The written word is a powerful thing.
Books in particular have the power to transport us to another time and place, inviting us into another world and offering a delicious form of escapism.
From childhood reads that held our literary hands into adolescence, tear-jerking romances that echoed our real-life relationships and classics that informed our education: nothing can beat a good book.
And at stylist.co.uk there’s little we love more than the excuse to disappear into the pages of a well-written novel, apart from perhaps, the opportunity to take a trip away at the same time.
If like us, the idea of exploring the romantically-depicted settings of some of your favourite books stirs excitement in your inner book-worm, then you’re in for a treat.
Hotels.com has sought to find the UK’s best literary getaways, with a list of luxury hotels that let you imagine the inspirations behind some of the world’s most loved stories.
From a hotel nestled by the woodland that inspired Winnie the Pooh, to a regular haunt of Jane Austen’s, Tylney Hall in Hampshire, we reckon you’ll be reliving some of your favourite scenes in no-time.
The Bloomsbury Hotel
Situated in the heart of London’s historic literary centre, The Bloomsbury Hotel is inspired by the Bloomsbury Set, the infamous group of early 20th century writers and creatives that included feminist novelist Virginia Woolf.
The hotel fully embraces its storybook theme with vintage novels in every room and a library dedicated to playwright and poet Seamus Heaney and The Dalloway Terrace, named after Virginia Woolf’s eponymous character.
This is the perfect place to re-read classics like A Room with a View and roam the historical streets of West London.
The Bloomsbury Hotel is available from £220 per room per night
The Headland Hotel and Spa
Who could forget that terrifying scene in the 1990 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book, The Witches, when the child-hating witch council come together for a wig-removing, square feet stretching conference in a Cornish, sea-fronted hotel?
The dramatic views of the cliffs and swirling sea below them, were both beautiful and chilling to our tiny minds. Not to mention, the regal décor that acted as a backdrop for the ghastly get together.
These days, The Headland’s décor has had a much-needed update, opting for sleek, modern look complete with gym and spa facilitates. One thing that has stayed the same however, is the breath-taking image of the hotel looming above the cliffs, supplying views that are truly magical.
The Headland Hotel & Spa is available from £197 per room per night.
Tylney Hall
Jane Austen’s influence on literature, popular culture and the empowerment of women is something that inspires any Austen fan. So, those that know and love her work would no doubt jump at the chance to visit Hampshire, dubbed as ‘Jane Austen Country’.
The Tylney Hotel has beautiful views of the scenery that no-doubt inspired many of Austen’s novels and sits in the neighbouring village to the Jane Austen House Museum where she lived and actually wrote much of her works later in her life.
Tylney Hall is available from £167 per room per night
The Balmoral Hotel
Potterheads hold on to your (sorting) hats, because the suite that feminist and author J.K Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in is available for muggle hire. Not only that, it’s had a magical make-over.
Rowling completed the much-loved series in room 552 of this Edinburgh hotel which has now been renamed 552 ¾, received the addition of an owl door knocker and a starred ceiling to celebrate its wizarding connections.
There’s even a bust inscribed by the author that reads “JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows in this room” – it doesn’t get much more legit than that. Who’s wishing they could apparate there right now?
The Balmoral Hotel is available from £405 per room per night
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club
Winnie the Pooh is famed for his adorable quotes, and if you’re familiar with the one which reads, “wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing”, staying in this hotel will be an absolute must.
Ashdown Park Hotel is sat on the very edge of the “enchanted” forest that’s said to have inspired the heart-warming adventures of A. A. Milne’s books, housing Christopher Robin’s adventures with his cuddly friends. If you’re a fan of the books, why not spend a weekend exploring the 186 acres that surround the Sussex hotel and take advantage of the four-star spa treatments.
The Ashdown Park Hotel & Spa is available from £155 per room per night
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