Before Harry Potter, the UK was best known for writers like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Virginia Woolf. Today, if you ask a kid to think of an English book character, and they’ll gleefully shout, “Harry Potter!” back at you. Britain is awash with Harry Potter fever, and it has been for 20 years! Which begs the …
The idea of Harry Potter was born on a train journey from Manchester to London, and the first book, The Philosopher’s Stone, was penned in Rowling’s London flat. So, where better to experience all the magic and majesty that the wizarding world has to offer than all the best Harry Potter sites in London? Whether …
From Shakespeare to the Brontes to JK Rowling, no nation on Earth has so many great names that define the world of literature as the United Kingdom. In these literary cities, we live and breathe the work of these authors; their homes and settings draw tourists from around the world; their characters are alive in …
The landscape of British tattooing has been changing for the better constantly over the past few decades. More and more Brits are getting tattooed by the kind of talent that has never even existed until now. Whatever style of art you personally enjoy, be it watercolour, oils, surrealism, geometry, cartoons, calligraphy, or Japanese anime, all …
As a Brit in today’s political climate, it can sometimes be tough to find things to be proud of. One thing I always enjoy when I visit home, however, is a lovely Oxfam Bookshop. There’s at least one charity bookshop in every town, and they can be a great place to pick up a new …
5 Literary Holidays for Bookworms — Exploring the British Isles How often, when you go on holiday, is choosing a new set of books to read one of your priorities? Reading a book by the pool or on the beach remains a mainstay holiday activity even if these days we are more likely to be …
Mr. B’s Emporium of Reading Delights A bookstore with a name this glorious couldn’t live anywhere but Bath. One of the oldest and most architecturally beautiful little cities in all of the UK, Bath is a favourite place to visit amongst literary types. The city has a Jane Austen museum (with a gift shop), the …
Stroud is a small Gloucestershire market town at the edge of the beautiful and historic Cotswolds. In this quaint and idyllic town, you’ll find farmer’s markets, old manor houses, and endless countryside walks across rolling hills. The town boasts Victorian homes, some charming cafes, and two delightful independent bookstores: one of new books, one of …