Literary Places to Visit in London
Yes, welcome to London a city that has been home to some of the greatest authors in the world and literature in general. They are many literary places in London; from famous monuments to some lesser known, which interested tourists should visit. Whether you are obsessed with books, a student of literature, or just a layman with a keen interest in literature, this is a guide on what you would want to look out for when visiting London.
1. British Library
It is very recommended to start your literary journey with one of the most important libraries in the world, the British Library. It is situated in the Kings cross and contains a couple of items that are in excess of 150 million; collection of manuscripts, first editions among other collection. Especially, I would like the visit «Treasures of the British Library” which is the unique exhibition that presents Shakespeare’s First Folio and Jane Austen’s Notebooks.
2. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Every guide to the Literature of London will not be considered complete unless it includes the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Built in 1599 here in modern replica to the original design, it includes touring facilities as well as acting productions of Shakespeare’s works. Immersed into the play performace in this fashion Elizabethans were able to experience the floral shock, that is, something new and wonderful but in its infancy.
3. Charles Dickens Museum
Take a trip to the unique place, which was once a home of the great writer – visit the Charles Dickens Museum. This venue is housed in one of the Georgian townhouses in Bloomsbury and one can find original manuscripts, personal items as well as articles that provide information on the life of one of the most famous writers of the Victorian times. Just before leaving, one cannot forget to take some souvenirs from the gift shop that offers literature related items.
4. Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey
Visit Westminster Abbey and venerate some of the best poets and literary masters of British history at Poets’ Corner. This corner of the Abbey is the grave of Geoffrey Chaucer, William Blake, Charles Dickens, and many more other literatures. Take a look at the palaces of the Daniel’s Knolls Historic District while pondering the accomplishments of these great writers.
5. The Sherlock Holmes Museum
For lovers of detective stories and particularly Sherlock Holmes fans, the Museum is a perfect place to visit. This museum can be found at 221B Baker Street, though fictional, and this intellectual museum is filled with tidbits and trinkets from the tales that has been written by Arthur Conan Doyle. In this part, you can challenge your detective skills by getting involved into one of the exhibits.
6. The British Museum
Despite the fact that the museum is not specifically a literary museum, it has great collection of history and early writings kept and preserved. Visiting the Enlightenment Gallery to view manuscripts ranging from Milton to Austen or the Egyptian collection containing hieroglyphics. It will also be important to note that the museum has a considerably impressive library with lots of literature resources.
7. Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station
All the J.K. Rowling fans should not miss the opportunity to get to the Kings Cross station to have a view of the famous platform 9¾. Adjacent to the actual platform 9, it’s a picture taking point which has a half a Trolley disappearing into the wall. Before you go, do not leave the area without dropping by the Harry Potter shop that is next to it for anything magical.
8. Keats House
Many of you may already be familiar with the romantic poet John Keats, if not, a visit to Keats House in Hampstead is most recommended. This is beautifully located Regency villa, and it is now a museum that houses articles of Keats and his poetry. Visit the rooms in which probably the majority of Keats’ masterpieces were penned and walk through the picturesque gardens to get a poetic feeling.
9. The Bloomsbury Group
Find out about the most significant and intellectually rich area in the first half of the twentieth century through Bloomsbury district. Including having a firsthand experience at the British Museum where the group convened and at the Bloomsbury Square where writers like Virginia Woolf and E.M Forster resided at. Learn more about the bohemian movement for which they were at the forefront and which inspired their creative processes.
10. Hampstead Heath
Hampstead is one of the greenest places in the vicinity of London – leave the concrete jungle behind and enjoy fresh air and nature’s beauty. It is well-known that both Robert Louis Stevenson and Agatha Christie found their inspiration in this rather extensive park. Chill in a park and read a book in a lovely area to admire the splendid view of the skyline in the city of London.
In Conclusion
London, being a city steeped in literature, it could be very interesting to visit some sites connected with writers and the works of art that were produced in London. Every travel enthusiast has the literary places to visit as a genre of travelling is popular among the travelers from all the world. Regardless of your choice between historical prose and contemporary realism, London’s is definitely an inspiring land of fiction.
Therefore, pick a map, put on your walking shoes, and open a book to get lost in an exciting journey through the crowded London spaces. Indeed, it is remarkable what you might find when going through dusty bookshelves!
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