Reading is one of life’s great pleasures. Opening the page of a new book can be so exciting and with each page turn, you open up a world of possibilities that transport you to places you’ve never even dreamed of visiting! I adore reading to my children – snuggled up together and changing the voices for each character – I certainly hope that they’ll grow to share my passion for the written word.
Literary themed days out can be a great way to fuel their imaginations as well as having a fun adventure together. With half term on the horizon, here are my top five book themed days out.
The Making of Harry Potter – Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Fans of the boy wizard Harry won’t want to miss this fantastic Warner Brothers Studio Tour, where you can walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and explore all the wonders of the wizarding world. Step into the magnificent great hall, make your way through the Forbidden Forest and check out Diagon Alley.
You can book tickets here and enjoy all of this magic themed fun, plus a collection of iconic props and original costumes at The making of Harry Potter – Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
Shaw’s Corner – National Trust
Fans of Pygmalion writer George Bernard Shaw should add Shaw’s Corner to their literary day out hit-list. This beautiful National Trust site was once the country home of the great British playwright, and is a delightful place to explore with beautiful gardens and a house filled with fascinating artefacts (including a bust of him by Rodin). There are thousands of books as well as his writing desk.
Regular outdoor performances are held in the gardens each summer, so you can book a ticket, bring a picnic and enjoy some al fresco theatrics while you eat!
The Highway Rat Activity Trail – Various Locations
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s book “The Highway Rat”, is one of our favourites and so, I was thrilled to discover that this year the Forestry Commission are hosting themed trails across the country. Find a location close to you and you can join the Highway Rat on his forest adventure, whilst completing lots of fun activities and spotting characters along the way.
If you’re after a great family day out then it’s definitely worth doing and you’ll get some fresh air as well as a bargainous day of literary fun.
Sherlock Holmes Museum – Baker Street, London
Whether you’re a fan of the books or of the recent popular TV series Sherlock, a trip to The Sherlock Holmes Museum in Baker Street is always a fun experience. With costumed guides waiting to transport you into the mythical world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s world-famous detective, this is a great day out for all the family. There’s also a gift shop filled with themed items and quirky memorabilia.
The World of Beatrix Potter – Windermere
Fans of Peter Rabbit may want to relive childhood memories at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-On-Windermere. The experience begins with a 5-minute film introducing you to the author and her work and it takes around 45 minutes to enjoy this whimsical walk through the exhibition and gardens. Along the way you’ll see Jemima Puddle-Duck’s woodland glade, The Peter Rabbit garden and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen. Round off your trip with a visit to the themed tea room which is stocked with delicious homemade cakes and savoury treats – how Idyllic!
Why not put down the devices this Autumn/Half term and head off for a book themed day out with the kids. You’ll be creating magical memories that will hopefully form part of their very own unfolding story.
*This is a collaborative post
