Books are no longer just a holiday read for taking to the beach. Brits are increasingly choosing book-inspired breaks for their summer trips, selecting destinations based on themes from Hogwarts to Holmes.
With BookTok booming and digital detoxes trending, “lit-trips” (literary-themed getaways) are a new but growing travel trend for 2025.
To help readers plan their next page-turning adventure, coach travel experts FlixBus analysed Google search and social media data across 67 of the top “bookish” destinations around the UK, before ranking the destinations based on overall popularity and growth in interest.
Here are the top 8 must-visit literary hotspots to visit this summer:
1. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Watford: A Spellbinding Day Out
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Watford, near London
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409,560 searches | 889K Insta posts
Still waiting for your Hogwarts letter? This is the next best thing. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour lets you step into the real sets where Harry Potter was filmed, from the Great Hall to Diagon Alley. It comes as no surprise that it’s the UK’s most sought-after literary destination.
2. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire: Pride, Prejudice & Picture-Perfect Views
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Derbyshire
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Searches up 47%
Calling all Jane Austen lovers! Chatsworth House (aka Mr. Darcy’s pad in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film) is having a major moment. With a new Netflix series on the horizon, fans are heading here to live out their Regency dreams.
3. 221B Baker Street, London: The Iconic Home of Sherlock Holmes
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London
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163,570 searches | 109K Insta posts
The iconic address of Sherlock Holmes still pulls a crowd, with fans snapping selfies outside the famous flat. And with recent hits like Enola Holmes, interest in Baker Street is high once again.
4. Shakespeare’s Globe, London: All the World’s a Stage
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Bankside, London
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147,640 searches | 181K Insta posts
Step back into the world of the Bard at this stunning reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre. Whether you’re a die-hard Shakespeare fan or just fancy some Elizabethan drama, this Southbank gem deserves a spot on your list.
5. Harry Potter Filming Locations, Nationwide: A Magical UK Tour
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Various across the UK, including Durham, Scotland and of course London
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57,110 searches | 7,202 TikToks
Can’t get enough Potter? From King’s Cross Station to Durham Cathedral and Scottish Highlands, Potter filming locations are dotted all across the UK. Pack your cloak and make it a multi-stop, wizarding road trip.
6. The British Library, London: Where Stories (and History) Live On
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King’s Cross, London
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96,840 searches | 106K Insta posts
More than just shelves of dusty books, the British Library is a literary treasure trove. Home to over 170 million items, including original manuscripts by the likes of Shakespeare, Austen, and even The Beatles, it’s a must-visit for any serious book buff.
7. William Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon: Where the Bard Was Born
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Stratford-upon-Avon
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64,730 searches | 78K Insta posts
Visit the humble beginnings of England’s greatest playwright. Wander the streets that inspired Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth, and more. It’s a poetic pilgrimage every drama-lover should make.
8. Swallows and Amazons Spots, Lake District: Classic Kids’ Adventure Come to Life
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Lake District
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Searches up 282%
This old-school children’s tale is back in a big way, with searches for the real-life locations shooting up by 282%! Sail, hike or just soak up the scenery that inspired Arthur Ransome’s beloved books.
Bringing a Story to Life Through Lit Trips
There’s something truly special about bringing a story to life through lived experiences, and that’s exactly what lit-trips are all about. To explore this idea further, FlixBus spoke with Rebelatrix (a fandom creator) on how literary trips have influenced her passion for stories and how they can actually provide new meaning to age-old tales.
Fandom Creatore, Rebelatrix was asked,
How many locations have you visited so far, and which one stood out the most & why?
“I don’t think I could count as there are so many locations in London, for example, that you don’t realise are filming locations unless you have done your research. Even my office in London was used for filming!
However, Hardwick Hall, which was used for the exterior of Malfoy Manor, was the one that stood out the most as you can appreciate the beauty but also how they used SFX in post-production to give an added mysterious and ominous feeling.”
Did this journey make you want to explore more book-based locations in the UK?
“Yes, because you get to see what the author saw and what they interpreted to create something incredible. For instance, Shropshire being a big influence on the world of The Lord of the Rings gives me a greater appreciation when I see the Wrekin (Mount Doom) or visit Birmingham and the black country (Mordor).”