Episode 176 – A Literary-Themed UK Family Adventure (Part 1)

In the latest episode of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins invites listener Lauren Eanes to share her family’s unique and inspiring literary-themed adventure across England. Lauren, a Lutheran pastor from Virginia, crafted a sabbatical trip for her blended family of six, using their shared love of books to design an unforgettable itinerary. From visiting sites that inspired famous authors to exploring the settings of beloved novels, this literary journey is one that will surely inspire book lovers and travelers alike.

Lauren’s passion for literature and travel began at a young age, and she has always dreamed of creating a trip that would combine these two loves. With her sabbatical approaching, she saw the perfect opportunity to make this dream a reality. As a pastor, Lauren wanted to use this time to reconnect with her family and create lasting memories. And what better way to do that than through the power of books?

The trip started in London, a city known for its rich literary history. The family’s first stop was the iconic British Library, where they were able to see original manuscripts of some of their favorite books. From Shakespeare to Jane Austen, the collection was a treasure trove for any book lover. Lauren’s children, ranging from ages 8 to 16, were enthralled by the experience and it was a great way to kick off their literary journey.

Next, the family headed to Oxford, a city that has inspired many famous authors. They explored the beautiful university campus, which served as the setting for J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia.” The children were delighted to see the real-life inspiration for some of their favorite characters and even took a guided tour of the city’s literary landmarks.

The trip then took the family to the charming village of Haworth, home to the famous Brontë sisters. The family visited the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where the sisters wrote their beloved novels such as “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights.” Lauren’s children were fascinated by the sisters’ personal belongings and the museum’s exhibits, which brought the novels to life.

As the trip continued, the family made stops in Bath, the setting for Jane Austen’s “Persuasion,” and Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. They also visited the picturesque village of Lyme Regis, which served as the setting for Jane Austen’s “Persuasion.” The family even went on a fossil hunting expedition, inspired by the novel’s main character, Anne Elliot.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Lake District, a region that has inspired many famous poets and authors, including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. The family took a scenic hike through the countryside, taking in the breathtaking views and visiting the places that inspired Wordsworth’s famous poems. They also visited Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home, which is now a museum dedicated to her life and work.

The trip ended in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the family explored the city’s literary landmarks, including the Writers’ Museum and the Edinburgh Book Festival. They also took a day trip to the Scottish Highlands, where they visited the locations that inspired the beloved “Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon.

For Lauren and her family, this literary-themed adventure was more than just a vacation. It was a journey of discovery, bonding, and inspiration. Through their shared love of books, they were able to connect with each other and the places they visited in a meaningful way. Lauren hopes that this trip will be a catalyst for her children’s love of literature and travel, and she believes that it has already left a lasting impact on their lives.

As the episode comes to an end, Tracy and Lauren reflect on the trip and the importance of incorporating one’s passions into travel. They encourage listeners to create their own unique and meaningful itineraries, whether it be through literature, music, or any other form of art. Because as Lauren’s family has shown, when you combine your passions with travel, the possibilities are endless.

In conclusion, Lauren’s family’s literary-themed adventure across England is a testament to the power of books and the magic of travel. It is a reminder that the best trips are the ones that are thoughtfully planned and deeply meaningful. And with the abundance of literary landmarks and destinations in the UK, it is a journey that