Last week, we took a literary adventure around the world in 80 children’s books. This week, thanks to amazing illustrations from Black Prince, we’re going to narrow our focus a bit. They did an amazing piece on all the gorgeous literary locations throughout the UK, but instead of just gathering up photos from each place, they illustrated them like a children’s book! I am sharing a few of those darling pictures here with permission. I think you’re really going to love them, I know I did!
An Illustrated Literary Adventure in the UK
Ashdown Forest, East Sussex (Winnie the Pooh)
Did you know that 100 Acre Wood was inspired by a real place, and that you can still visit it? It’s a 500-acre wood, though, but real-life Christopher (Milne’s son) said it’s just like Winnie the Pooh’s home forest.
The Elephant House, Edinburgh (Birthplace of Harry Potter)
I think we all know the story about how JK Rowling spent her days writing Harry Potter in a little cafe, right? That cafe is the Elephant House Cafe in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s right in the middle of the city, a perfect resting place during your whirlwind tour.
Stratford-Upon-Avon (Shakespeare)
You can’t visit the UK without seeing Shakespeare Country! I think the Bard is one writer that we’ve all read at least once, right? I loved his plays in high school. We did one each year. I remember after reading Hamlet my senior year, my teacher (a nun, and that’s important) rented us the Mel Gibson version. Why? Because she liked to look at his butt!
Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland (Narnia)
While Lewis didn’t come right out and say it, many believe that the Mourne Mountains were his inspiration for Narnia. They certainly look magical enough, don’t they?
Hampshire (Jane Austen)
While many people think of Bath when they think of the home of Jane Austen, she actually spent much of her time in Hampshire. In fact, many of her books are inspired by the area, including two of my favorites: Emma, and Sense and Sensibility. This year marks the 200th anniversary of her death and Hampshire will be holding plenty of special events to celebrate her life.
These are just five of my favorite illustrated literary locations. Head over to Black Prince for the other half, along with more details about each spot.
What is your favorite literary location in the UK? Where would you go on your adventures? Share below!
This is such a cool page. I love to travel!
id go to the tunnels ive heard about and we love harry potter this is so cute