March 28, 2024

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England has produced some of the finest works in the history of literature and we continue to do so to this day. The novels that come from this small isle have such memorable settings that they attract people from all over the globe that are looking to see where Tolkien got his inspiration for Middle Earth or to see the Scottish Highlands where Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is supposedly situated. Let me take you through four of some of the best literary sites to see. There are too many to name, so I thought I’d pick four contrasting ones.

Baker Street

The home of the famous detective from Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels and short stories. Sherlock Holmes proved so popular that when Doyle killed him off, the demand and outrage from the readers forced him to bring his favorite creation back to life. If you too would have been there in Victorian London, campaigning for your favorite hero to be brought back to life, then you can’t ignore 221b Baker Street in London.

Stratford upon Avon

Sherlock may be one of England’s most famous exports; however, he is eclipsed by a little-known playwright by the name of William Shakespeare. The Elizabethan writer has managed to capture the hearts of the world like no one has or probably will do. Aside from a few isolated tribes, every living human has heard of Shakespeare and almost everyone has seen a play of his. There are literally hundreds of things we say every day that was first said in a Shakespeare play. In fact, I’ve probably used one in this article without realizing it. Anyway, when coming to England, be sure to go to Stratford and visit his home and that of his mother and wife. Afterward, you can see a Royal Shakespeare Company production of one of his plays at the RSC.

Brontë’s Yorkshire Moors

Wuthering Heights is one of the greatest novels of the 19th Century (in my opinion, one of the best in any century) and for any lover of this novel, the Yorkshire Moors (the setting) will prove a magical experience. A lot of the Moors have remained untouched since Brontë’s lifetime and so would be a great place to explore. You could even look for dog-friendly hotels in My Pawson and bring them along as the walks in this part of the country are stunning. As are the ones in the next section.

Hardy’s West Country

The West Country has proved again and again to be of great inspiration to writers, but probably none as much as Thomas Hardy; the writer of Tess of the d’Urbervilles and The Mayor of Casterbridge to name just two. The West Country is, in my opinion, the most beautiful part of the whole of the British Isles (but I’m biased). You’ll have to decide for yourself whether it’s truly as special as I think it is. Bring your dog, walk along the coasts and rolling hills of this beautiful area and you’ll see what I mean, as hopefully, you will with the whole of Britain.

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