6 Travel destinations inspired by your favourite books
4 Minute Read
For many, reading is an act of escapism. You get to fully immerse yourself in a new world, following the characters on their adventure.
But what if you could visit the setting of your favourite books?
Whether you long to visit the home of your favourite characters from your childhood, or are looking for a literary-inspired getaway, here are six travel destinations inspired by your favourite books
P.E.I. Canada – Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Discover the province that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series. Prince Edward Island is known for its red sand, lighthouses and farmland.
Feel like you’re exploring Avonlea like Anne (with an E, of course) as you explore Cavendish, the town Avonlea is based on. You can visit Avonlea Village, which features shops with plenty of souvenirs, stunning gardens, and a collection of food options. In Park Corner, visit the Anne of Green Gables Museum, and be sure to take Matthew’s Carriage Ride around the property and past the Lake of Shining Waters.
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, U.S.A. –The Shining by Stephen King
In Estes Park, Colorado, you will find the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s The Shining. The idea for the novel came to King while he and his wife were the only guests in the Stanley Hotel just before it closed for the winter. The eerie atmosphere of the empty hotel acted as inspiration for the novel.
Now, at the Stanley Hotel, you can take part in a walking tour based on the novel. The Shining Tour is a walking tour that features some of the haunted history of the Stanley Hotel—featuring a tour of The Shining Suite, a reconstructed bathroom, and some movie props. Estes Park and the Stanley Hotel are the perfect destinations for nature lovers with an affinity for horror novels.
Zermatt, Switzerland—Velaris, The Night Court, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
For those who have dreamt of being whisked away to The Night Court by a handsome, winged warrior, Zermatt, Switzerland, should be on your radar. Many fans of Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series speculate that Zermatt is the inspiration for Velaris.
Even if it isn’t, this tranquil, car-free village creates a sense of peace that resonates with those wishing to visit Sarah J. Maas’s Night Court. Nestled in the Swiss Alps and set against a backdrop of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a tranquil escape surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Book a hotel with views of the mountain that will feel as though you are overlooking the City of Star Light and the Illyrian Mountains. At night, Zermatt comes alive, making it feel even more like an evening in Velaris. Be sure to immerse yourself in the village’s arts and culture and check out the Matterhorn Museum.
Saint-Malo, France—All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
For a trip that combines history and literature, head to Saint-Malo, France, as inspired by All the Light We Cannot See. This historic port town faced damage and destruction during World War II and is the setting for Doerr’s 2014 bestseller, which was the winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Just a train ride away from Paris, Saint-Malo is steeped in history. As the perfect destination for literary and history buffs alike, Saint-Malo is a must-visit. See the Cathedral of Saint-Malo in the Parish of Saint Vincent, whose steeple was bombed in World War II, silencing the church bells.
When the town was severely damaged in WWII, it was rebuilt close to the original architecture, preserving the history. While much of the damage has been restored following World War II, you can see how the history of Saint-Malo served as the perfect setting for Marie-Laure and Werner’s story.
Edinburgh, Scotland—Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling
Searching for some magic? Edinburgh is the birthplace of the enchanting Harry Potter series. Not only did J.K. Rowling write the popular, magic-filled novels within the city, but it also served largely as inspiration for many aspects of the series.
It is no surprise that the city is proud to be the inspiration for these iconic novels. From walking tours to potion-themed restaurants, there is something for any Potterhead in Edinburgh. For a magic-filled escape room, check out The Department of Magic and try your hand at puzzles and brainteasers to save the wizarding world. To check out some inspiration for the series, visit Greyfriars Kirkyard. Many believe that J.K. Rowling used some of the names on the tombs as inspiration for her characters, including Thomas Riddle.
Or explore Diagon Alley in real life. Head to the Grassmarket to find the curved Victoria Street and West Bow. This area features bright coloured buildings with restaurants on top of shops. This popular photo opportunity is thought to have served as the inspiration for Diagon Alley and is a magical experience.
Ashdown Forest, United Kingdom—100 Acre Woods, Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
For a whimsical vacation, consider a one-hour day trip from London to the Ashdown Woods, which inspired the setting for A.A. Milne’s beloved childhood books, Winnie the Pooh. Spanning 16 square kilometres, Ashdown Forest is one of the largest open-access areas in Southeast England and is home to many rare and endangered species.
Beyond its stunning landscapes, Ashdown Forest serves as the perfect backdrop for a day of whimsy, following in the footsteps and adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Enjoy your day in the woods that AA Milne and Christopher Robin explored, and see the landscapes that inspired the iconic stories. Plus, you can even play Pooh Sticks on the Pooh Stick Bridge.
Book your literary vacation today
Whether you’re ready to follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters, or write your own travel adventure, a CAA Travel Consultant is the ultimate collaborator. Book an appointment to start planning your perfect vacation today.
