Culture trips: In the footsteps of British musical and literary legends
11 June 2024
Pack your bags, grab your favourite book, and get ready to be swept away on a culture trip through the iconic literary and musical landmarks in the UK.
Whether you're a music aficionado, an avid bibliophile, or simply a lover of British history and culture, there's something for everyone on this adventure through time, melodies and novels. As you delve into the lives and works of these musical and literary icons, you'll discover the stories behind the masterpieces, the places that shaped their creativity, and the essence of their enduring legacies.
Follow our guide to the best musical and literary locations in the UK, along with our handpicked selection of the most luxurious places to stay.
Handel & Hendrix House Museum, London
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.
Queen Walking Tour, London
From ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ to ‘We Will Rock You’, Queen's legacy lives on in London, and the city’s vibrant energy serves as the perfect backdrop to uncover the stories behind the music on a Queen London Walking Tour. You’ll follow in the band’s footsteps all the way from Imperial College London, where the band met and played their first gig (there is even a plaque to commemorate this), to historic concert venues where Queen performed to adoring crowds, and where Freddie Mercury wrote the legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories (did you know Bohemian Rhapsody is a blend of three individually written songs?), giving you a deeper understanding of Queen's meteoric rise to fame. With its rich musical history and iconic landmarks, London is the ultimate culture trip destination for Queen fans to immerse themselves in the band's legendary world.
Where to stay: For understated elegance and an unparalleled city escape, stay at The Hari, or for contemporary glamour in the heart of Mayfair, choose The Athenaeum. From £400 per night.
The Brontë Parsonage Museum, Yorkshire
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.
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Ayrshire
Situated in Ayrshire, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum stands as a pilgrimage site for admirers of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. Here, explore the poet’s humble beginnings at his birthplace, delve into the museum’s original manuscripts and artworks, and weave your way through the local village, stopping at historical buildings and landmarks that shaped the poet we know today. Stroll through the tranquil grounds of the Burns Monument and marvel at the scenic Brig o' Doon, which was immortalised in one of Burns' most famous works, ‘Tam o’ Shanter’.
Where to stay: Victorian elegance and immersive experiences await at Glenapp Castle, a fairytale Scottish Baronial castle situated in the heart of Ayrshire. From £295 per night.
The Dylan Thomas Centre, Wales
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.
Wordsworth Grasmere, Lake District
The literary charm of the Lake District comes to life at Wordsworth Grasmere, a museum dedicated to the life and works of the romantic poet William Wordsworth, and one of the best literary tours in the UK. Here you can explore Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy and composed some of his most famous poetry, including "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud". Wander through the quaint rooms of the cottage, filled with manuscripts, books, and personal belongings of the poet, offering a glimpse into his creative process and deep connection to nature. Continue your journey at the Wordsworth Museum, where exhibits showcase the impact of Wordsworth's poetry on literature and culture. The surrounding areas, including Grasmere Lake, continue to inspire visitors from around the world, much like they once did for Wordsworth.
Where to stay: Within 400 acres of woodland sits Armathwaite Hall. With period design and contemporary luxury scattered throughout, this hotel is as romantic as the surrounding countryside. From £285 per night.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, New Forest
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.
Theatre legends past and present, Kilworth
For avid theatre lovers looking to indulge their passion for the stage, Kilworth House Theatre fits the bill. Here you’ll find the best of London’s theatreland set in a dazzling open-air theatre that is just as unique as it is charming. Situated within a beautiful wooden glade, you can enjoy classic plays, modern musicals, and show-stopping productions that will leave you on the edge of your seats. This summer, Kilworth House Theatre promises an exciting lineup that will whisk you away into the world of entertainment. Dive into the intrigue of an ‘Allo Allo’ themed Murder Mystery on Friday, 14th June 2024, or immerse yourself in the magic of the multi-award-winning musical 'Singin' in the Rain' running from Tuesday, 18th June 2024, to Sunday, 28th July 2024. Before the curtains rise, indulge in a delightful dining experience at Kilworth House Hotel. Whether you prefer a leisurely Pre-Theatre Lunch (available from Sunday, 23rd June 2024, to Sunday, 28th July 2024) or an elegant Pre-Theatre Dinner (available from Tuesday, 18th June 2024, to Sunday, 28th July 2024), let your taste buds savour the anticipation of the performance to come.
Where to stay: After the show, there's no need to venture far for fine dining and luxurious accommodations. You'll find yourself at Kilworth House Hotel, a Victorian manor house steeped in timeless history, offering delicious dining and elegant four-poster suites. From £215 per night.
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