Literary Things to Do in London
Introduction
Literary history abounds in the city that is London and there are many activities for the bookworm and literature enthusiast to do in the city. Suffice it to say, whether you’re keen on the classics of novel or the poetry of their modern or even want to discover where the greatest literary works were inspired, you’ll find it in London. In this article, we’ll take you throughout some of the most brilliant urban literary things to do in London.
1. Visit the British Library
Regardless of if you’re a literature lover or not, the British Library must be on your itinerary to visit. With over 150 million items, books, manuscripts and historical documents, it is a national treasure. The collection of the library features some of the greatest literary works of the world which include Shakespeare’s First Folio and original manuscripts of writers such as Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf. The walk through the British library’s hall is like a travel to time and literature.
2. Explore Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
On a trip to London, the visit to the world of William Shakespeare must not be missed. Visit the reconstructed Globe Theatre under the South Bank of the River Thames. Visit the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to attend a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays and learn more about the history of the theater and the dramatic works performed there in 16th century.
3. Take a Literary Walking Tour
History is full of authors inspired by the city of London. It is great to join a literary walking tour to explore the city’s literary heritage. They will guide you to such places as Bloomsbury, with Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group, or places connected with Charles Dickens’ novels. Wandering through the streets known to literary greats will open your eyes to hidden gems and give you interesting anecdotes.
4. Go and visit King’s Cross Station and Platform 9 3/4.
Calling all Harry Potter fans! Head to King’s Cross Station and find Platform 9¾, the infamous platform mentioned in the Harry Potter series. Get a picture of one magical moment in life of pushing a trolley through the wall. Next door the Harry Potter Shop provides a nice selection of merchandise to meet your needs of a wizard.
5. Browse Bookshops in Charing Cross Road
One of London’s many bookshops can be found on Charing Cross Road, in the bowels of which lies the offices of Ladbrokes. Charing Cross Road offers book titles from large retailers, independent and second hand bookstores, there’s something for every book lover. Visit the iconic Foyles shops, or go to navigate the lesser gasped at bookstores lost in The world of literature.
6. Literary events such as Literary Readings and Book Readings
London hosts a wide range of literary events and book readings throughout the year. Alternatively, if you like to check the schedules of cultural institutions: e.g. the Southbank Centre or the British Library to see if upcoming events take your fancy, then you’ll see pages like that make it far easier to spot events that mesh with your schedule. You can listen to your favorite authors speak, attend book signings and all can be turned into a discussion regarding literature. Such events are an excellent opportunity to learn about new books from other bookworms.
7. Visit The Charles Dickens Museum
Live, for the longest time imaginable, the life of one of England’s greatest writers, Charles Dickens. Visit his former home, now a museum where you will see the rooms he lived and wrote his famous works. It boast a set of memorabilia, manuscripts and personal items of the life and time of a literary genius.
8. Poetry at the Poetry Cafe
If you like poetry, a visit to the Poetry Cafe is an absolute requirement. Poetry Cafe is in Covent Garden and it provides a cozy as well as a welcoming place for poetry readings, open mic nights and for doing spoken word. Sit back and cup a cup of warm tea, and let it’s beauty play upon the words.
Conclusion
Literary lovers can definitely have the time of their lives in literary experiences in London. Whether that’s going on a tale hunt for old priceless literary gems, going on a tour of iconic landmarks, or somewhere in between, there’s always something for everyone to do in this city. Thus, you better buy your ticket to London and start your literary expedition!
Table of Contents
