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 literary-themed adventure across England. Lauren, a Lutheran pastor from Virginia, has 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 sure to inspire book lovers and travel enthusiasts alike.

As a pastor, Lauren understands the importance of taking time for rest and rejuvenation. She saw this sabbatical trip as the perfect opportunity to not only bond with her family but also to explore their shared passion for literature. With a carefully planned itinerary, she set out to create a one-of-a-kind experience that would leave a lasting impression on her family and create memories to last a lifetime.

The journey began in London, a city steeped in literary history. Lauren’s family visited iconic landmarks such as the British Library, home to the world’s largest collection of books, and the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. They also explored the charming neighborhood of Bloomsbury, known for its connections to famous authors like Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens.

But the highlight of their London stay was a visit to the famous Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, where the beloved Harry Potter series came to life. Lauren’s children, all avid fans of the series, were thrilled to take pictures with the trolley disappearing into the wall and even got to sample some Butterbeer at a nearby café.

From London, the family journeyed to the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds, known for its quaint villages and rolling hills. Here, they visited the charming village of Chipping Campden, which served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Market Basing in Jane Austen’s novel, “Persuasion”. They also explored the beautiful gardens of Sudeley Castle, where Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, once lived and is now buried.

Next on the itinerary was a trip to the city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for Jane Austen’s novel, “Northanger Abbey”. The family took a walking tour of the city, visiting the Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre, where they learned about the author’s life and the inspiration behind her novels.

The final stop on the literary adventure was the charming village of Haworth in Yorkshire, home to the famous Brontë sisters. Lauren’s family visited the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where the sisters lived and wrote their famous novels, such as “Jane Eyre” and “Wuthering Heights”. They also took a walk on the moors, just as the Brontë sisters did, and were able to see the landscapes that inspired their writing.

As the trip came to an end, Lauren’s family reflected on the incredible journey they had just experienced. Through their love of books, they were able to explore the rich literary history of England and create unforgettable memories together. Lauren’s sabbatical trip had truly been a success, bringing her family closer together and inspiring them to continue exploring the world through literature.

In the words of Lauren herself, “This trip was a perfect blend of rest, adventure, and education. It allowed us to bond as a family and explore our shared passion for books. I hope our literary-themed adventure inspires other families to embark on their own unique journeys and create lasting memories together.”

The episode ends with Tracy and Lauren encouraging listeners to plan their own literary-themed adventures and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #LitTravel. With the world slowly opening up again, now is the perfect time to start planning your own literary journey across England. Who knows, you might just discover your own hidden gem and create your own unforgettable story.