7 favourite locations in literature

Fancy a trip to Neverland or The Shire? Hogwarts or Arthur’s Seat?

Choosing a book is an adventure in itself, so have a look at our list of our favourite literary locations and tell us yours.

The Shire

The Shire, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

Our favourite region of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth is The Shire. Beautiful and idyllic, full of grassy slopes, abundant forests and glorious meadows, it’s much like our own stunning countryside. Plus we wouldn’t turn down a delicious meal at Bag End (not to mention the second breakfasts).

221B Baker Street

221B Baker Street, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series

We would love to spend a day as Sherlock and Watson’s sidekick in their iconic 221B Baker Street home. From solving baffling murder mysteries to confronting villains and hurling harpoons, a lot goes on in this unassuming London residence.

Neverland

Neverland, J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan

Home to Peter Pan, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys, Neverland is where we would go to escape and never age – because this means more reading time! Although we wouldn’t want to stay forever, it’s the perfect place to encounter fairies, pirates and mermaids (but watch out for the Tick-Tock the Crocodile!).

Arthur's Seat

Arthur’s Seat, David Nicholls’ One Day

Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh is high (no pun intended) on our list. We discovered it after accompanying star-crossed protagonists Emma and Dexter on their journey up Arthur's Seat, after their graduation in David Nicholls’ beautiful One Day.

Hogwarts

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series

We’re still awaiting our Hogwarts letter. From trolls in the dungeons and Defence Against the Dark Arts, to a Christmas feast in the Great Hall and the Yule Ball, what’s not to love about this magical castle? Plus we’d get to take the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 and ¾!

Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookshop

Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookshop, Robin Sloan’s novel of Mr Penumbrathe same name

Mr Penumbra’s bookshop in San Francisco is often empty and full of old books nobody wants to buy. It’s perhaps not the best business model, but it’s secretly fantastical. The key to solving an ancient enigma, we wouldn’t mind curling up with a good book as its mysterious customers attempt to crack it.

Restaurant at the End of the Universe

Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series

‘If you've done six impossible things this morning, why not round it off with breakfast at Milliways, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe’. Food and books are our two favourite things. With abundant desserts, extravagant décor and elegant chandeliers, Milliways would be our fictional five star restaurant of choice, from Douglas Adams’ hilarious sci-fi classic!