A Book Lover’s Ideal Trip to London
If you’re a book lover, the city of London is a treasure trove of literary connections with many a classic novel having been set in the city. There are so many book spots to explore, from pubs dedicated to our favourite heroes to book markets and shops, there is so much to see and do.
This guide will take you through some of the must-see literary sights, those that, as a book lover, needs to be at the top of your list. So, get out your Montcalm Club Hotel membership, get your room booked and tick these amazing sites off your bucket list.
Harry Potter Studios
The first on the list had to be the world-famous Harry Potter Studios, a place where over 2 million people visit every year. Originally, there was a plan to keep the studios open for a limited time, however, it became so popular that it is now in its 7th year. Situated in Watford, a tube ride away from the M By Montcalm Shoreditch, this behind-the-scenes tour brings the magic of the wizarding world to life as it allows you to take a trip to Diagon Alley, to visit Gringotts bank, head to the Hogwarts Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest. You can also get up close and personal with Aragog, Buckbeak, Hagrid and even the Dark Lord himself as well as venture onto the Hogwarts Express. Don’t forget to have a glass of butterbeer before visiting the gift shop where you can purchase your very own piece of Potter memorabilia to take home with you.
The Charles Dickens Museum
Quite possibly one the most important literary figures the world has seen, Charles Dickens is known for his portrayal of the Victorian poorer classes in his novels and his work brought poverty, especially children’s poverty, to the forefront; this prompted the public to support them. His abode can be found in Doughty Street, not far from the Versace Spa London, and it is home to an incredible collection that rightly honours one of the most prolific writers of the 1800’s. The collections include a selection of paintings, photographs, books and memorabilia. Even though Dickens resided here for only a short space of time, it was the place where his daughters were born, his sister-in-law died and where Oliver Twist was written. For those who enjoy classic literature, the Charles Dickens Museum is an absolute must.
Mr Fogg’s
Created on the back of the home of Phileas Fogg from Around the World in 80 Days, Mr Fogg’s bar takes you along Phileas’s journey with a richly decorated interior including items from around the world such as stuffed animals, maps, birdcages , elephant feet umbrella stands and the famous balloon that he travelled in.
What makes Mr Fogg’s stand out isn’t just the decadent interior but also the staff’s attire with each attendant wearing an old-fashioned military uniform that represents their station in the pub. Their cocktail-making is an artform with many of the drinks being just as adventurous as the man himself.
