Culture trips: In the footsteps of British musical and literary legends

Tucked away in the bustling streets of Mayfair lies the Handel & Hendrix House Museum, ready to transport you on a culture trip through time and melodies. The museum is comprised of two residences that were once home to two musical geniuses, George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix. Separated by a wall and two centuries, this hidden gem offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these iconic musicians, with a jam-packed weekly programme of live music, talks and family activities. At 23 Brook Street, you’re invited into Georgian London, to wander the halls in which Handel composed some of his most famous works, including “Messiah”. Just next door, the psychedelic world of Jimi Hendrix awaits you. Go back in time to the swinging sixties, and catch a glimpse of the iconic guitars and handwritten lyrics that shaped history. It was right here that Hendrix gave interviews, wrote songs, and prepared for his iconic 1969 performance at The Royal Albert Hall.

Where to stay: Just a short stroll from the museum, you’ll find The Capital Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel steeped in history and charm. Known as a ‘grand hotel in miniature', The Capital is a refuge of English elegance, where despite its central location, the bustle of London city feels miles away. From £359 per night.

One of the best destinations for book lovers, the Brontë Parsonage Museum offers a charming glimpse into the lives and works of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë, where visitors can step inside the modest parsonage where the sisters spent their formative years, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire moors. Explore the rooms where the Brontës penned their timeless novels, including "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights", and immerse yourself in the literary world that continues to inspire generations of readers. To venture further into the Brontës’ imaginations, explore Haworth, the picturesque local village that inspired many of the trio’s famous literary works.

Where to stay: Channel your new-found inspiration at The Feversham Arms, a Mediterranean-inspired luxury hideaway set within the scenic North Yorkshire countryside. From £169 per night.

Nestled in the heart of Swansea, Wales, the Dylan Thomas Centre is a testament to the life and works of one of Wales' most celebrated poets. Housed in the city where Thomas was born, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the poet's early years and enduring legacy. From his childhood bedroom to his writing desk, each corner of the museum tells a story of creativity, passion, and literary genius. To commemorate Thomas’ 100th birthday, the museum opened a permanent ‘Love on the Words’ exhibition, home to interactive displays, recordings and a homage to his duality; one section dedicated to Thomas the writer, and another to Thomas the performer. From here, step outside and wander through the vibrant city of Swansea, where Thomas found inspiration in the bustling streets and scenic landscapes of his hometown. Continue your culture trip further into Pembrokeshire, home to the only coastal National Park in the UK, where Thomas regularly visited to give readings, bring visitors, and go on holiday.

Where to stay: Sitting within the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside, the Grove of Narbeth is a charming country house where you'll find cosy bedrooms and outstanding, award-winning dining. From £350 per night.

The New Forest has always been a favoured destination for literary enthusiasts, and for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, it held a special allure. "The White Company", reportedly his favourite work, takes readers on a captivating journey through the New Forest, from the historic Beaulieu Abbey out to the scenic shores of The Solent. During his time conducting research for this esteemed novel, Conan Doyle made the Montagu Arms Hotel his base and eventually bought a house in the New Forest, where he conducted séances and explored spiritualism. With its ancient woodlands, picturesque villages, and rich history, the New Forest offers a landscape of beauty and endless inspiration, making it a destination well worth exploring for any literary enthusiast in search of the perfect culture trip.

Where to stay: Located in the heart of the New Forest and a regular haunt of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Montagu Arms is a quintessential English escape, with lush gardens and delicious dining in a picture-perfect village setting. From £180 per night.