintings have been lovingly preserved alongside manuscripts and other precious memorabilia.
William Shakesphere
The Globe Theatre, Bankside, London
Take a trip back in time to 1599, when Bankside was the heart of entertainment in the captial. Ordinary people would flock to the Globe Theatre to hear Shakespheres plays. Today in the rebuilt theatre, visitors can relive his finest works, and the unique atmosphere that came with them. But this theatre hosts much more than a season of plays every year, it is also host to the largest exhibition dedicated to Shakesphere.
The Royal Shakesphere Company Collection, Stratford Upon Avon
This world reknowned company present their own tribute to the playwright, in the gallery of their original memorial theatre. There they have archived costumes from past productions, paintings, and other theatre memorabilia.
Also worth checking out, prior to a visit to Stratford Upon Avon is the Shakesphere Trust website. They detail properties owned by the trust, with links to Shakesphere. Many of these houses have been preserved as Museums, with informative guided tours available.
A.A Milne
Ashdown Forest , Sussex (otherwise know as Hundred Acre Wood)
Ashdown Forest was never intended to be a tourist attraction, in fact there are no signs of commercialisation, yet people still flock there in their droves thanks to celebrated Children's author A.A Milne. The author's adventures in the forest with his son Christopher Robin, and his sons prized bear inspired many Winnie the Pooh books. As Christopher Robin was later to remark in his autobiography " Anyone who has read the stories knows the forest, and doesn't need me to describe it. Poohs forest, and Ashdown Forest are identical."
Today the forest is a habitat for many species of plants, sheep, and four species of deer. Visitors experience a unique ecology that has been classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty. and scientific interest. Of course, there is also a map available for those wanting to trek the 'Pooh trail'.
James Joyce Tower, Sandy Cove, Dublin
Although this tower only played host to the author for six nights, it is now forever linked in history to him, thanks to his novel Ulysses. The novel, based on an incident Joyce experienced at the tower has led to the annual celebrations called Bloomsday. On the 16th of June many will make the journey to the tower, to celebrate that day in 1904 when Ulysses is set. Along with the readings, and performances seen on this day, the Tower is also a Museum housing some of the authors possessions.
This is just a selection of attractions across the U.K, inspiring people of all ages to enjoy literary days out. Websites, tourist information centres, and days out guides can provide further ideas. For example there are also attractions pertaining to the life and times of Beatrix Potter, and Geoffrey Chaucer.
Lauren John - Lauren is a freelance writer from Chelmsford in Essex. She has been writing professionally since graduating from University with a Higher ...
