Shakespeare, Bridgerton, Wonka, Harry Potter, Jane Austen and Sherlock Holmes inspire incredible screenplays in England and Scotland
World Book Day, celebrated on April 23, coincides with the birth and death of William Shakespeare. Today, more than 400 years after the legacy of the English writer and poet began, Britain offers a long list of attractions, experiences and tours for lovers of the world of literature, transporting visitors directly into their favorite fictional worlds, from the charm of Jane Austen’s classic novels to the passionate twists of Bridgerton.
Discover the list prepared by VisitBritain of unmissable experiences and attractions for literature lovers, leaving the pages of books and passing through their versions on screen and on stage:
Shakespeare inspires festivals, events and productions
Shakespeare Day is also celebrated on April 23, an author who changed the history of world literature. This period marks the opening of the seasons of theatrical productions, events and festivals linked to the writer. Important stages are the programming of Shakespeare’s Globe, in London, and Shakespeare Weekend, in the bard’s hometown, Stratford-upon-Avon. You can catch an unforgettable outdoor show at the Open Air Theater in Regent’s Park. Another flagship are the productions of the Shakespearean theater company Royal Shakespeare Company, which in 2024 will offer shows starring actors also famous for their work on the screen: Luke Thompson (Bridgerton) and the Anglo-Brazilian Alfred Enoch, known for his roles in How To Get Away With Murder, Harry Potter and the Temporary Measure.
Bath, Bridgerton and landmarks
As if straight from the pages of a classic English novel, Bath offers an authentic look at the Regency era, thanks to its stunning Georgian architecture, palaces and rural landscape. One of Netflix’s most successful series is the charming period drama, Bridgerton, which was adapted from Julia Quinn’s best-sellers and has attracted travelers to explore some of Britain’s most famous landmarks in the city, including the Royal Crescent and the Holburne Museum. The premiere of the new season of the series is scheduled for May 16.
Since the launch of the series, many themed experiences have emerged in this city that seems straight out of a painting. Tours include a Bridgerton photography tour and music tour, as well as a Bath Regency walking tour that explores sites such as Pulteney Bridge, the Pump Room and Queen Square. Brit Movie Tours offers a two-hour Bridgerton tour through the historic streets of Bath, with obligatory photo stops along the way.
Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, Wonka and chocolates
As you explore Britain, you can delve into the enchanting world of Willy Wonka, an eccentric character from Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the subsequent film Wonka. The film features several iconic British locations as beautiful backdrops.
In Oxford, a visit to Hertford College and the iconic Radcliffe Camera, a working library at the University of Oxford, becomes a real dive into the “Wonkaverse”. You can learn even more during one of the library’s guided tours. Very close by, nearby Catte Street and the Sheldonian Theater are also city locations portrayed in the film. Those in town can explore the theater on their own or join a guided tour to enjoy panoramic views of the city from the dome.
A little further north, in Birmingham – the second largest city in Great Britain – lies Cadbury World, birthplace of the unmistakable chocolates with sparkling purple packaging. The year 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the first Cadbury store. A visit to this complex offers participants the opportunity to create their own personalized chocolate and learn about the history and legacy of chocolate making, including interactive exhibits and tastings.
In Manchester, the Chocolate Factory Experience is a chocolate lover’s paradise. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore a chocolate factory full of delicious surprises, from tastings to interactive workshops. This experience offers a hands-on journey through the art of chocolate making, revealing the secrets behind the making of gourmet chocolates.
London and Scotland, Harry Potter and magic
Britain is full of fascinating Harry Potter film locations, making it a magical destination for fans from around the world. Some of the unmissable stops, such as Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, the Reptile House at London Zoo, where Harry discovers his gift of speaking to snakes for the first time, or the Millenium Bridge are unforgettable experiences for any fan.
With a variety of tour options to enter the world of Harry Potter, you can discover many of the real-life locations from the films through the Harry Potter London Cab Tour. Taxis take passengers from location to location, transporting them into the magical world of magician. Behind-the-scenes production of the Harry Potter films is handled by Warner Bros. Studio Tour. The Wizards London Bus Tour offers a magical, themed and fun 3-hour tour around London.
For a different cinematic experience, head north to Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands and board the Jacobite, a Hogwarts-style steam locomotive that crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This tour offers stunning views of Britain’s highest mountain and shortest river, operating daily from the end of March to the end of October.
In Edinburgh, the enchanting experience The Cauldron: Potion Making invites participants to find their inner magic. During the course, magical potions, mixtures and elixirs are prepared to create themed cocktails rich in flavors and mystical powers.
Finally, a visit to Alnwick Castle, which was the setting for Hogwarts, includes an immersion in the first flying lesson in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The National Trust, Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen
After the global popularity of Pride and Prejudice, every Jane Austen book lover eagerly awaits the next adaptation of their favorite novel to see on the big screen. The much-loved film version of this classic novel includes several locations in Britain managed by the National Trust, a heritage conservation organization. These include Lyme Hall in Cheshire, which served as the exterior of the lovely Mr Darcy’s Pemberley estate, and the Regency Dressing Room. For an even more memorable visit, a behind-the-scenes tour of the property reveals true stories from residents’ past. Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire was used to represent part of the interior of the Pemberley estate, while the village of Lacock itself was used as the setting for Meryton. Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park areas also formed the backdrop to this classic tale.
Further south in Hampshire, you can follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps with a visit to Jane Austen House, open to the public as a museum since 1949 and celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and the 250th anniversary of Jane’s birth Austen in 2025. in the inspiring Hampshire country house where Jane Austen wrote and published all six of her world-loved novels. A guided tour of the property is a real treat for fans of the author, especially on May 18th, when 210 years of Mansfield Park . June 13th is Dress Up Day, the museum’s annual event where attendees show off their best Regency-era gowns.
London, Sherlock Holmes and his adventures
The legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary character has made Sherlock a cultural icon in England, with numerous sites and attractions across the country celebrating his adventures. In London you can search for the city as it is depicted on the page (or on the screen).
The doors of the house at 221B Baker Street invite you to travel back in time to the detective’s Victorian-era apartment at the Sherlock Holmes Museum, filled with memorabilia and bizarre objects celebrating his most notable cases. To unwind at the end of the day, there’s nothing better than a traditional pint of beer in the welcoming Victorian-style Sherlock Holmes pub. Upstairs is a charming restaurant that features a complete reconstruction of Holmes’ living room at 221B Baker Street.
In a secret location in West London is Sherlock: The Game Is Now, a one-of-a-kind experience. escape room based on the BBC adaptation. Thanks to the original content of the series, the challenge is very exciting, with teams of four to six people solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries in a race against time.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
