Travel comparison site My Late Deals has researched 5 destinations within the UK that inspired some of our favourite children’s authors. It’s time to follow in the footsteps of Winnie the Pooh and Peter Rabbit.
- Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne – Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
Just 40 miles from London you’ll find Ashdown Forest, the woodland that inspired Winnie the Pooh author, A.A. Milne.
A.A. Milne lived close to the forest and based the fictional Hundred Acre Wood on the real Five Hundred Acre Wood. A visit to Ashdown Forest will not only ignite children’s imaginations but it will also rekindle childhood memories.
There are two walks available in the forest that allow you to visit several sites mentioned in the Pooh stories. You can cross the iconic Pooh Bridge and even have a game of Pooh Sticks.
The numerous picnic spots will allow you to feel like you’re on an adventure with Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and the rest of the gang.
- The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Friends by Beatrix Potter – The Lake District
Beatrix Potter has to be one of the most famous children’s authors of all time. Characters she created include Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggywinkle and Jemima Puddleduck.
Beatrix Potter spent many years holidaying in the Lake District and loved it so much that she eventually moved there, purchasing land and property with the income from her first books.
Beatrix settled at Hill Top, Near Sawrey, but she isn’t the only famous inhabitant. Samuel Whiskers and Tom Kitten also called Hill Top home.
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – Great Maytham Hall, Kent
Frances Hodgson Burnett, author of The Secret Garden was inspired by Great Maytham Hall in Kent. She lived there between 1898 and 1907 and during this time found an overgrown and neglected garden.
She spent her time restoring the garden, planting hundreds of flowers. Once restored she enjoyed sitting in the garden and wrote several of her books.
- Matilda by Roald Dahl – Great Missenden Library, Great Missenden
Great Missenden was Roald Dahl’s home for over 30 years and inspired many of his stories.
The Community Library, situated on the high street was the library that Roald Dahl imagined Matilda sitting and reading in. Today, the library embraces its connection to Roald Dahl and Matilda and has several Roald Dahl quotes hidden all over the library for fans to find.
- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling – King’s Cross Station, London
J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books has admitted that she chose Kings Cross Station as an entrance to the Wizarding World as her parents met on a train that departed from the station so it has huge sentimental value.
Visitors to King’s Cross will see a Platform 9¾ plaque and a luggage trolley half-visible through a wall. Visiting will help children make-believe that they’re about to start their own Hogwarts journey.