London’s Literary Landmarks: Following in the “Footsteps” of Your Favourite Authors in London
London has a long and rich literary history that has inspired numerous authors throughout the years. As a backpacker or traveller staying at a youth hostel in North London, you have the opportunity to explore the city’s many literary landmarks and follow in the footsteps of your favourite authors. From museums dedicated to famous writers to iconic theatres and libraries, there are plenty of literary sites to visit in London:
The British Library
The British Library is a must-visit for any book lover. It’s the largest library in the world by number of items catalogued, and houses an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and other literary treasures. You can see everything from original Shakespeare folios to handwritten drafts by the likes of Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf.
The Charles Dickens Museum
The Charles Dickens Museum is located in the author’s former home in Bloomsbury and is a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of England’s greatest writers. You can see the desk where Dickens wrote many of his most famous works, as well as personal belongings and memorabilia from his life.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective will love the Sherlock Holmes Museum. The museum is located at 221B Baker Street (the fictional home of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson) and is set up like a Victorian-era townhouse, complete with period furnishings and artefacts from the stories.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed. You can take a tour of the theatre and learn about its history, as well as catch a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays during the theatre’s regular season.
Keats House
John Keats is one of England’s most beloved Romantic poets, and Keats’ House in Hampstead is where he lived from 1818 to 1820. The house has been preserved as a museum, and you can see the room where Keats wrote “Ode to a Nightingale,” as well as personal belongings and memorabilia from his life.
These are just a few of the many literary landmarks you can visit in London. Whether you’re a fan of classic authors like Dickens and Shakespeare, or modern writers like J.K. Rowling and Zadie Smith, there’s something for every book lover in this vibrant city. So, pack a book or two and explore the literary history of London on your next trip as a backpacker or traveller staying at a youth hostel in North London with London Backpackers.
