The 5 best book-inspired staycation destinations across the UK including Beatrix Potter and Peter Pan
BOOKS and breaks are great ways to escape day-to-day tedium.
So as it’s Children’s Book Week, Sophie Swietochowski has gathered up some family staycations, with the help of Sally’s Cottages, inspired by our favourite book genres.
MYSTERY – Edinburgh
IF it’s a literature-themed trip you’re after, then Edinburgh certainly fits the bill, being the world’s first Unesco City of Literature.
The city inspired many parts of the Harry Potter novels – probably because JK Rowling famously wrote the first book in the series from a cafe here, The Elephant House.
Most importantly, when it comes to mystery, Edinburgh was home to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who created the the world’s most renowned fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes.
Stay in the Doubletree by Hilton, slap bang in the city centre, which has family rooms with two queen beds from £114 per night.
The hotel itself has a restaurant and gym onsite and it’s about a ten-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle.
See hilton.com.
PICTURE BOOKS – Windermere
IS there a better children’s picture book than The Tale Of Peter Rabbit?
It was written by Beatrix Potter in 1893, yet it’s still one of the most popular kids’ stories today, with Peter Rabbit teddies now adorning the shelves of toy shops ready for Christmas.
The story is brought to life at The World Of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere in the picturesque Lake District.
Kids will be able to walk through recognisable scenes featuring their favourite characters before settling down in the cafe for a bowl of soup or a slice of homemade cake.
Just under a ten-minute walk from here is the four-person Crow’s Nest, which has breathtaking views of Lake Windermere from the windows.
Seven nights’ self-catering costs from £645 in total. See sallyscottages.co.uk.
FAIRYTALES – Cotswolds
THE quaint, thatched cottages, mystical woodlands and vast rolling hills are what make the Cotswolds a great spot for those who love a fairy story.
In fact, this region of the UK has inspired some of the most well-known fairytales and stories, including Peter Pan.
JM Barrie, the author of the popular book, spent much of his time in the Cotswolds village of Stanway, which is said to have inspired him during the writing process.
Be sure to visit the independent Octavia’s Bookshop in Cirencester which is crammed full of kids’ books.
Not far from the bookshop, Grade II-listed barn conversion, The Old Stables, feels fairytale-esque too with its stone exterior and roaring log-burner inside.
The charming property sleeps four in two bedrooms and costs from £499 for seven days. See holidaycottages.co.uk.
FANTASY – Glastonbury
THE wild, lonedly marshes and historic buildings that sit around the Glastonbury area are crawling with tales of the legend of King Arthur, and it’s safe to say they make for an epic setting for anyone into their fantasy novels.
Supposedly, Glastonbury Tor with its breathtaking panoramic views above the town, has links to the Isle of Avalon, where King Arthur is said to be buried.
When you’re not strolling the incredible landscape, cosy up with your favourite fantasy book in front of the fireplace at the Milking Parlour.
This pretty cottage in the characterful village of Wookey is around a 15-minute drive from Glastonbury Tor and is completely immersed in countryside.
Seven nights’ self-catering in the four-person cottage costs from £441.
See sykescottages.co.uk.
HISTORY – York
THOSE who love to devour a history book won’t be able to resist York, with its awesomely wonky Tudor houses framing narrow, twisting cobbled paths.
Strolling through the old walled city is like taking a step back in time and that’s especially true at York Minsters library, one of the oldest in the country, with colourful stained glass windows.
Less than a 20-minute drive from the city centre is the equally charming Pear Tree Cottage, which features an open-plan living space with a traditional log burner.
The cottage sleeps four between one double room and one twin room and costs from £507 in total for seven nights.
See sykescottages.co.uk.