8 UK Destinations Every Literature Lover Should Visit This Summer
UK’s leading literary-inspired hotspots
Books are no longer just a holiday read for taking to the beach. People are increasingly choosing book-inspired breaks for their summer trips, selecting destinations based on themes from Hogwarts to Holmes. With BookTok booming and digital detoxes trending, “lit-trips” (literary-themed getaways) are a new but growing travel trend for 2025.
To help readers plan their next page-turning adventure, we worked with the coach travel experts FlixBus and they have analysed Google searches and social media data across 67 of the top “bookish” destinations around the UK, before ranking the destinations based on overall popularity and growth in interest.
Here are the top 8 must-visit literary hotspots to visit this summer:
1. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Watford: A Spellbinding Day Out
- Watford, near London
Still waiting for your Hogwarts letter? This is the next best thing. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour lets you step into the real sets where Harry Potter was filmed, from the Great Hall to Diagon Alley. It comes as no surprise that it’s the UK’s most sought-after literary destination.
2. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire: Pride, Prejudice & Picture-Perfect Views
- Derbyshire
Calling all Jane Austen lovers! Chatsworth House (aka Mr. Darcy’s pad in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film) is having a major moment. With a new Netflix series on the horizon, fans are heading here to live out their Regency dreams.
3. 221B Baker Street, London: The Iconic Home of Sherlock Holmes
- London
The iconic address of Sherlock Holmes still pulls a crowd, with fans snapping selfies outside the famous flat. And with recent hits like Enola Holmes, interest in Baker Street is high once again.
4. Shakespeare’s Globe, London: All the World’s a Stage
- Bankside, London
Step back into the world of the Bard at this stunning reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre. Whether you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan or just fancy some Elizabethan drama, this Southbank gem deserves a spot on your list.
5. Harry Potter Filming Locations, Nationwide: A Magical UK Tour
- Various across the UK, including Durham, Scotland and of course London
Can’t get enough Potter? From King’s Cross Station to Durham Cathedral and Scottish Highlands, Potter filming locations are dotted all across the UK. Pack your cloak and make it a multi-stop, wizarding road trip.
6. The British Library, London: Where Stories (and History) Live On
- King’s Cross, London
More than just shelves of dusty books, the British Library is a literary treasure trove. Home to over 170 million items, including original manuscripts by the likes of Shakespeare, Austen, and even The Beatles, it’s a must-visit for any serious book buff.
7. William Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon: Where the Bard Was Born
- Stratford-upon-Avon
Visit the humble beginnings of England’s greatest playwright. Wander the streets that inspired Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, and more. It’s a poetic pilgrimage every drama-lover should make.
8. Swallows and Amazons Spots, Lake District: Classic Kids’ Adventure Come to Life
- Lake District
This old-school children’s tale is back in a big way, with searches for the real-life locations shooting up by 282%! Sail, hike or just soak up the scenery that inspired Arthur Ransome’s beloved books.
There’s something truly special about bringing a story to life through lived experiences, and that’s exactly what lit-trips are all about.
So whether you’re in it for the history, the Insta-worthy shots, or just a good old-fashioned story, now’s the time to book that bookish break.