I love a literary historical site, and the UK has tons of them. Today, I thought I would share a list of literary places to visit in the UK. Including some I’ve visited before, and ones still on my to-do list.

London

Many authors have lived in London; some of the most famous include Charles Dickens, John Keats, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Virginia Woolf, the Bloomsbury Set, and many more.

Charles Dickens Museum

Pop to the Charles Dickens Museum to see the only surviving residence of the great author. This is the home where he wrote Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby. There are a lot of exhibitions for families with young children and the average passerby.

Keats House

If you’re a lover of John Keats’ poetry, as I am, then you definitely need to visit the Keats’ Museum. In Hampstead Heath, you’ll find an unassuming house, which is where John Keats lived briefly and fell in love with Fanny Brawne.

Platform 9 and 3/4, Kings Cross

Any fan of Harry Potter will know all about Platform Nine and Three Quarters. In Kings Cross Station, you’ll find a shop and a photo opportunity of you pushing a trolley through the wall. There is, of course, the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, just outside of London, as well, for any fans of the movie.

221b Baker Street

If you love mystery, then you’ll definitely enjoy a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, otherwise known as 221b Baker Street.

Poet’s Corner, Westminster Abbey

To pay your respects to the literary genius from the past, visit Westminster Abbey and find Poet’s Corner. You will find memorials to Lord Byron, George Eliot and William Shakespeare and graves of Geoffrey Chaucer, Rudyard Kipling and Charles Dickens, among others.

Shakespeare’s Globe

For fans of Shakespeare, you will want to see a play at Shakespeare’s Globe. It’s not the original but an accurate recreation of the original Globe Theatre from the late 1500s and early 1600s when Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.

Manchester

Manchester has a bustling literary history, from Elizabeth Gaskell to Karl Marx, Carol Ann Duffy and Anthony Burgess.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

This stunning house looks like Elizabeth Gaskell just popped out for a stroll. Elizabeth wrote many of her popular books in this home, documenting industrial life in fiction.

The International Anthony Burgess Foundation

This hidden gem celebrates the life and work of the A Clockwork Orange author. It includes an archive, library, and regular events for literature lovers.

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East Sussex

East Sussex has beautiful countryside and was home to many popular writers, including Virginia Woolf, Rudyard Kipling and Ashdown Forest.

Monk House, Virginia Woolf’s Home

Fans of Virginia Woolf’s stunning writing will want to visit her home. It was a beautiful hideaway for Leonard and Virginia Woolf, although it was also the home where Virginia lived when she drowned herself in the nearby Ouse River.

Batemans, Rudyard Kipling’s Home

For fans of The Jungle Book and Kim, I recommend visiting Batemans. I famously, to my family at least, fell into the ponds at Bateman’s. Many of Kipling’s possessions remain, and you can see where he often wrote and walked to map out his stories.

Ashdown Forest

The forest that inspired the creation of the Hundred Acre Wood featured in A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. Beautifully conserved, this stunning forest is a perfect spot for a stroll and a picnic for families and for Winnie fans the world over.

Devon

Greenway House, Agatha Christie’s Home

In Torquay, you can visit the home of the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. Greenway was Christie’s holiday home and still is a holiday home to this day. Time your visit correctly and you can visit at the same time as the annual Agatha Christie Festival.

Cornwall

Beautiful stories were created in Cornwall, from Daphne Du Maurier’s many psychological and domestic thrillers to Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poetry and even the legend of King Arthur.

Jamaica Inn

Walk across Bodmin Moor to the inn where Daphne based her popular novel on. Du Maurier lived in Cornwall in Fowey and later at the Menabilly Estate, which is the home she based Manderley on in Rebecca.

Tintagel Castle

Reputedly the birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle is a dramatic literary and mythical location perched above the Cornish coast. A must-see for lovers of Arthurian legend.

Edinburgh

The Writer’s Museum

Love Scottish writers? Be sure to take some time to visit The Writer’s Museum. Focusing on three Scottish writers: Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns. They regularly have exhibitions highlighting other Scottish writers as well.

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Oxford

The home of many literary geniuses, including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Oscar Wilde, Helen Fielding and William Golding.

The Eagle and the Child Pub

Popular writers C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were part of a writer’s group, The Inklings, and wrote some of their masterpieces in the worlds of Narnia and Middle Earth.

Oxford Botanic Gardens

If you love Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, you can visit Lyra and Will’s bench. Read the inscriptions written into the wood and walk around the beauty of the botanical garden as a plus.

Bodleian Library

One of the oldest libraries in Europe and a must-visit for book lovers, it’s been featured in several films (Wonka!) and is home to centuries of literary scholarship.

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Lake District

Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s House

In the stunning hills of the Lake District, you’ll find a little cottage surrounded by gardens. Beatrix Potter moved to the Lake District after the success of her first novels, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Beatrix loved the Lake District and worked hard to ensure its beauty would never be disturbed by industry.

Hampshire

Jane Austen is one of the UK’s most beloved novelists.

Chawton Cottage

Visit Jane Austen’s home and now a museum, to see the home where she wrote many of her six novels, including Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility. She also has strong links to Bath, but her time there was rather unhappy. It was at Chawton that she found her biggest inspiration.

Yorkshire

Fans of the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne, will want to make a Pilgrimage to Haworth. But don’t forget Bram Stoker and his vampiric tales.

The Brontë Parsonage

In Haworth, you can visit the Brontë Parsonage and Museum. The home of the Brontë sisters, their father and brother. This beautifully preserved parsonage is home to many of the Brontë’s belongings and greatest works. You can also walk to the church opposite to visit their final resting places and pay your respects.

Whitby Abbey

Head to nearby Whitby to view the ruins of the 13th-century Abbey, the location that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Be prepared for a climb, though; there are 199 steps to walk up before you see the gorgeous sight of the North Sea.

What other literary spots would you recommend? Let me know in the comments.

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Share Market Your Marketing by Eleanor Pilcher

When life feels overwhelming, sometimes the best remedy is reading a book you can finish in one or two sittings and feel like you accomplished something.

Whether you’re craving escapism, calm, or simply a moment to yourself, short reads are my go-to for comfort, especially when I’m stressed.

As a starting point, here are some books I turn to when my brai…

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Finding books that authentically represent the spectrum of asexuality can be incredibly meaningful for readers seeking to see their experiences reflected on the page. Whether it’s demisexuality, greysexuality, or aromantic asexuality, literature is slowly but surely becoming more inclusive of these identities.

In honour of International Asexuality Day (6th April), I’m sharing five book recommendations featuring asexual representation across contemporary genres (no fantasy here!).

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1. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman (Demisexual Representation)

Alice Oseman beautifully crafts a story of friendship, identity, and self-discovery in Radio Silence. Frances Janvier, a hardworking academic overachiever, befriends Aled Last, the creator of a mysterious podcast. As their bond deepens, the novel subtly explores Frances’ demisexuality, offering authentic and heartfelt representation for readers who feel a connection to this part of the asexual spectrum. Beyond the romance-free narrative, Radio Silence champions the beauty of platonic love and creative passion.

2. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (Asexual Representation)

Though it has speculative elements, Every Heart a Doorway is more of a dark literary exploration of belonging and identity than traditional fantasy. Nancy, one of the protagonists, identifies as asexual. Her portrayal is handled with care and sensitivity, emphasizing that asexuality is a valid and empowering identity rather than a lack of something.

3. The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee (Asexual representation)

Felicity Montague, the protagonist, is portrayed as asexual while striving to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor in a male-dominated 18th-century society. Her journey challenges societal norms and expectations, showing that asexuality is not a barrier to ambition, adventure, or fulfilling relationships. Lee’s historical fiction offers an engaging, empowering, and refreshingly feminist take on representation.

4. Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee (Asexual representation)

After her web series goes viral, Tash faces the challenges of newfound fame while navigating her asexuality, relationships, and personal identity. Her experience is portrayed with thoughtfulness and realism, reinforcing that asexuality is about a lack of sexual attraction rather than an absence of emotional or romantic connections. The novel also explores Tash’s struggles with coming out and her journey to self-acceptance, making it an important and heartfelt read.

5. That’s What She Said by Eleanor Pilcher (Demisexual/Graysexual representation)

I know, it’s a bit of a cliché to include my own book, but my Substack is called Market Your Marketing for a reason! I specifically wrote That’s What She Said to feature a prominent demisexual character in adult fiction, rather than coming-of-age YA. The story follows Beth (Demi) and Serena (Bi), two best friends embarking on a journey of self-discovery when Beth decides to explore her sexuality more deeply.

Out 15th April 2025

Some critiques have suggested that my novel has a young adult feel, but I believe that’s because discussions around sexuality have been so heavily pigeonholed into young adult fiction that it feels unusual to explore them in adult narratives. But do we really have it all figured out by the time we reach our twenties? I certainly didn’t, and honestly, I’m still not sure I do. But I’m far more comfortable in my sexuality now than I was at 18, 25, or even last year. And isn’t that the real journey?

International Asexuality Day is a reminder that asexual identities deserve visibility, in literature as well as in all areas of life. Whether you identify somewhere along the asexual spectrum or simply want to broaden your understanding, I hope you’ll read and enjoy these books; they offer thoughtful and genuine portrayals that help normalise diverse experiences and they’re really great reads!

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Valentine’s Day is here, and while I’m not much of a romantic, I have a soft spot for curling up with a historical romance from time to time. Whether you adore the timeless wit of Jane Austen or modern regency romances like Bridgerton, there’s something cosy about escaping into tales of love, scandal, and society.

This Valentine’s Day, I’ve curated a lis…

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Today I’m excited to share some of my favourite LGBTQIA+ reads - stories that have made me laugh, cry, and reflect deeply on love, identity, and community. These books aren't just powerful narratives; they've been pivotal in shaping my own writing journey.

Many of these books inspired me to write my upcoming novel, That's What She Said, which features pr…

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Whether you’re just starting out in publishing or you’re a seasoned professional looking to sharpen your skills, the right book at the right time can help you navigate the unique challenges of this industry.

From mastering public speaking to developing a personal brand, tackling imposter syndrome to balancing work with life, these are my top book recomm…

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Navigating your twenties can feel like a whirlwind of growth, uncertainty, and self-discovery. Not to mention a time when you’re constantly strapped for cashand wondering if you will ever be able to stick to a skincare routine, or is it just a myth that is fed to us by adverts?

As I prepare to turn 30 this year, I’ve been reflecting on the books that hel…

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2024 has truly been the year of reading recovery. After a tough reading slump in 2023 that lingered into the New Year, I decided to reset my expectations. I lowered my Goodreads Reading Challenge from 100 books to a more achievable 52—and I hit that goal!

One book a week feels manageable, and I no longer feel like I'm ‘failing’ by not reaching my usual …

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Personal Development books get a bad rap for being too close to ‘self-help’ and for an audience of people who can’t help themselves. But I know that that’s a load of rubbish.

Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership skills, travel solo, or simplify your life, personal development books are a powerful tool to help you grow and succeed in the new …

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As the publishing industry finally winds down for Christmas, I thought today’s That’s What We Read post should focus on 2025 publications instead.

Here’s a round-up of the books I’m most excited about in the New Year—ranging from historical non-fiction to literary gems, with a few rom-coms and debuts thrown in for good measure.

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With the season of gift-giving upon us, many of us are facing the annual challenge of finding just the right gift for everyone—your dad, your great-aunt, and even the postman.

Luckily, I have plenty of book lovers in my life (though I’m not sure Terry, the postman, is one of them…beer might be more his style!), so I often find myself browsing for bookish…

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Each Christmas season, I find myself drawn to my favourite Christmas romances, both on screen and in the pages of a good book. Today, I’m excited to share some of my top Christmas romance picks from literature that are sure to fill your heart with holiday cheer.

Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming story of second chances, a lighthearted festive…

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London is home to some of the most charming and unique bookshops you’ll ever visit. From cosy independent stores to grand literary landmarks, there’s a bookshop for every type of book lover in this city.

Here are eight of my all-time favourites, which I try to visit whenever I can. Bookshops I recommend you visit in the run-up to Christmas.

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Whether you read the same Christmas novels time and time again, or you haven’t picked up a Christmas classic in quite some time. Here are my top book recommendations to help you get into the festive mood this November-December.

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In the cold months of November to February, it’s the perfect time to start a long read, so I thought I would share a list of books to hunker down with this winter.

Grab a blanket, cup of hot chocolate – or your beverage of choice – and pick up one of these tomes to pass the cold winter nights with.

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London is more than just a backdrop—it’s practically a character in many of my favourite contemporary fiction novels. From hilarious rom-coms to heartfelt dramas, these books take you through the highs and lows of life in the city, exploring themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

Whether you're looking for something laugh-out-loud funny or a st…

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Today, I thought I’d share a reading list that’s perfect for those who love to dive into a hefty book—specifically, novels that are over 500 pages long! Whether you’re someone who enjoys sinking your teeth into a long read or you just want to dedicate some serious time to one captivating story, I’ve got you covered.

While many of these recommendations fa…

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As Halloween approaches, there’s nothing better than diving into a chilling book to get in the spirit. But not everyone has the time for a lengthy novel - I certainly don’t!

That's why I've put together a list of shorter reads—perfect for those looking for a quick but eerie escape. From creepy classics to modern thrillers, these books will get you in the…

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Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re a book lover still searching for the perfect costume, I’ve got you covered!

Here are some creative and easy bookish costume ideas that will have you ready to celebrate in style, all while paying homage to your favourite literary characters.

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If you’re not the fastest reader, or you are a fast reader and want to read a different book every day, then here are some short novels for you to add to your to-read list.

Elizabeth and her Ger…

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