The city of Bath has a museum dedicated to Jane Austen (with a gift shop and tearoom), the historic Roman baths which gave the town its name, the magnificent Royal Crescent and, of course, several of the most fabulous bookshops in the country.

You can even catch the Jane Austen festival, thrown every September.

Bath provides everything that a bookworm could want. Eat at a centuries-old pub, wander the friendly cobbled streets, visit some of the unique museums, and pay a visit to all of these wonderful Bath bookshops. Every bookworm is at home in Bath, and the bookshops of Bath are a big reason why.

1) Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights

A bookshop with a name this glorious couldn’t live anywhere but Bath. It fits this friendly city so perfectly. Once inside, you’ll immediately see the appeal of Mr. B’s Emporium of Reading Delights.

This award-winning Bath bookshop is flooded with natural light, and is also the right kind of cramped, where every turn of the body yields a new bookshelf or display to admire and be tempted by.

There are three floors: the ground floor, which has the newest stock and most of the fiction, as well as delightful window displays and the friendliest staff.

The basement is where all the history and philosophy can be found, as well as a toilet that was hand-decorated by the legendary Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell.

Upstairs hides a fantastic little secret: the reading room. This is a tiny but bright and comforting space, a few chairs to perch upon, and a quiet calm in which to read as you flick through a few chosen temptations. 

These simple details make it one of the best Bath bookshops for a reading retreat.

The store also offers something very special. For £80 you can buy yourself or a loved one a ‘Book Spa’. This includes a visit to the bookshop where you’ll be treated to some bibliotherapy: a member of the store will sit down with you and chat about your favourite books, listen to your tastes, and return with a stack of books tailored to your tastes.

You’ll leave with £55 worth of new books, a mug, a tote bag, and a gift card. We cannot think of a better gift for a bookish friend.

Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights is located in the town centre, just off from the main street, around the corner from the aforementioned Jane Austen Centre, and a few doors down from an excellent pub with an excellent name: The Raven.

Website | Address: 14-15, John St, Bath BA1 2JL, United Kingdom

Read More: 21 Must-Visit Independent Bookshops in the UK

2) Topping & Co, Bath

We frankly adore this shop. Everyone who works in Topping is so incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about literature and what they do.

I can’t tell you how many authors, publishers, and translators we’ve been introduced to thanks to the staff here

It’s very easy to while away an hour on a quiet day chatting with the staff about your favourite indie publishers and Latin American authors, as we have done in the past.

Note: The Bath branch of Topping has since moved location (to the address below) but the shop’s iconic aesthetics remain. In fact, they now have Roman columns and a balcony!

The shop is a beautiful display of traditional ladders that are lifted straight out of Beauty and the Beast. And you can actually use them to help you to reach up to those top shelves, with the shop stretching back as far as the eye can see.

They also wrap many of the books in soft plastic coverings that make them look like irresistible gifts for yourself. No bookshop makes buying new books more deliciously tempting than Topping & Co.

The books themselves are separated into specific and useful sections, which is always appreciated and, despite it being a relatively small shop, I have never not found what I’ve been looking for, including special editions of specific titles.

The wealth of books on offer here matches the sheer antique beauty of the shop itself.

Another area where Topping & Co excel is in their selection of first editions and signed-by-the-authors editions.

Tucked in amongst the normal books, you’ll find these gems everywhere and they’re rarely more expensive than their unsigned counterparts.

Topping & Co. also host literary events throughout the year so it’s well worth keeping an eye on their website. They have other branches in the UK, including in the historic city of Ely.

Website | Address: York St, Bath BA1 1NG

Read More: Visit Hay-on-Wye – the UK’s Beloved Booktown.

3) Persephone Books, Bath

Persephone Books was a beloved London indie bookshop haunt before they announced their recent exciting move to the city of Bath. This move felt so right, given how Bath is one of the most celebrated literary cities in Britain.

With a uniform design that has become so iconic — a dove grey cover and spine with unique and colourful paper inlays (of which you can usually buy off-cuts for craft projects) — Persephone Books publishes out-of-print women writers, mostly from the 19th and 20th centuries, that otherwise might have been lost to history.

This small bookshop is incredibly aesthetic with piles of these iconic numbered books and unique postcards, tote bags, and bookmarks you won’t find anywhere else.

If you fall in love with this independent publisher and Bath bookshop, which is highly likely, they have subscription services where you can receive one of these special books every month, right to your door.

Read More: A Perfect Bath Day Trip for Culture Lovers

Website | Address: 8 Edgar Buildings, Bath BA1 2EE

4) Bath Old Books

While Mr B’s Emporium and Topping both fit that mould of meticulously designed fairy tale book shops, Bath Old Books is Bath’s answer to the old guard of booksellers that revel in being cluttered with stacks and shelves of beautiful old tomes. In other words, Bath Old Books is a true cave of wonders.

Carpeted rooms lined with wooden bookcases from floor to ceiling make for a literal house of books where anything and everything is possible. Bath Old Books provides hours of browsing possibilities.

Along with the Jane Austen museum and the baths themselves, Bath Old Books is an historic and essential part of the city of Bath. Without it, Bath would not be Bath.

What sets this Bath bookshop apart is its selection of antiquarian books from centuries passed. If you’re in the market for old and rare books in Bath, this is where you must take yourself.

Website | Address: 6A Margaret’s Buildings, Bath BA1 2LP, United Kingdom

Read More: Check out some of our favourite independent bookshops in London

5) Skoob Books

Who doesn’t love a good second-hand bookstall? Centrally located in Guildhall Market, with stacks of books to dig through, this is where you’ll find battered and beloved Penguin Classics and all the latest paperbacks.

At wonderfully affordable prices, you are sure to pick up a book or two, or three.

Website | Address: 40 – 42 Guildhall Market, Bath BA2 4AW

Read More: Pay a visit to Gladstone’s Library, the UK’s only Residential Library

6) George Bayntun

George Bayntun was a bookbinder, and a legend of one at that. Though he died back in 1940, his legacy continues in this, the oldest bookshop in Bath.

In his last few years of life and work, Bayntun’s shop was often visited by Queen Mary, wife of King George V, who spent her golden years living in the Bath area.

Today, George Bayntun is a specialist in antiquarian books of the rarest and most beautiful variety. Beyond this, the bindery which was set up by George Bayntun, and by which he was best known, is still in operation today.

If you’re looking to have a rare and broken book rebound, or a new book bound, consider turning to the historic George Bayntun for their services.

Website | Address: 23 Manvers St, Bath BA1 1JW, United Kingdom

Read More: A Complete Bookish Guide to Norwich, UK

7) The Beaufort Bookshop

Found in the charming district of Larkhall, northeast of the centre of Bath, you can find this lovely independent bookshop run by former Head of English, James Thomas, and a number of volunteers.

They mainly sell secondhand books so this is the ideal place if you’re looking for something unique or simply want to find a bargain.

Like all the best secondhand bookshops, be prepared to scour the shelves and browse the piles of books in the hope of finding that special something, the lack of organisation certainly adds to the charm here.

Endlessly passionate about books, if you’re looking for a recommendation then be sure to ask the friendly staff.

Website | Address: 1 Beaufort Pl, Bath BA1 6RP

8) The Oldfield Park Bookshop

Found on the bustling Moorland Road, a favourite amongst locals in Bath for its collection of independent eclectic shops and cafes, you will find this local bookshop that does its best to give back to the local community.

Run by two book-lovers Harry and Phillip, they’re always on hand for a friendly book chat and put huge effort into making the book displays as tempting as possible. With a diverse range of books to suit everyone, make sure to pay this charming bookshop a visit.

Website | Address: 43 Moorland Rd, Bath BA2 3PN

9) Oxfam Bookshop

One of the UK’s most beloved charity bookshop chains, the Oxfam bookshop may not be an independent bookshop in the same way as the other’s on the list but it does mean you shop for secondhand books while also giving to a good cause.

The branch in Bath is particularly good and often have some of the latest hardbacks for a fraction of the price that you’ll find elsewhere.

Address: 4, 5 Lower Borough Walls, Bath BA1 1QR

10) Waterstones Bath

Though this is a chain bookshop, sometimes you do just need to visit a branch of Waterstones.

The Bath branch is excellent and is also the only bookshop in this list to have a cafe located onsite though Bath does have a wide range of independent cafes to choose from so you certainly won’t have trouble finding coffee.

This Waterstones has two floors to enjoy, bathrooms, and has a wide selection of books including their own special editions.

Website | Address: 4-5 Milsom St, Bath BA1 1DA

Read More:

• Discover more independent bookshops in nearby Bristol
• Get Lost in Literary Covent Garden with this Bookish Guide
• Visit the Literary Sites of Yorkshire
• Discover These Five Literary Cities in the UK
• Spectacular Day Trips from London

A staycation in the UK means discovering your backyard in a way that you might never have before. Walking the medieval alleyways of York, seeing the best theatre money can buy in London, and exploring the historic homes and castles of Nottingham.

All of these things are at your fingertips when you’re looking for UK staycation ideas.

That is exactly what we are here to provide you with: six UK staycation ideas for 2021. Six cities across England, Scotland, and Wales that provide you with unique cuisines, myriad art and cultural events (from museums and galleries to theatre and music), and so much tangible, beautiful history.

York

Choosing to visit York is one of the best UK staycation ideas you can have. If you’ve already had that idea, you’ve got good instincts. York is, arguably, the UK’s most historically rich city (we say arguably because Bath — found below — is a swift contender).

Taking a UK staycation to York means staking several deliberate steps back in time. First, to the 16th Century and the story of Guy Fawkes. The orchestrator of the infamous Gunpowder Plot was born and raised in York, and a pub named after him can be visited.

Taking your next step back in time takes you to the Viking era and the story of Eric Bloodaxe, who was King of York for fourteen years before Scandinavian York was eventually absorbed into what we know call England in 954.

The Viking history of York can still be found, alive and well, in the Jorvik Viking Centre, and in the city’s most beautiful, celebrated historic building: York Minster.

Speaking of York Minster, this is where we take our final step back in time: to Roman England. York Minster is where Constantine the Great was crowned Emperor of the Roman Empire. A statue of him stands (or, rather, sits) right outside the main doors to York Minster.

This little tour of York’s history hasn’t even touched Shambles; York’s oldest street. This medieval cobbled lane is lined with wooden structures that overhand and almost touch as they bend and twist with age.

Then there’s the fact that York is the most haunted city in Europe. On Shambles, you’ll find the York Ghost Merchants. The city also offers a variety of haunted walking tours.

We could go on. The simple fact is that York is one of the most historically rich and fascinating cities in Britain, and a must-visit if you’re looking for UK staycation ideas.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is a place of unparalleled architectural beauty and some of the best cultural things to do in Europe. From world-famous festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military tattoo to some of Scotland’s best galleries, music venues, and bookshops.

In a true medieval aesthetic move, Edinburgh exists as a city built around a hilltop castle, and that castle is arguably the most impressive medieval structure in Britain. There are few views as captivating as gazing up at Edinburgh Castle from the cobbled city streets of Scotland’s capital.

On sights and splendour alone — from Calton Hill to Arthur’s Seat — visiting Edinburgh is one of the best UK staycation ideas you can have in 2021 (or any year at all). But, beyond the city’s architectural splendour, Edinburgh also offers some of the best cultural things to do in the UK.

One of the most rewarding and awe-inspiring things to do in Edinburgh is seeing the Scottish Ballet or Scottish Opera, both of which have made their home in the Edinburgh Festival Theatre.

In our experience, we find that most people prefer one over the other (we prefer ballet to opera) but a visit to Edinburgh Festival Theatre means you don’t have to choose. This iconic venue also serves up comedy and music as well, so make sure to check what’s on before you go. A visit to the theatre always makes for a perfect UK staycation.

Read More: Glamping UK: Everything you Need to Know

Bath

As we’ve already mentioned, the city of Bath is a tough contender against York for the title of UK’s Most Historic City. As such, history lovers looking for the best UK staycation ideas are going to have to make a tough choice between York and Bath.

Bath provides visitors with a unique brand of architecture that has the power to both soothe and inspire. The city’s iconic stonework (fittingly known as Bath Stone) was used for the construction of almost every building in central Bath.

This design style leads to a neat, clean, uniform atmosphere that makes Bath feel like a complete, coherent, perfect paradise of stunning stonework. There’s a sense of serenity that comes from exploring Bath.

Iconic Bath buildings include Bath Abbey — which you’ll find at the very heart of the city — and the Royal Crescent: a row of thirty terraced houses in a captivating crescent shape. These are Grade I listed buildings that have stood since the 18th Century.

Another Grade I listed building that has also stood since the 18th century is Pulteney Bridge, designed by Scottish architect Robert Adam in a Venetian style. Fitting since you’ll find a shop in the bridge that sells hand-made authentic Venetian masks.

And, while you explore, make sure to hit all of the independent bookshops of Bath. Bath is a writer’s and reader’s city. Here, you’ll find some of the best bookshops in Britain, including personal favourites like Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights and the iconic Topping & Co.

For any lover of architecture and design on the hunt for UK staycation ideas, put Bath at the top of your list. Check it twice if you’re a bookworm looking for some of the most beautiful and vibrant bookshops in the UK.

London

Where on Earth do you even begin when talking about London? According to countless people, England’s capital is the greatest city in the world, and we are not about to disagree with that.

No matter how you spin it, London comes out on top for architecture, history, theatre, literature, art, poetry, and more. It’s easy to have a perfect UK staycation when London is on your doorstep.

Take one of the above topics and make an itinerary out of it. If you’re a bookworm, you can explore the still-living literary history of London. From Charles Dickens and the Bloomsbury Group to the literary and cinematic spots linked to the Harry Potter franchise.

Or how about theatre? Both new and old, of course. London’s West End is always busting at the seams with exciting shows. From bombastic modern musicals to fresh adaptations of Russian classics.

Then there’s Shakespeare’s Globe, which puts on faithful adaptation’s of plays by history’s greatest writer.

If you’re looking for the UK’s food capital, that would also be London. From pubs that sell the best of British cuisine to authentic restaurants offering food from every corner of the globe.

You’ll find much of London’s best culinary fare in Soho. That goes double if you’re interested in enjoying an afternoon tea for two in Covent Garden.

Nottingham

Many of the places we’ve explored on this list thus far have focussed on cultural travel, history, and city architecture. What sets Nottingham apart, when it comes to good UK staycation ideas, is its connection to nature. If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, head to Nottingham.

Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood. And, with Nottingham’s medieval roots, it only makes sense that the city has something of an affinity for archery. A visit to Sherwood Forest or the annual Robin Hood Festival will give you a chance to test your mettle as a budding archer.

Speaking of Sherwood Forest, today it exists as a 450 acre nature reserve in which countless species of birds and mammals make their home. Beyond the legend of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest is also famous for its thousand ancient oak trees, the most adored of which being Major Oak, who needs to be seen to be believed.

Country walks that blend history with natural beauty can also be enjoyed at Newstead Abbey and Wollaton Hall and Park. The grounds of these outstanding historic buildings provide serenity and astonishing views at every turn.

Swansea

Speaking of the allure of the British countryside, what Nottingham provides with its forests, Swansea offers in the form of a breathtaking coastline. While it is often overshadowed by the Welsh capital of Cardiff when it comes to shopping and nightlife, Swansea cannot be beaten if your UK staycation ideas involve natural hikes and a trip to the coast.

The coastline we’re referring to is the Gower: crown jewel of the Swansea area. The Gower is an area of natural splendour, beloved by Welsh writers and artists for centuries. Inspiring, breathtaking, and serene, the Gower Peninsula is a must-visit area, especially during the summer months.

The most iconic sight in Gower would be Worm’s Head, whose name derives from the old English ‘wyrm’ or dragon. One look at Worm’s Head is all it takes to understand why this outcropping of rocks would be named after a dragon.

While it certainly is a captivating sight, be warned. Welsh writer Dylan Thomas once got himself trapped at the tip of Worm’s Head when the tide came in, and was forced to spend a full night alone there. After the incident, Thomas called Worm’s Head “the very promontory of depression”.

While recent visitors have found themselves trapped the same way, they were all rescued by the coastguard. Famous writer Dylan Thomas had no such luck.

This post was created in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are our own.

A Bath day trip is enough to see this beauty for yourself, given Bath’s compact size and the fact that every street — long and narrow — is spilling over with charm and sweetness.

On a Bath day trip, you’ll shop the independent Bath bookshops, enjoy afternoon tea, dine at award-winning restaurants, take unforgettable photos, learn about Bath’s literary history, and take a steam in the baths which the city is, naturally, known for.

How to Get There: A London to Bath Day Trip

By train: If you are arriving in Bath by train then most journeys (unless you’re arriving from Wales, the South West or the Midlands) will have you change in London. The train is generally the most convenient way to arrive in Bath and the station is central.

You will be leaving London Paddington and arriving at Bath Spa Station which will take around an hour and a half.

From other destinations, you will likely be changing at Bristol Temple Meads and arriving at Bath Spa which takes under twenty minutes. You can easily book tickets, including tickets, on Trainline.

By Coach: It’s also possible to take the National Express or Megabus from London to Bath which takes slightly longer at around three hours but can be significantly cheaper. The bus station is next to the train station.

By Car: If you’re driving to Bath then your journey from London will take around an hour and a half and predominantly follow the M4 after exiting the M25 motorways.

How to Spend a Day in Bath

Once you arrive, if you’re in immediate need of refreshment then check out our favourite brunch and coffee spots in Bath. Otherwise, you can skip ahead and get on with our bath day trip itinerary. 

Best Brunch in Bath

1. Wild Cafe Bath: Tucked away down a cobbled stree is the charming Wild Cafe which serves some of the most wonderful brunch dishes in the city as well as locally roasted coffee, loose leaf tea, and freashly basked cakes and pastries.
   
2. Sally Llun’s Bath: One of the oldest houses in Bath which serves the famous Bath Bun, a huge scone-like regional specialty. that can be served with savoury or sweet toppings Other dishes are available such as french toast, soup, various cream teas, and cakes.
   
3. Boston Tea Party: A small south-west English chain with a big menu, you can find all of your favourite brunch specials with various dietry options available including gluten-free and vegan options. There are two locations in Bath to choose from. Coffee, fresh juices, cocktails, and craft ales are also available.

Best Bath Coffee Shops and Tea Rooms

1. Society Café: With two locations in Bath and a passion for serving excellent specialty coffee, you can’t go wrong.
   
2. Sweet Little Things Tea Room and Bakery: A cute tea room, this is the perfect place to come if you want a hot drink and a scone along with the ideal Bath aesthetic.
   
3. Cortado: Perfectly located under Bath Abbey with a gorgeous minimalist interior, order a coffee and muffinf and enjoy the view.

The Perfect Bath Day Trip Itinerary

Here are the must-visit places while you’re in Bath. It’s possible to do all of these things in a day as Bath is so compact that the distance between these activities is usually just a few minutes walk.

Pick and choose the activities that suit you best and enjoy Bath!

Take Pictures at The Pultney Bridge

One of the most iconic sights in Bath, Pultney Bridge stretches over the River Avon and is one of only four bridges in the world to have shops stretching across both its sides. This extravagant bridge was designed by Scottish Architect Robert Adam, who also designed the spectacular Culzean Castle on Scotland’s west coast.

Designed in 1769 by Robert Adam, he was heavily influenced by the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte di Rialto bridges in Florence and Venice which also incorporate shopping into their design. 

Visit the Jane Austen Centre

A must for any Jane Austen fan, Jane spent a significant part of her life living in the city of Bath and many of her characters pay visits to Bath for the social scene in various novels. 

The Jane Austen Centre treats you to a talk on the life of Austen before letting you loose to explore the paintings, costumes, and items that let you into the world of Regency Britain.

You will also be able to watch a short film, try on regency costumes and visit the excellent gift shop. They even have a tea room upstairs to enjoy!

A trip around the centre will take around an hour so it is perfect to squeeze into your day in Bath.

Read More: A Jane Austen Tour of England

Get Spooky at The House of Frankenstein

Just a few doors up from The Jane Austen Centre you can learn about another of Britain’s famous writers who also lived in Bath for a period of her life.

Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein is honoured in this new interactive museum which takes you through her life with its many twists and turns and also the writing and publication of Frankenstein. 

The museum also takes you through the cinematic and stage history of Frankenstein and how the character has been used in marketing through the years including a room of memorabilia.

You can also watch the first silent film version of Frankenstein in their upstairs cinema and visit the basement (if you dare) where you will be scared out of your wits. 

They also have an excellent gift shop to enjoy with exclusive Frankenstein bears and other Mary Shelley themed items. You will need around 45 minutes to explore The House of Frankenstein.

Step into History at the Roman Baths

An absolute must for anyone interested in Roman history, this was once the site of one of the great religious spas of the ancient world and is open to explore.

Inside the Roman Baths, you can see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva, a museum collection of artefacts, and, of course, the baths themselves. 

You can also visit their neo-classical fine dining restaurant The Pump Room who boast famous historic patrons such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. You can even try spa water from the fountain.

Marvel at Bath Abbey

At the centre of Bath, this grade I listed building is particularly noted for its fan vaulting and depiction of Jacob’s Ladder with sculptures of angels climbing to heaven on two stone ladders that run up the west front.

Go inside and explore, or enjoy a coffee at one of the surrounding cafes and admire it from outside.

Tip: Pop around to Abbey Green to see the old yew tree planted in 1793, the cobbled square, and enjoy some of the small shops there

Visit the Holburne Museum

An impressive collection of fine and decorative art, this newly transformed Holburne Museum, with Garden Cafe, is situated on lovely grounds that are ideal for a quiet wander on your Bath day trip.

They also have revolving art shows so make sure to check what’s on before you visit.

Fun fact: The museum was also used in the filming of the tv show Bridgerton as Lady Danbury’s house.

Go Bath Book Shopping

Bath has an incredible number of independent bookshops to enjoy, here are a few of our favourites and all conveniently located in the city centre.

Note: For more, check out our Best Bath Bookshops guide.

Persephone Bookshop

Newly relocated from London, Persephone Books’ iconic dove grey facade, welcoming interior and catalogue of books by women who have been lost to history make it one of our favourite shops in the city.

The shop is quaint, and the booksellers are always up for chatting about their books and their history.

Persephone is a publisher and a bookshop that is so vital to the literary landscape of the UK.

Where would we be without this proudly feminist bookshop reigniting the works and genius of some of the best women writers of the 19th and 20th centuries!

Topping & Co Bath

If you travel around the UK, you’ll find a handful of Topping & Co. booksellers dotted about, but our favourite branch is in Bath.

The layout and aesthetics alone are enough to mystify you, but you’ll stay for the conversation and passion offered by this Bath bookshop’s booksellers.

Topping & Co host regular and varied events, most notably talks and book launches from some of the world’s biggest and best authors.

They excel at offering gorgeous signed copies and first edition hardbacks. Honestly, when you think of the ideal independent bookshop, it’s Topping that should come to mind.

Note: They have recently expanded into a bigger location on York Street, Bath – this picture is of the older store. The new location is somehow more impressive.

Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights

Or, perhaps, it’s Mr B’s Emporium that should spring to mind instead. That’s the sheer power of Bath’s literary scene!

Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights is, as the name states, a delight. This Bath bookshop famously offers a reading spa: a consultation with a bookseller to judge your reading habits and favourite genres. You walk away at the end with a stack of fresh books of your own.

The shop itself is also such a beauty to wander and explore. The booksellers are knowledgeable, kind, and welcoming. The designs and aesthetics are heartwarming. Mr B’s is the perfect independent bookseller.

Wander the Royal Crescent and No 1 Museum

One of the most iconic sights in Bath are the Georgian houses built between 1767 – 1796 which make up the Royal Crescent and it also makes for a perfect stroll without going to far outside town.

If you would like to learn more about the Georgian period and spend some time inside one of the houses then do not miss the No.1 Royal Crescent museum.

Relax at the Thermal Baths

This is one of the only places in Britain to enjoy warm thermal waters so definitely set aside some time for this rejuvenating experience on your trip to Bath. 

A basic package at Thermae Bath Spa without any massage options added is between £37-£45 depending on weekday or weekend hours and allows you two hours in the spa.

While it seems like a short time, it actually felt like more than enough and we even had time to relax in the cafe during that time.

The heated rooftop pool offers amazing views out over the city of Bath which is worth the fee alone. Then inside you have an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and ice bath.

Robe, slippers, and towels are provided with your fee and anything you purchase at the cafe will be added to your band and paid for at the end.

Tip: As Bath is so close to Bristol, if you’re able to extend your trip then you can also enjoy Bristol.

Best Restaurants in Bath for Dinner

1) Green Rocket Cafe

A fantastic multi-award-winning vegan/vegetarian restaurant next to the Pultney Bridge. Serving some of the best coffee in the city, they also deliver a truly innovative lunch and dinner menu.

Some highlights include the katsu curry (made with gluten-free battered silken ed tofu) and the gluten-free bang bang cauliflower which tastes so much like Korean fried chicken that I came back the next day for more. They also serve desserts, beer, and kombucha.

Green Rocket Cafe Website

2) Noya’s Kitchen

Some of the best Vietnamese food we have tried outside Vietnam. Noya’s Kitchen is an elegant restaurant which serves all your favourite dishes such as pho, Vietnamese curries, spring rolls, and dumplings as well as our favourite Vietnamese coffee.

The restaurant also hosts supper clubs where you can enjoy special dishes in the cosy fairy-lit surroundings. You can also pick up Noya’s Kitchen Cookbook if you want to recreate some of her dishes at home.

Noya’s Kitchen Website

3) Chai Walla

A firm Bath favourite and one of the most highly recommended restaurants when we called out for suggestions. This counter-serve Indian street food joint had lines around the corner at whatever time of day we passed by.

At our time of visit, it was takeaway only so it’s perfect if you want to grab something for lunch and continue your wandering or want to take something to eat in the park.

Chai Walla’s Website

4) The Bath Stable

A small chain of pizza and pint restaurants (we also visited their Bristol branch), these freshly basked sourdough pizzas are genuinely excellent and choosing between the huge range of toppings and sauces will leave you struggling.

They also serve craft beers and ales including their incredibly popular tasting boards of beers and ciders in casual and warm surrondings.

Bath – Stable Website

5) The Coconut Tree

Get ready to indulge in Sri Lankan street food and unique cocktails at this multi-award-winning vibrant restaurant run by friends.

Whether you want to sample the goat curry, the fiery devil chicken wings, or the extensive vegan and vegetarian menu — with delights such as polenta battered mushrooms and pineapple curry — you can enjoy multiple of these smaller dishes to yourself or share amongst friends for a tapas-style feast.

Warning: deciding what to have from this menu is almost impossible.

The Coconut Tree Website

See a Show at the Bath Royal Theatre

If you are interested in watching a show after dinner then make sure to visit Bath Royal Theatre which is one of the only Georgian theatres in The UK. There is always something interesting on so make sure to check their website to make sure you don’t miss anything.

We hope you liked this Bath Day Trip Itinerary, if you found it useful then please consider sharing.

Enjoy some of our other favourite UK trips: 

The Best Cultural Day Trips from London
How to Spend a Day in Cambridge
A Perfect Day Trip to Brighton
The Best Things to do In York
A Weekend in Haworth, Yorkshire
A Gothic Day Trip to Strawberry Hill
A Perfect Day in Blenheim Palace and Woodstock
How to Spend a Day in Oxford and The Most Beautiful Oxford Colleges

Sure to satisfy any wanderer, whether they’re looking for a stroll around a quaint village or are itching to explore some of the UK’s finest stately homes and cathedrals; there’s so much to discover just under two hours from London.

Note: For many of these we have full guides which we’ve linked to under the posts.

Day Trips from London for History Buffs and Bookworms

Each of these places is charming in its own way and you’re guaranteed to leave will leave with wonderful memories.

Many of these places were also featured in our Literary Cities Guide if you want to find out more about a particular city.

1) Lavenham (Godric’s Hollow)

Escape to Suffolk and visit one of the UK’s best-preserved Medieval villages, with more than 350 listed buildings to admire as well as a 15th Century church. It’s also one of the best and easiest day trips from London.

There’s plenty to do in this historic town but it has garnered a lot of attention with Harry Potter fans in recent years.

Lavenham’s stunning De Vere House was used as the filming location for Harry’s childhood home and Ambus Dumbledore’s former home in Godric’s Hollow.

Since then, the house has become available for guests on Airbnb. Whether you want to stay there or not (costs are approximately £254 for two nights, including cleaning) simply taking a look at this marvellous property is enough to warrant the trip.

Similarly, make sure to pay a visit to 4th Century Hall House on the main square which mirrors the history of Lavenham over the centuries. 

The village also has a delightful selection of independent shops, restaurants, and bakeries to enjoy with some highlights including the family-run artisan bakery Sparling and Faiers, award-winning ice cream at Hadley’s, and the unique gallery space Posy.

If you’re considering staying overnight (and aren’t going for De Vere House) then we recommend the fifteenth-century Swan at Lavenham.

Lavenham offers some amazing guided walks for visitors which we highly recommend checking out to get the most out of this, one of the most historic day trips from London.

How to get to Lavenham from London

Accessible by train from Liverpool Street Station, you’ll be changing at Colchester and heading towards The Swan station in Lavenham.

The journey will take around two and a half to three hours so best set out early. It’s also an easy drive to Lavenham along the M11 which will also take two and a half hours.

2) Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)

If you love Downton Abbey or simply enjoy exploring stately homes, then head over to Highclere Castle. The Grade I listed country house, built in 1679, is where the entire Downton Abbey series was filmed.

It’s one of the easiest day trips from London and very much worth the time and money to get there. You can also explore the nearby ‘Downton Village’, the Church, and Yew Tree Farm.

When the castle is open (during the summer months and for holidays, as well tours throughout the year) you can explore the state rooms inside the castle, the Egyptian exhibition, and explore the extensive ground and gardens.

Today, the house is occupied by the current Earl’s family, who have been living on the estate since 1679.

How to get to Highclere Castle from London

Here’s an easy Downton Abbey Tour to get you there. As you will also see Downton Village, the Church, and Yew Tree Farm, places which are difficult to access via public transport, this tour is definitely worth it if you want the full experience.

If you do have a car then you’ll be driving for an hour and forty-five minutes from London to Highclere Castle via the M25 and the M4.

To get there by public transport, you’ll need to take the train to Newbury (48 minutes directly from Paddington Station). By train, this is one of the easiest day trips from London.

From there, there is a very limited local bus service between Newbury and the village of Highclere, then a very long walk. Most people will take a taxi from Newbury Station taxi rank to the castle.

Read More: Find out more books like Downton Abbey in our list of Books for Downton Abbey Lovers

3) Hampton Court Palace

Whether you’re interested in learning more about the life of Henry VIII and his wife and children, or you simply want to experience the grand baroque palace built for William III and Mary II, Hampton Court is one of the best day trips from London.

There’s so much to see at Hampton Court Palace, with sixty acres of gardens and grounds to cover, making it one of the best historical day trips from London.

Then there’s the spectacular interior, including the State Rooms.

These include the infamous haunted gallery, the Tudor Kitchens, and Henry’s Great Hall — complete with a timber roof that features Anne Boelyn’s coat of arms and tapestries, hung in 1546, which depict Abraham’s life from the Book of Genesis.

If you arrive in the winter season then you’ll even be able to enjoy the ice rink which feels like a wonderfully traditional way to spend a crisp winter day. You can book tickets through the Hampton Court website and find out the latest opening times.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from London

To get there by public transport, you’ll need to get the train from Waterloo Station straight to Hampton Court Station and walk for twelve minutes.

This should take around fifty minutes making it one of the quickest day trips from London. You can also drive there in fifty minutes via the A4. 

4) Stratford-upon-Avon

Birthplace of the world’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a well-maintained medieval market town full of historic pubs and shops.

It’s so wonderfully fitting that the town where Shakespeare was born is one that has remained looking so Shakespearean at its heart.

One of the most ideal day trips from London for theatre lovers, this is also the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), so when you visit Stratford make sure to check what’s on and go see a play. While you’re there, you can also visit Shakespeare’s family home and birthplace. 

Aside from the great playwright, there’s plenty to see in Stratford-Upon-Avon and a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the quaint side streets.

To carry on the Shakespeare theme, make sure to visit the adorable vintage tea room Shakespaw Cat Cafe which serves a fabulous breakfast, lunch, and dinner while surrounded by adorable rescue cats.

Make sure to reserve your slot before you go. If you’re thinking of extending your trip then we recommend the Mercure, The Shakespeare hotel.

How to get to Stratford-upon-Avon from London

You can reach Stratford-upon-Avon by train in two to two and a half hours leaving from a number of London stations (Marlybone being the best choice) or drive there in two hours via the M40.

If you’re driving, this is one of the smoothest day trips from London.

5) Bath

One of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from London, you can learn all about Jane Austen and do some of the best book shopping outside London. We listed all the great Independent Bookshops in Bath to help you on your way.

Jane Austen lived in Bath for a while so you can see (and even stay in) Jane Austen’s house and visit the Jane Austen Museum which has a wonderful gift shop inside and find all those places mentioned in the novels.

Bath is also known for its fantastic vintage shopping and cute cafes but the historic city also boasts a thriving dining scene, complete with Michelin star restaurants and trendy cocktail bars.

Bath really is a city that has it all while also being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every building is a marvel, made with uniform Bath Stone which is most masterfully seen at The Royal Crescent and the Circus which also houses a museum where you can wander a Georgian home.

You can also visit the oldest house in Bath at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House where you can try their famous buns. Make sure to catch a show at the Theatre Royal Bath or live music, comedy, and cinema at Komedia Bath.

Famous for the Roman Baths themselves, Bath is also one of the centres for relaxation in the UK with spa treatments, healing steam rooms, and incredible 360-degree views of Bath from the rooftop pool.

It’s one of our favourite cities in the UK and favourite day trips from London. It’s somewhere we visit over and over and honestly a day won’t be enough.

Read More: A Perfect Bath Day Trip for Culture Lovers

How to get to Bath from London

The train is the easiest way to reach Bath, it’s direct from London Paddington and gets there in just over an hour. You can also drive there in two hours and twenty via the M4.

You can also get the National Express Coach directly from Victoria Coach Station if you’d like to save money.

Tip: You can easily extend your trip with a visit to neighbouring Bristol which has a lot to offer if you like live music, street art, amazing vegan food, and international restaurants. Bath is also a great base for exploring Lacock and the mysterious Stonehenge.

Read More: A Complete Jane Austen Tour of England — Eleven Places to Visit

7) Oxford

Oxford is so much closer to London than most people would expect. The city makes for a perfect day trip and offers so much in terms of culture, literary history, and special architecture.

Home to the world’s most famous and beloved university, Oxford is a historic town of gorgeous stone buildings and welcoming locals.

Oxford also has ties to so many of our most treasured writers, most famously Philip Pullman and J.R.R. Tolkein. Exploring the university buildings and going book shopping for a day in Oxford is truly one of life’s great pleasures.

We have a perfect one day itinerary in Oxford and a guide to the most beautiful colleges in Oxford which should help you have the perfect day in the city of spires.

If you’re thinking of spending the night then we’d recommend the Museum Hotel, a historic Oxford hotel in a building dating from 1594.

How to get to Oxford from London

You can enjoy one of the simplest day trips from London by taking the train from Paddington Station to Oxford in around fifty minutes. You can also drive in an hour and fifteen minutes via the M40 or take the coach from Victoria Station.

Tip: Extend your trip with a visit to Blenheim Palace and Woodstock – If you’re a big fan of period homes and quaint villages then you can hop on the bus to Blenheim Palace in Oxford which is another beautiful day out!

One of the trees on the ground was even used in the filming of Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix.

8) Cambridge

Cambridge is often jilted as a London day trip in favour of Oxford but, truthfully, it’s just as fast to get to Cambridge from London and just as rewarding.

Generally, people either prefer Oxford or Cambridge and hold some pretty strong views but I personally think they’re both vibrant, beautiful cities with a lot to offer.

Two of the things which Cambridge is most famously associated with, aside from the university, are punting and romantic river walks.

Punting is an old tradition in Cambridge, in which you go for a boat ride along the River Cambs, past the beautiful town centre, the extensive green space in the city, and the Cambridge University college buildings. 

A visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum is a must and there is endless book shopping to do in Cambridge with some notable spots being Heffers Bookshop and Sarah Key: The Haunted Bookshop.

No trip to Cambridge would be complete without stopping at Fitzbillies, a hundred-year-old cafe (and now a restaurant) famous for its fluffy Chelsea Buns.

Independent shops, cafes, and restaurants waiting for you on the side streets which all seem to culminate at the market square where you’ll be delighted with street food, fresh produce, bubble tea, and more. If you’d like to stay overnight in Cambridge, we’d recommend the Hotel du Vin & Bistro.

How to get to Cambridge from London

Very easily accessed by train, the Thames Link from King Cross Station will take you straight there in under an hour.

You can also drive there in just under an hour and a half via the M11 or take the National Express from Victoria Coach Station.

Tip: There are lots of charming villages near Cambridge so there are plenty of places if you want to extend your trip. We’d recommend a visit to Ely which boasts a stunning cathedral, Oliver Cromwell’s house, a sake brewery, and one of our favourite book shops Topping & Co.

Read More: A Perfect Day trip to Cambridge for Culture Lovers

9) Canterbury

A city strongly associated with The Canterbury Tales and its magnificent cathedral, Canterbury has a lot to offer for a London day trip. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a coastal escape with trails to follow that can be tackled by foot or on a bike.

Cambridge isn’t the only place you can go punting, with Canterbury also offering its own 45-minute tour along the river where you learn stories about Canterbury’s medieval past or even take a haunted trip at night.

For more history, you can also visit the Canterbury Roman Museum where you can see a beautifully preserved Roman floor mosaic.

Canterbury has some great bookshops with one of the most famous being The Chaucer Bookshop, found in an eighteenth-century building and specialising in second-hand and antiquarian books.

For food and drink, Canterbury doesn’t disappoint with highlights like Tiny Tim’s Tearoom which is in a 1920s style and offers fantastic afternoon tea, and Houdini’s Magic Bar where you can catch live magic shows and fabulous cocktails.

If you’d like to stay overnight in Canterbury, we recommend the fifteenth-century Cathedral Gate Hotel found in the heart of the city.

How to get to Canterbury from London

You can reach Canterbury in fifty minutes from London on the train from St Pancras Intl. Or you can drive there in an hour and a half via the M2.

10) Chawton

Chawton in Hampshire is where Jane Austen called home for the last eight years of her life, this is one of the most perfect day trips from London for Jane Austen fans aside from Bath. Here you can visit Jane Austen’s home where she wrote and revised her novels.

Visitors can also take the Jane Austen 4.8 mile circular walk which will take you from her house through the village of Farringdon and beautiful countryside, and visit Chawton House Library where her brother Edward Knight lived.

Nearby Alton is also worth visiting as this is where Jane used to go shopping. For places to eat and drink at while walking you’ll pass Cassandra’s Cup which is a tea room named after Austen’s sister, The Greyfriar, The Rose and Crown at Upper Farringdon and can take a short detour to The Golden Pheasant at Lower Farringdon.

Likewise, nearby Winchester is where you can see Jane Austen’s grave and some other places she used to frequent.

Tip: Check out our Instagram reel for a snapshot of our day in Chawton.

How to get to Chawton from London

Take the train from London to Alton Station and then take a bus or taxi to Jane Austen’s house or you can drive. There’s ample parking in the area.

Read More: A Perfect Day Trip to Jane Austen’s House & Chawton

11) York

You’d think York was a long way to go for a London day trip but, if travelling by train, you can actually be there within two hours directly so it’s definitely worth it.

There are so many unique things to do in York you will be spoiled for choice.

Famous for the seventh century York Minster which is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, York is endlessly majestic.

York is a UNESCO City of Media Arts and a book lover’s haven with several book shops to explore as well as The Shambles, a street of independent shops that inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Also, did you know York is the most haunted city in Europe? It’s often known as the ‘city of a thousand ghosts’.

If you love chocolate, York has a long history associated with the stuff giving it the name the UK’s home of chocolate.

You can find out everything, including the 300-year history behind chocolate, at York’s Chocolate Story Museum and even stay in a chocolate themed hotel at Hotel Indigo. Make sure to visit York Cocoa House to treat yourself before you leave.

For more history, the award-winning York Castle Museum is not to be missed with recreated Jacobean dining rooms and infamous Victorian criminals. There really is an endless amount of things to do in York so you’ll have trouble prioritizing.

How to get to York from London

The train is the absolute best way to get to York from London, just take the train towards Edinburgh to York from King’s Cross Station.

Extend your trip: If you’d like to extend your trip then I’d recommend visiting Haworth, a charming village where the Bronte family grew up. Or discover some of your favourite things to do in Yorkshire.

12) Hampstead Heath

This is technically a day trip in London if you’re pushed for time and want to experience somewhere very different to the bustling city but still with ample literary history and culture.

Hampstead Village honestly doesn’t feel like the rest of London. Much like Richmond, there’s a sense of peace and tranquillity and you can easily get lost in the narrow streets and historical buildings. 

Wander along the pretty eighteenth-century promenade Church Row for literary history and Flask Walk: a tiny cobbled street with restaurants, antiques, a secondhand bookshop, and florists.

There’s a wealth of literary history to explore in Hampstead. You can pay a visit to the romantic poet Keats’ house, go plaque hunting for the many famous writers who’ve lived there

You can find Daphne Du Maurier, who lived there for two years (her father and grandfather are buried in the local churchyard), George Orwell, and Aldous Huxley. Plaques for history’s other greats like Anna and Sigmund Freud can also be tracked down.

Hampstead was even featured in novels like Dracula:

“Lucy lies in the tomb of her kin, a lordly death house in a lonely churchyard, away from teeming London, where the air is fresh, and the sun rises over Hampstead Hill, and where wild flowers grow of their own accord.”

Hampstead also has a number of London bookshops, charity shops like the Oxfam Bookshop, vintage stores, handmade craft spots, cafes, and is a hub for antique shopping.

Plus, if you want a beautiful walk and one of the best views over London, stroll up Hampstead Heath, 790 acres of park, fields, and woodland.

How to get to Hampstead from London

Hampstead Station is on the northern line towards Edgware, zone 2.

While these are just some of the amazing day trips from London on offer, these are some of the very best for culture lovers. We hope you enjoy exploring some of the best of England within easy reach of the capital.

13) Brighton

An easy day trip from London at just one hour on the train. Brighton is one of the UK’s art and culture hubs with a thriving LGBTQ+ community — it also has a fine collection of independent bookshops mostly to be found in The Lanes which is Brighton’s famous and colourful shopping streets.

One of the must-visit bookshops includes the crowdfunded The Feminist Bookshop which features books about and written by women and also provides a vegan cafe and reading room to relax in. Brighton itself has also appeared as a setting in so many books with one of the most notable being Brighton Rock. Pick up a book and take it to the seaside for a truly bookish Brighton experience.

The market town of Lewes, which is just fifteen minutes away by train from Brighton also offers some fantastic book shopping which must include a visit to the historic Fifteenth Century Bookshop.

How to Get to Brighton from London

There are 500+ direct trains from London to Brighton every day so you won’t need to be careful with regards to timing. You’ll need the Thameslink train which goes between Cambridge and Brighton, passing through several stations in London including London St Pancras.

Read More: How to Spend a Perfect Day in Brighton, UK

14) Audley End Estate and Gardens

Escape to this beautiful stately home and gardens within an hour of London for a change of scenery and quite frankly, just a lovely day out. One of the finest Jacobean homes in England, it’s also one of the most popular stately homes to visit in the UK.

The house has a number of royal connections and an interesting history Audley End is built on the foundations of a 12th-century Benedictine monastery after Henry VIII’s reformation led to him handing the site to his chancellor Thomas Audley in 1538. 

Not only the house to explore, enjoy beautiful flower gardens, an organic kitchen garden, the stables, and a nearby miniature railway.

Read More: Read about our day at Audley End, what to see there, and see lots of pictures.

How to Get to Audley End from London

You can catch the train from London direct to Audley End Station from London Liverpool Street and it takes just over an hour. It’s then a short walk from the station.

15) Strawberry Hill House

Still standing two hundred years after Horace Walpole’s death, the gothic castle that the wildly eccentric author originally converted from two cottages stands to welcome guests to this day.

A pastiche of Walpole’s absurd imagination and the gothic places he visited on his grand tour of Europe, Strawberry Hill House is a surprise and an eccentric gothic experience, comprised of themed rooms and careful fostering of artful, campy tones

Anyone who enjoys gothic literature will have heard of Horace Walpole and The Castle of Otranto, widely considered to be the first ever supernatural and gothic novel.

Read More: Read about our day at Strawberry Hill House, what to see there, and see lots of pictures.

How to Get to Strawberry Hill House from London

Strawberry Hill House can be easily accessed by train which runs on a circular route from London Waterloo to Strawberry Hill. You can also take the District Line westbound to Richmond. From there you can catch the R68 from bus stop Z towards Hampton Court and alight at Michelham Gardens.

Looking to go further afield? Try these literary places in Cornwall and Devon.

Many cities around the UK are famous for their authors, the ties between them being so unbreakable that when one thinks of Stratford-upon-Avon, one thinks of Shakespeare. In more ways than one, Dickens embodied London and its people.

So, what are the best cities to visit in the UK in order to see its literature come to life? Here are our top five literary cities (with a few extra honourable mentions at the bottom, of course, because we could go on and on).

Read More: 5 Literary Holidays in the UK and Ireland

1) Bath

Beautiful Bath. It’s still easy to imagine it as the city Austen and Dickens knew all those years ago since most of the buildings have been untouched for over 300 years. There are plenty of things to do for the literary lover in this impressive city defined by its Bath stone buildings and its deep Roman history.

This is where the aforementioned authors completed their first works and you’ll find plenty in the city dedicated to them, including an Austen festival in September.

Our favourite Bath bookshops

Bath has no shortage of bookshops but these are our absolute favourites.

Mr B’s Emporium

Three delightful floors with plenty of cosy nooks and a toilet door drawn on by Chris Riddell, what more could you want. With plenty of literary events throughout the year and an incredibly passionate and warm staff. This is one of the only places you can go on a reading spa. A unique and personalised experience of bibliotherapy that has to be tried. Read our full review of this wonderful bookshop here.

Address: 14-15 John Street, Bath, BA1 2JL

Topping & Co

Everyone who works in Topping is so passionate about literature and what they do. Knowledgeable doesn’t begin to cover it. The shop is beautiful with traditional ladders to reach up to those top shelves and all the books are separated into useful sections.

This is where you come to find first editions and editions signed by the authors tucked amongst the normal books. They do literary events throughout the year so it’s well worth keeping updated on their website.

Address: The Paragon, Bath, Somerset, BA1 5LS

Read More: Visit the Best Independent Bookshops in Bath

Authors from Bath

Jane Austen

Bath features in most of Jane Austen’s novels and provides memorable backdrops for both Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Austen was a frequent visitor to Bath before moving there towards the end of her life in 1801. You can stay in her original home and you’ll find the Jane Austen Centre nearby where you can find out all about Austen, visit the gift shop, dress in regency clothing, and enjoy the Regency Tea Rooms after.

Read More: A Complete Jane Austen Tour of England — Eleven Places to Visit

Charles Dickens

Although often associated with London, Dickens first visited Bath in 1835 staying at the ‘Saracen’s Head Pub’ on Broad Street and the city provided Dickens with inspiration for many of the characters in his novels. The most famous being Mr Pickwick who is thought to be based on Moses Pickwick, the landlord of the White Hart Inn. You can visit the plaque dedicated to him on 35, St. James Square.

Literary Hotels in Bath

Tasburgh House

Dickens, Hardy, Austen, Shelley, and Brontë are just some of the literary associations this quaint hotel has to offer. The charmingly decorated rooms are named after famous authors and poets.

Jane Austen’s Bath Courtyard Apartment

It doesn’t really get better than staying in Jane Austen’s Bath home. Built in 1794, 4 Sydney Place was the Austen family home from 1801 to 1805. This Grade I listed, period-feature filled courtyard apartment will help you live out your period drama dreams.

Combine a stay here with:

• A city walking tour and trip to the Roman Baths
• A day trip to the historic Stonehenge

Read More: If you love books and book-related stays then check out our experience staying at Gladstone’s Libray– the UK’s only residential library. Or The Wizarding Chambers in London.

Read More: A Guide to Hay-on-Wye: Britain’s Beautiful Book Town

2) Oxford

Perhaps the UK’s most prized city outside of London, due almost entirely to it housing the world’s most prestigious university and associated libraries. A literary tour around this city needs an entire guide of its own (perhaps more than one). We’re going to focus on the highlights of this fabulous literary city.

It’s unsurprising that the most prestigious university will have produced some of history’s most prestigious scientists, artists, mathematicians, and writers.

The city’s most famous author alumni include J.R.R. Tolkien (whose time in Oxford supposedly inspired The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings), C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde, and Philip Pullman (Pullman, in fact, still lives in Oxford to this day).

Take a trip to the Oxford Botanic Gardens to visit Will and Lyra’s bench from the Northern Lights Series. The garden is also thought to be the inspiration for the Queen’s Garden in Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland.

The university is enough of a draw for anyone venturing into Oxford, but there is plenty more besides, like the Ashmolean Museum of arts and culture and The Story Museum.

Read More: Enjoy this Three Day Oxford Itinerary

Any visit to Oxford must include a trip to these iconic spots

Bodleian Library

One of the great libraries of the world active since the 17th century making it one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It holds every new book published in the UK totalling nearly 6 million books with many of the books being held underground.

Christ Church College

Where Alice Liddell, the girl who inspired Charles Dodgson (better known as C.S. Lewis) lived and where he studied and taught. It’s also one of the filming locations for the Harry Potter films and includes a gorgeous library and gardens to explore.

What more do you need? Head from here to St Mary’s Passage and you’ll find the door to Narnia and Mr Tumnes himself.

The Eagle and Child Pub

An infamous spot where you can not only enjoy a pint or some traditional English grub but enjoy the meeting place of ‘The Inklings’ who were a literary discussion group including both Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Many historical moments took place in this pub including the handing out of the first proofs of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Read More: Don’t Miss an Oxford Day Trip to Blenheim Palace

Our favourite Oxford bookshops

Blackwell’s bookshop

Arguably one of the most famous bookshops in the UK, Blackwell’s main bookshop is comprised of four old shops in Broad Street: Nos. 48, 49, 50, and 51. All four are Grade II listed buildings. Blackwell’s is an Oxford institution and home to over 250,000 books.

The Norrington Room even earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest single room selling books in the world. A perfect place to get lost (literally) for an afternoon.

48-51 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BQ

Albion Beatnik Bookstore

Tucked away in the Jericho neighbourhood is this excellent independent bookshop/cafe. You won’t find wifi but you will find books upon books to buy stacked up in every which way and over seventy kinds of tea. It’s open until 11 pm most days, which makes it amazing for those non-pub goers who want someplace quiet to go.

They also hold literary events and talks throughout the year. Pick up a book and a coffee and settle in for a long reading session.

34 Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6AA

Oxfam Bookshop

Secondhand bookshops are beloved in the UK. Most towns will have at least one lurking somewhere. Any bookshop loving UK citizen will happily point you in the direction of the nearest Oxfam bookshop but the Oxford branch is original dating back to 1987 and is situated over two floors. With a mix of rare first-editions, antiquarian, and brand new books, it’s difficult not to go crazy.

56 St Giles Street, Oxford OX1 3LU

Authors from Oxford

J.R.R Tolkien

The relationship between the man who created Middle Earth and the city of Oxford runs deep. Originally having studied English Language and Literature at Exeter College, Oxford, graduating in 1915 with first-class honours, he then — following World War I — went on to teach at several different colleges in Oxford.

It was during his time as a teacher that he penned The Hobbit.

C.S. Lewis

Once a tutor of English at Magdalen College (well worth a visit, it’s gorgeous) where he wrote most of his famous works, including The Chronicles of Narnia.

Philip Pullman

An alumnus of Exeter College, Oxford, like Tolkein before him, Pullman has shown his love for the city of Oxford through his depictions of it in his fiction. Most famously, it is the home of Lyra, the protagonist of His Dark Materials, who spent her youth roaming the halls of Jordan College.

Literary hotels in Oxford

De Vere Oxford Thames

This hotel is situated in the Cotswolds just outside Oxford, and is surrounded by famous filming locations for the Harry Potter films. Whilst staying here, we encourage you to track down these famous locations. Beyond that, these old stone cottages are simply gorgeous, and an intricate part of England’s history, just as the city of Oxford itself is.

The Old Bank

What better location for a hotel than opposite the nation’s most famous library: Oxford’s Bodleian Library. This Georgian style building is magnificent and fits the Oxford aesthetic perfectly.

But it’s the location beside the Bodleian, as well as Oxford’s Christchurch and All Souls colleges, that make it a must-stay for literature and history lovers.

Combine a stay here with:

• Oxford Harry Potter filming locations tour
• A walking tour of the city and Oxford University

Read More: 19 Unique and Unusual Places to Stay in the UK

3) London

England’s capital city, and home to countless writers, poets, painters, composers, and all in-between. The city where Shakespeare – although famously born in Stratford – spent all of his working life. Home of George Orwell, T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf.

London is England, in so very many ways. It epitomises the grandeur of the bourgeois and the struggles of the working classes. It is beautiful and ugly in the most wonderful of ways. But what does it offer a visitor who wants to see its literary roots exposed through the cracks in the cobbles?

Don’t forget to see a play at Shakespeare’s Globe or visit the gift shop for some amazing Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe themed treasures.

Check out our favourite independent bookshops in London.

Libreria

Designed to mimic Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges’s Library of Babel, Libreria feels never-ending with its mirrored ceiling and wall-to-wall bookshelves. Technophiles beware: phones are banned in this literary sanctuary.

65 Hanbury St, London E1 5JP

Daunt Books

For the travel addict, Daunt Books pairs destination guides with the best literature from that region of the world. Each branch has its own charm, but the original shop in Marylebone is particularly beautiful: the Edwardian building features oak balconies, stained glass windows, and viridian walls.

83 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW (they have other London locations)

Read More London Content:

The Best Bookish Cafes and Bars in London

A Perfect Six Day London Bookish Itinerary

Cultural and Bookish Day Trips from London

Authors from London

Virginia Woolf

Born in the beautiful South Kensington, Woolf was a pioneer of the modernist movement of literature in the 20th century.

After suffering through the deaths of both of her parents, Woolf moved to Bloomsbury where she helped found the famous Bloomsbury Group, a collection of intellectuals, writers, and artists of the area. Author E.M. Forster was also a member of the Bloomsbury Group.

Mary Shelley

Although famous for having travelled and lived extensively around Europe with her husband, the poet Percy Shelley, Mary was born and raised in Somers Town, London. Although her childhood home is now gone, a plaque at the site remains.

The grave of Shelley’s mother, Mary Wollstonecraft – a famous and greatly celebrated feminist writer – can be found in the churchyard of St. Pancras Old Church.

Douglas Adams, George Eliot, and Christina Rosetti

The graves of all three of these wonderful and beloved authors can be found at Highgate Cemetery. The graves are always decorated with items left by fans (usually pens and notes), which is a very heartwarming sight.

Read More: Discover our Bookish Guide to Covent Garden

Literary hotels in London

There’s no end to the hotels with literary themes and connections in London. Here are a few favourites.

Georgian House Hotel

This hotel is a quaint enough stay without the wonderful addition of their themed rooms,  the Wizarding and Enchanted Chambers are the most magical stay in London imaginable.

They also offer their own Harry Potter-themed walking tours and Potions themed cocktail making sessions. Read our full review of our stay in their wizarding chambers.

The Bloomsbury Hotel

It’s hard to believe a hotel with this many literary connections exists but the opulent hotel stands in central London and is ready to be explored.

The Bloomsbury Group included writers such as Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster and you can find out all about them in the literary-inspired lounge that houses artwork, books, and pamphlets. You’re also just four minutes’ walk from The British Museum.

Rocco Forte Browns Hotel

This hotel overflows with more literary history than most buildings on Earth, with Rudyard Kipling having finished The Jungle Book during his stay here, Agatha Christie basing At Bertram’s Hotel on this building, and authors such as Henry James, Mark Twain, and Stephen King also having stayed here in their time.

Combine a stay here with:

• A trip to the  Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio
• A day trip to the Harry Potter Studio followed by our other favourite literary city Oxford
• See some countryside with a day trip to Oxford, Stratford, and the Cotswolds
• See Shakespeare’s birthplace and explore the Cotswolds

Read More: Explore the Harry Potter Sites in London

4) Edinburgh

Ah, Edinburgh, one of the most stunning cities in the UK. The capital of Scotland, crowned by an enormous castle, and home to some of the most beautiful old architecture to be found anywhere in Europe.

Birthplace to Robert Louis Stephenson, Sir Walter Scott, and Arthur Conan Doyle, there are certainly some big literary names to come out of this beautiful city. Edinburgh is our romantic capital, a place we hold dear to our hearts and the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature. What better choice for a literary cities list?

Our favourite bookshops in Edinburgh

Armchair Books

This shop is the quintessential bookstore. The one. It is instagram-famous for a reason. Books are stacks from floor to ceiling on every wall, with cramped walkways between them. It is dizzying and dripping with ancient literary atmosphere.

72-74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE, UK

The Edinburgh Bookshop

One of the most well-stocked and celebrated bookstores in Edinburgh was also awarded Scottish Independent Bookstore of the Year 2018, and deservedly so. Expert booksellers are there to be your friend, connect with you about books, and remind us that books form bonds.

219 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DH, UK

Lighthouse Bookshop

This bookstore doubles as an independent publisher known as Word Power Books. Their collections focus on lefty socialist politics, LGBTQ writers, environmentalism, and feminism, all things that we will endlessly praise them for. Every bookshop should be promoting love and the right kind of revolution, after all.

43-45 W Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DB, UK

Authors from Edinburgh

Sir Walter Scott

Born in Edinburgh in 1771, Scott was a true polymath of all things to do with pen and paper. A prolific writer of novels, plays, poetry, and essays, Scott left behind an extensive bibliography of work. His primary work was as an advocate (lawyer) and a judge. His family home still stands today in Edinburgh’s George Square.

Arthur Conan Doyle

One of Britain’s most famous authors, famed for creating the beloved characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson – more famous now than ever thanks to the popular BBC TV adaptation.

Doyle was born in Edinburgh and lived there for a series of sad situations until the death of his father and Doyle’s relocation to England. Although his birthplace was demolished, a statue of Sherlock Holmes stands in Edinburgh, facing where the home once was.

Robert Louis Stephenson

The man who did so much for the early days of science fiction and children’s literature was born, raised, and schooled in Edinburgh. His family home still sits in the city’s Heriot Row and memorials to him exist all over Edinburgh.

You can visit some of these statues and carvings at St Giles Cathedral, West Princes Street Gardens, and in the Writers’ Museum of Edinburgh.

Literary hotels in Edinburgh

The Place Hotel

With Literary Suites on offer, this is a prime spot to learn about some of Edinburgh’s most famous writers. The Place Hotel is bringing the literary life of the city into the hotel with four literary-themed hotel suites inspired by great Edinburgh writers.

Guests are invited to discover the literary city by reading books by Edinburgh authors on your hotel suite bookshelf to the well-known characters and stories to be found in the very streets and closes of the city

The Balmoral Edinburgh

Edinburgh is very much associated with JK Rowling and Harry Potter and the sheer amount of Potter related things to do here is incredible. What better way to finish it off than staying in the room Rowling herself finished the iconic series? She’s even signed the bust of Hermes in the room.

Combine a stay here with:

• A trip to the highlands to see Loch Ness and Glencoe
• A  magical Harry Potter city walking tour
• This ghostly underground vaults tour

Read More: The Best Gifts for Bookish People

5) Stratford-upon-Avon

There is little more to be said for a place when it is the birthplace of Planet Earth’s most famous, celebrated, and accomplished writer.

But beyond the Shakespeare fame, Stratford is also a beautiful little town, home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, and a really beautiful place to visit in the dead of winter. There is magic in the air of an evening in Stratford, and a lot to see and do.

Don’t forget to try some delicious Butterbeer at Magic Alley, a shop celebrating magic in all its forms and go see a play, or simply browse the fantastic gift shop at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company).

Our favourite bookshops in Stratford-upon-Avon

The Chaucer Head Bookshop

Named for medieval England’s most treasured writer, this bookstore deals in rare and antiquated books. In short, it’s a treasure trove of ancient wonders of the literary world. The things you might find here are unexpected and profound. It’s a gorgeous store in the heart of Shakespeare’s hometown, and definitely warrants a cheeky look inside.

21 Chapel St, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6EP, UK

Authors from Stratford

William Shakespeare

Arguably the English speaking world’s greatest writer, Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon. The birthplace of the man himself, the family home of his wife, Anne Hathaway (not that one), as well as her grave, can all be found in Stratford.

Today, the Royal Shakespeare Company has its base in Stratford, where performances of his works can be seen on-stage all year round.

Literary hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon

The White Swan

With artefacts dating back as far as the bard himself, this old inn is overflowing with history. We cannot think of a better place to stay if you want to step back in time to the streets that Shakespeare himself walked.

Ettington Park Hotel

Ludicrously grandiose, this old gothic house is pulled straight out of a fairytale, and, if you’re travelling to the UK for the first time from a place that doesn’t have its own castles and fairytale buildings, this is one of the best places to stay, not only in Stratford, but in the whole country.

Combine a stay here with:

A visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom

Seeing Shakespeare’s birthplace and family home

Where Next?

When it comes to literary cities and bookish spots in the UK, this is just the start.

Discover other literary day trips and cultural visits:

• A Gothic Day trip to Walpole’s Strawberry Hill
• A Day Trip to Audley End
• A Visit to Blenheim Palace and Woodstock
• A London Literary Itinerary
• Bookish Places in Devon and Cornwall
• Visit and Stay at Gladstone’s Library
• Literary Things to do in Stroud
• A Bronte Themed Weekend in Haworth
• A Visit to the Book Town of Hay on Wye

The city has a Jane Austen museum (with a gift shop), the historic Roman baths which gave the town its name, and of course one of the most fabulous bookstores in the country: Mr. B’s. It’s also one of our top five literary cities (coming soon).

Mr. B’s Emporium of Reading Delights

The store is located in the town centre, just off from the main street, around the corner from the aforementioned Jane Austen Centre, and a few doors down from an excellent pub with an excellent name: The Raven. Once inside, you’ll immediately see the appeal. The store is filled with natural light, and is also the right kind of cramped, where every turn of the body yields a new bookshelf or display to admire.

There are three floors: the ground floor, which has the newest stock and most of the fiction, as well as delightful window displays and the friendliest staff (ask for recommendations; they’ll happily oblige). The basement is where all the history and philosophy can be found, as well as a toilet that was hand-decorated by the legendary Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell.

Upstairs hides a fantastic little secret: the reading room. This is a tiny space with sunlight flooding in, a few chairs to perch upon, and a quiet calm in which to read as you flick through a few chosen temptations. This room on its own solidifies Mr. B’s as one of the greatest independent bookstores in Britain (the Guardian newspaper also agrees with us, naming Mr. B’s one of the ten best bookstores in the world back in 2015).

The store also offers something very special. For £80 you can buy yourself or a loved one a ‘Book Spa’. This includes a visit to the store where you’ll be treated to some bibliotherapy: a member of the store will sit down with you and chat about your favourite books, listen to your tastes, and return with a stack of books tailored to your tastes.

You’ll leave with £55 worth of new books, a mug, a tote bag, and a gift card. We cannot think of a better gift for a bookish friend.

Mr. B’s is a special store because it understands books and book-lovers. It knows what aesthetics we like; that we need comfort and the opportunity to discuss literature and history. It provides everything that a bookworm could want. Whenever we return to the UK for a visit, we make a bee-line for Bath, eat at a local pub, wander the friendly streets, and pay a visit to Mr. B’s. It honestly is a delight and we could not love this store more.

Visit their website here.

Interested in more bookstores around the world? Here are other favourites so far.