Many of us have been spending our free time in lockdown curled up with a good book.
With this in mind, and ahead of World Book Day (4th March), Sykes Holiday Cottages has compiled a collection of literary-themed breaks that couples and families can enjoy across the UK once travel is permitted.
This includes a Grade II listed cottage in the Yorkshire Dales for fans of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series, and a charming Lake District property surrounded by the stunning landscape which inspired Beatrix Potter.
For those looking to simply fulfill a fairytale fantasy, there is also a Rapunzel-style tower in Wales or a charming cottage in Scotland on the grounds of a Cinderella-esque castle.
To book one of these breaks, click here or call 01244 617683.
Shakespeare country
Heath Cottage – Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £437
Tucked away in the historical market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is Heath Cottage.
Set over three floors, the property offers a spacious base for those looking to explore the area, where evenings can be spent in front of the woodburning stove with a glass of wine.
Birthplace of legendary playwright William Shakespeare, there is plenty to see in Stratford-upon-Avon, which still has many of its original buildings from 800 years ago. Visitors can enjoy The Royal Shakespeare Company and Theatres, which often hosts performances of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
Bram Stoker – Dracula
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £437
Salt Bay is a contemporary end-terrace located just a five-minute walk away from the centre of Whitby.
A stylish kitchen opens up onto the enclosed patio, where visitors can relish in the sunshine with drinks and nibbles.
Whitby is said to be the inspiration for one of the most famous gothic novels ever written, Dracula. Upon visiting the seaside town, writer Bram Stoker took a liking to its atmosphere and found the name Dracula in a history book in Whitby library.
Brontë book fans – including Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre
The Studio – Parwich, Derbyshire Dales
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £437
This beautiful, detached cottage is set in the heart of Derbyshire and is ideally located for couples looking to explore the locations which inspired various Brontë books, including the literary classic Jane Eyre.
The property boasts traditional features including wooden beams, a wood burning stove and a beautiful walled garden – perfect for an evening drink or a cup of tea in the morning sunshine.
Situated in the south of the Peak District National Park, the cottage is just a 30-minute drive away from Chatsworth House, where Jane and Edward Rochester’s first meeting was filmed in the 2011 film adaption.
Enid Blyton – The Famous Five
Six Horse Barn – Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £600
Six Horse Barn is surrounded by stunning Dorset countryside, nestled in the quaint village of Winfrith Newburgh.
Just a short drive away from Corfe Castle, Enid Blyton fans can visit the jagged ruins which inspired the classic Five on Treasure Island and was published just a year after Blyton had visited the area.
After a day of exploring, guests can return to the barn to enjoy the sprawling garden and wildlife-rich pond.
J .R. R. Tolkien – Lord of the Rings
Rose Cottage – Malham, Yorkshire
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £472
This Grade II listed building can be found resting within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, within the village of Malham.
Fans of J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings series can stay at this 17th century property, within a location steeped with historic landmarks and picturesque landscapes.
The cottage itself is close to Gordale Scar, which is thought to be the inspiration for the fictional castle of Helms Deep in the book. It is also said that the Yorkshire countryside provided the bulk of Tolkien’s inspiration for the Elven parts of Middle Earth.
Fans of the UK’s ‘Queen of Crime’ Agatha Christie
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £437
Martingale is a 19th century house boasting character features in the thriving seaside town of Torquay.
Fans of Agatha Christie can stroll into the town centre and explore the streets which acted as inspiration for her novels, including The Mysterious Affair at Styles, who’s characters were said to be drawn from local residents in Torquay.
There’s also plenty of beaches to visit, including Torre Abbey Sands, Meadfoot Beach and Hollicombe Beach, which each offer promenades with ice cream parlours and souvenir shops.
Beatrix Potter – The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Corner Cottage – Bowness-on-Windermere, the Lake District
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £724
Corner Cottage is a charming holiday home, just one mile from the popular Lake District town of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Here, families can explore the World of Beatrix Potter with their little ones, taking a stroll through Jemima Puddle-Duck’s woodland glade and Peter Rabbit’s garden.
There’s also the chance to tackle countryside walks, a family bike ride or even watersports on Lake Windermere.
Cinderella
Steading Cottage – Craigievar Castle, Alford
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £391
Located on the grounds of the Craigievar Castle, the estate which is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Cinderella, Steading Cottage is a charming holiday home for families looking for a unique staycation experience.
With enchanting features, such as an original fireplace and cobble stoned courtyard, guests can curl up with their favourite fairytale with the castle in view.
Guided tours of the castle are available which includes a carefully preserved collection of portraits and ornate original furniture.
Rapunzel
Brynkir Tower – Garndolbenmaen, Gwynedd
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £696
Brynkir Tower, a spectacular real-life Rapunzel tower, is situated in the heart of the Welsh countryside.
The property offers luxurious accommodation, ideal for a small family or couples’ break. The unique living area captures natural light through the gothic glass windows, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Guests can enjoy a soak in the roll-top bath before heading into the local hamlet of Garndolbenmaen to peruse the selection of shops and local pub.
