Literary Tourism: 5 Locations That Inspired Famous Stories

 5 Literary Tourism Destinations

Literary Books are our silent friends, a one-way ticket to wherever you want and what is in them just leads to well-deserved fandom. We all admire the skills of an author to produce such amazing tales. We do have many favourite authors, and we always have a question popping up in our heads, what inspires them to write these works.

But ever wondered what invoked the magical fairy tales we all enjoy? From the thrilling adventures of Alex Rider, called the younger James Bond to classic feel-good school tales like Malory Towers. All of them have something behind their existence. And many of them are because of various places. Don’t believe it yet, then get ready to read about some amazing literary places below
 

  Coniston Water, Lake District, Cumbria 

Coniston is home to the Lake Districts fifth largest lake making the water a popular spot for many world water speed record attempts through the ages. Racing motorist Sir Malcolm Campbell set the most famous record in 1939 at 141.74 miles. 

But who knew that this setting could also be the inspiration for the much-loved book- ‘Swallows and Amazons’. Set in Lakeland district this book depicts the adventures one can have on a wonderful summer’s day. Arthur Ransome, the author of this book enjoyed holidaying in this Lakeland District. He was always sure to return whenever finances allowed and became emotionally connected to the place. 

Now Coniston Water is a wonderful tourist destination with its calm waters, you are sure to get tempted for a dip in the water.  

Corfe Castle, Dorset 

Out of all the feel-good series of them all, my absolute favourite might as well be yours too. For me it is the classic ‘Famous Five.’ And what better than to devour this amazing 21 book series. But ever wondered what inspired the tales behind the thrilling dungeons and noisy jackdaws of Kirrin Castle?

It is the Corfe Castle situated in Dorset. A castle in ruins, it is said that Enid Blyton spent hordes of time in this place, especially when she came down to this place during the holidays just like how the Famous Five did. The first part of the name ‘Corfe’ derives from the Old English ‘Corf’ meaning a cutting or pass, describing the gap in the Purbeck Hills where the castle stands. However, to many people’s disappointment, Corfe Castle is not nestled on an island.

Yet, this castle is full of interesting things from being part of the Civil War way back in the 17th century to housing betrayal of Mary Bankes by her own colonels. And another special thing about this place is that it is still standing being one of the only and icon castles that survived the Civil War even after being partially demolished by the Parliamentaries.

Great Maytham, Rolvenden, Kent, England 

Who doesn’t love the book ‘The Secret Garden’ by Frances Hodgson Burnet. The epic tale of Mary Lennox as she embarks to transform the secret garden she stumbled upon, into a nature-bursting yet private garden. But it all began in the early 1900s when Frances Burnett discovered an iron gate covered in ivy, and beyond it she saw glimpses of an overgrown walled garden. And my what a sight she saw!

Who would have thought that the neglected garden from the book was inspired by a real beautiful garden in Kent, England. This place is an absolute treat for tourists. However, it is not open to public tourism year-round but allows occasional visits as part of the National Garden Scheme or by special arrangement. But not to fear, now under the ownership of Sunley Heritage, tourists can visit these grounds during the time of the year when visiting is permitted.

After finding a suitable plot to the book, ‘The Secret Garden’ which was published in 1911 and rose to become a much-loved children’s book. For more than a century, this book is always in the hearts and the minds of the readers about the garden hidden inside the grounds of the fictional Misselthwaite Manor that has inspired children and adults alike with its young orphan girl finding a home, and a passion for gardening, within its walls. And what a fabulous book it was which just began with a curious peek through an ivy gate. 

Fun Fact: Over the years, the Great Maythem Hall has served as a home for various owners and was occupied by the Army during World War II. It later housed the National Institute for the Blind. It even narrowly escaped demolition in the 1960s and is now preserved as a Grade II* listed property standing as a testament to resilience. 

Cadbury Cocoa and Chocolate Works, Bournville, Birmingham 

Ahh! Chocolate. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water. What better than savouring a chocolate. While many adults consider it a boon, Roald Dahl fancied chocolate so much that he believed children the dates of chocolate bars rather than the dates of kings and queens.

That obsession led to the creation Of Charlie Bucket leading to the formation of two books Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Charlie and the Glass Elevator, with of course quirky Willy Wonka- the chocolate mastermind in the midst.

Surely the Cadbury Cocoa and Chocolate Works, Bournville, Birmingham is quite appealing to Roald Dahl and chocolate lovers alike. And this is not it, this place is not always bursting with life and enthusiasm.

After, The Cadbury factory opened nearly 100 years ago, it is considered quite fun for visitors with a chocolatey pinch to fun rides like roller coasters, airships and many Cadbury characters. But that’s not it. You also get a chance to grab some chocolate and hit the theatres in there boasting a 4D screen. After all the chocolate factory was the inspiration of Charlie Bucket, no wonder the attractions. 

Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland

The next one in the list is surely appealing to all potterheads. It’s what inspired Diagon Alley from the amazing Harry Potter series that transformed the old and boring world into a wizarding world all so seamlessly like the author JK Rowling (Joanne Kathleen Rowling). This colourful curved street is said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley where Hogwarts students got their school supplies for the year. 

This place has also been the place where many exciting things have happened like the confrontation with Draco Malfoy and the incident with the Floo powder. This street in Edinburgh is known for its odd shops which might have inspired the Olivander’s Wands shop in the wizarding world. And that is why I feel this the perfect place for tourists to shop for some odd yet useful stuff and celebrate the magical Wizarding world. After all who would resist an original Fred and George prank.

Though the reality of the wizarding world is nothing but a dream visiting this place sure could be on the bucket list for many potterheads by now. And what’s better is that now you can find several new Harry Potter related shops like Aha Ha Ha Jokes & Novelties and Museum Context. Either way, it’s a lovely street to explore and be sure to look around the corner for wizards and witches! 

Every setting from a book is unique and it is just as interesting to know about what actually inspired them. And guess what all these places here are still standing, just appealing us to these literary tourist places. 

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Cover image Credits: Made with https://www.canva.com/ 

Inside Image Credits: https://www.walesartsreview.org/the-problem-with-literary-tourism/

Corfe Castle Picture Credits: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

Great Maythem Hall Picture Credits: https://www.picturesofengland.com/England/Kent/Rolvenden/Great_Maytham_Hall/pictures/1052651

Cadbury World Picture Credits: https://www.viator.com/Birmingham-attractions/Cadbury-World/overview/d22776-a23179

Victoria Street Picture Credits: https://www.chasingthelongroad.com/scotland/victoria-street-edinburgh/

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