As a kid I loved to read and would spend many an hour with my nose in a book. I also love to wander round old book stores, you know, the hidden gems that feel like they’re straight out of a fairytale themselves. I don’t get time to read much these days but I’m still very much a member of the book lovers club. I’m aiming to read more in 2024 and also introduce the kids to some of my favourite children’s stories too. I’ve made a start by making a mini library corner in our living room. The shelves go from floor to ceiling and hold all of our books, plus lots of little treasures from our travels and some plants. I love it so much already! Next job will be to get a little armchair so it can be used as a cosy reading nook.
This got me thinking about places to visit for book lovers. We’ve been to a few and I’ve enjoyed seeing the stories I love brought to life, so I thought I’d share them for any other book lovers out there.
Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre
First up has to be the Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre in Great Missenden, where Roald Dahl lived for many years. I absolutely adore Roald Dahl’s stories, my favourite being The BFG. He also write Charlite And The Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, James And The Giant Peach, to name just a few! The Roald Dahl Museum contains a vast array of memorabilia from his life, as well as notes from his story writing and the inspirations behind his stories. I learned sooo much about him. This place is an absolute must visit for any Roald Dahl book lovers!
The Story Museum
The Story Museum in Oxford is a wonderful interactive place for all the family. Listen to fables told by the trees in the Enchanted Forest, then explore the galleries and be immersed into the worlds of your favourite stories. I adore stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia and the kids love Horrid Henry’s bedroom. There are lots of hands on activities to enjoy, encouraging children to come up with their own stories.
Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour
If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know I’m a massive Harry Potter fan. I loved getting lost in the wonderful wizarding world of J K Rowling’s stories and I still love them today.
For any Harry Potter book lovers the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour is just incredible. There is so much to see it’s impossible to take it all in. I love reading about all the little details as well as finding out how the films were made. It’s a brilliant day out and in my opinion well worth the cost (it’s not cheap!).
Discover Children’s Story Centre
The Discover Children’s Story Centre in Stratford (London) has 2 floors of Story Worlds and a Story Garden. They are immersive play areas where children can let their imaginations run riot. You’ll find caves, ships, tree houses and more! There are lots of interactive activities, story telling, trails, exhibitions and more. Find out more on their website here.
Hill Top
Hill Top in the Lake District is operated by the National Trust and is the holiday home of Beatrix Potter. A quaint farmhouse with a lovely cottage garden, you can see how it was the inspiration behind many of her stories. The house is full of Beatrix Potter’s own personal belongings and you’ll spot many items that featured in her stories. This is on my list to visit with our National Trust Annual Passes.
Capers Book Shop (Oxford)
This wonderful bookshop is full of imaginative ideas including ‘Really cool books’ kept in a fridge, chairs and beanbags to sit and read your favourite stories, plus a wardrobe with serious Narnia vibes leading to their workshop space! A lovely independent book store that the whole family will love. This was recommended by Little Oxplorers who provided the photo below.
Barter Books (Northumberland)
Barter Books was recommended by Jane from Hodge Podge Days and is a lovely shop selling a huge collection of second hand books. It’s housed in a disused railway station, such a beautiful building and perfect spot for such a wonderful shop. They have kept many of the original railway station features and even have a little model railway running above the book shelves! An added bonus is that you can get tea and cake there, plus they welcome dogs.
Where else would you recommend for book lovers? I’m sure there must be plenty more fabulous places! Please let me know in the comments below so I can add them to the list.
