For book lovers, there’s nothing like visiting the places that inspired your favourite novels. The winding streets of a historic town, the wild hills of the countryside, or the cozy corner of a centuries-old bookshop—each destination brings literary stories to life.
If you’re ready to combine your love for reading with your wanderlust, a literary road trip across the UK is the perfect way to do it.
From visiting iconic bookshops to walking in the footsteps of famous authors, the UK is a haven for any bookworm seeking adventure. And the best part? You set the pace. With a campervan, there’s no need to rush or stick to rigid schedules—just the freedom to explore at your own rhythm.
Here’s your ultimate book lover’s guide to the best literary destinations in the UK.
Stop #1: London – A City of Stories
A road trip for book lovers must start in London, a city rich with literary history.
Begin at the British Library, where you’ll find manuscripts from Austen, Dickens, and the Brontës, along with countless treasures of the literary world. You can even get up close to Shakespeare’s First Folio, an experience every bookworm will appreciate.
Next, head over to Daunt Books in Marylebone, one of the best independent bookshops in London. Its Edwardian charm, with oak galleries and natural light, makes it a perfect place to lose track of time.
For a dose of Victorian nostalgia, visit The Charles Dickens Museum, housed in the author’s former home. It’s packed with personal artifacts and original manuscripts, bringing his iconic works like Oliver Twist and Great Expectations to life.
Once you’ve had your fill of literary London, it’s time to hit the road.
Stop #2: Oxford – A Scholar’s Wonderland
Just a short drive from London, Oxford is a place where literary legends were born.
The stunning Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries, is a must-see. Famous authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll studied here.
If you’re a fan of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, be sure to stop by Alice’s Shop, a quaint bookshop dedicated to the world of Alice, inspired by the real-life Alice Liddell.
Also, don’t miss The Eagle and Child, the pub where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis met regularly to discuss their writing. It’s the perfect place to imagine the great authors discussing Middle-earth and Narnia over pints.
Stop #3: Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Hometown
A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon is like stepping into the pages of Shakespeare’s plays.
Start at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where you can explore the home where the Bard was born. It’s a fascinating peek into the early life of the world’s greatest playwright.
If you want to experience Shakespeare’s legacy up close, catch a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where the works of Shakespeare come to life on stage.
For a quiet, reflective moment, visit Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried.
Stop #4: Haworth – The Brontës’ Wild Yorkshire
Next, head north to Haworth, the atmospheric village on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors that inspired the Brontë sisters.
At the Brontë Parsonage Museum, you can see the very places where Charlotte, Emily, and Anne wrote their iconic novels. From tiny handwritten notes to childhood manuscripts, it’s a powerful glimpse into the world of one of the most famous literary families.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in the Brontë legacy, take a walk through the Yorkshire Moors. Hike up to Top Withens, the remote ruin that is said to have inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights.
Stop #5: Edinburgh – The City of Literature
Crossing into Scotland, Edinburgh is a city of literary giants.
Start at The Writers’ Museum, which celebrates the lives of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere at The Elephant House, the café where J.K. Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The view of Edinburgh Castle is said to have inspired the magical world of Hogwarts.
If you’re in town in August, don’t miss the Edinburgh International Book Festival, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious literary events. Even if you’re not in town for the festival, be sure to take a walk along Victoria Street, rumoured to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
Stop #6: Hay-on-Wye – A Town Made of Books
Back south, near the Welsh border, lies Hay-on-Wye, the town known as the “town of books”.
With over 20 bookshops crammed into its winding streets, it’s a paradise for any book lover. The most famous is Richard Booth’s Bookshop, which feels like a maze of books with cozy reading nooks at every turn.
If you’re visiting in May, don’t miss the Hay Festival, an annual celebration of literature, bringing writers and thinkers from all over the world. But even off-season, Hay-on-Wye is a place to get lost in stories.
Stop #7: Bath – Jane Austen’s World
End your journey in Bath, a city that still feels like it’s straight out of a Jane Austen novel.
Visit the Jane Austen Centre, where you can learn more about the author’s life and works, then take a walk down The Royal Crescent, one of the most iconic Georgian landmarks.
For the perfect ending, enjoy tea at The Pump Room, just like Austen’s characters did in Persuasion.
Why a Campervan is the Perfect Travel Companion for Book Lovers
A literary road trip isn’t about rushing through sites—it’s about sauvoring the journey. A campervan lets you do just that. Spend the morning browsing bookshops in Hay-on-Wye, enjoy a scenic drive through the Yorkshire Moors, or wake up to the mist over Edinburgh’s hills.
If you’re looking for the perfect campervanin the UK, https://findmyleisurevehicle.co.uk/ offers a variety of options, so you can find the perfect vehicle for your literary adventure.
Time to Write Your Own Story
This road trip is more than just a visit to literary landmarks—it’s about living the stories you’ve always loved. Walking through the streets where Shakespeare lived, hiking the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights, and losing yourself in books in charming bookshops.
So pack your favourite novels, hit the road, and let your next chapter unfold.