Many people are inherently fascinated by places associated with literary giants. Sites often visited by literary tourists range from towns mentioned in books to birthplaces, former homes, and grave sites associated with a writer's life. England boosts many sites that literary tourists frequently visit in order to walk in the foot steps of their favorite author or to connect with a specific site, such as a town or place, simply because it was referenced within a beloved literary work. One of the most frequented areas associated with literary tourism is London, England. Many tourists flock to London because of its widely known connection with many literary giants, such as Percy Shelley, Charles Dickinson, and, most notable, William Shakespeare. Although Shakespeare was originally from Stratford-Upon-Avon, his literary works are closely associated with London, especially the Globe Theater. Jane Austen also has a close following of literary fans. Many Austen lovers flock to Bath, which is located in Somerset, England, in order to walk in her footsteps and visit sites, such as the Circle and Crescent, that she writes about in her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. A more modern day literary tourist destination is Alnwick Castle located in Northumberland, England. Besides platform 9 3/4 located at King's Cross train station, Alnwick Castle is one of the most noticeable sites associated with Harry Potter. Possibly the most well-known literary tourist destination that is visited by many literary pilgrims is Grasmere (Cumbria, England) because of its literary connection the William and Dorothy Wordsworth. Many people visit London for its connection with various writers, but Grasmere's main draw is William Wordsworth.
Each year Grasmere is visited by thousands of literary tourists who seek to pay homage to his literary greatness by visiting his home at Dove Cottage, which he and Dorothy (his sister) lived from 1799 to 1808. During their eight year tenure in Dove Cottage, Wordsworth married long time acquaintance Mary Hutchinson. Mary bore William five children while living at Dove Cottage. According to the Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum website, it was a place where Wordsworth sought solitude and mediation so that he could write his poetry (https://wordsworth.org.uk/visit/dove-cottage.html). While living in this home, he was able to connect with nature through many outlets, such as enjoying the garden at Dove Cottage and pacing through areas such as John's Grove and the Wishing Gate. These sights are still popular to literary tourist, but one other main attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year is Wordsworth's grave. It is estimated that 140,000 literary tourist flock to Grasmere in order to visit his grave (www.travelsignposts.com). Wordsworth's grave is surrounded by other deceased family members in a quaint spot located in the back of the church's cemetery. People visit his grave for many reasons, such has wanting inspiration or paying homage to a literary prowess.
Each year Grasmere is visited by thousands of literary tourists who seek to pay homage to his literary greatness by visiting his home at Dove Cottage, which he and Dorothy (his sister) lived from 1799 to 1808. During their eight year tenure in Dove Cottage, Wordsworth married long time acquaintance Mary Hutchinson. Mary bore William five children while living at Dove Cottage. According to the Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum website, it was a place where Wordsworth sought solitude and mediation so that he could write his poetry (https://wordsworth.org.uk/visit/dove-cottage.html). While living in this home, he was able to connect with nature through many outlets, such as enjoying the garden at Dove Cottage and pacing through areas such as John's Grove and the Wishing Gate. These sights are still popular to literary tourist, but one other main attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year is Wordsworth's grave. It is estimated that 140,000 literary tourist flock to Grasmere in order to visit his grave (www.travelsignposts.com). Wordsworth's grave is surrounded by other deceased family members in a quaint spot located in the back of the church's cemetery. People visit his grave for many reasons, such has wanting inspiration or paying homage to a literary prowess.