Literary escapes: your favourite trips inspired by books

Northern Ireland: Beyond the Headlines, A Place Apart

James’s journey to Northern Ireland was profoundly shaped by Dervla Murphy’s seminal travelogue, A Place Apart. Published in 1978, at the height of the Troubles, Murphy’s account offered a stark departure from the sensationalist headlines of the era. A fearless and unconventional Irish cyclist, Murphy embarked on a solo bicycle tour across the region, deliberately seeking out the ordinary lives and quiet acts of generosity that often went unacknowledged amidst the political turmoil. Her writing painted a picture of a land and its people that transcended sectarian divides, focusing instead on shared humanity.

Inspired by this unique perspective, James ventured to Northern Ireland, discovering that Murphy’s insights remain remarkably relevant. The historic city of Derry (or Londonderry, reflecting its dual identity) provided a powerful starting point. Walking its ancient, well-preserved walls, James could almost feel the weight of history Murphy navigated. These 17th-century fortifications, unique in Ireland, offer panoramic views of the city, including the politically resonant murals of the Bogside Artists, which chronicle pivotal moments of the Troubles. Beyond the historical narrative, Derry’s vibrant cultural scene and the striking Peace Bridge, a symbol of reconciliation, attest to the city’s forward-looking spirit.

Further along the spectacular Antrim Coast, the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, presented itself as an equally striking landscape, just as Murphy had described. The hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, are a geological marvel, steeped in the legend of the giant Finn McCool. Yet, as James recounts, it was the people who left the most indelible impression. In traditional pubs and bustling cafes, conversations flowed easily, with locals eager to share their favourite hidden beaches, scenic walking trails, and personal stories. This inherent warmth and openness, precisely what Murphy had sought and found decades earlier, revealed a Northern Ireland rich in character, hospitality, and an enduring sense of community, far removed from any lingering stereotypes. Literary tourism, in this instance, became a powerful means of historical and cultural re-evaluation, allowing James to connect with the authentic heart of a place often misunderstood.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Echoes of Resilience

Louise’s fascination with Sarajevo began on a "long, hot Covid afternoon" with Priscilla Morris’s poignant novel, Black Butterflies. Morris’s book is a fictionalized yet deeply authentic portrayal of life during the Siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996), one of the longest sieges of a capital city in modern warfare. It chronicles the everyday struggles, the artistic spirit, and the sheer resilience of its inhabitants under relentless bombardment, vividly describing how a city known for its vibrant multiculturalism was forced to endure unimaginable hardship. The narrative intricately weaves together themes of survival, memory, and the enduring power of culture in the face of destruction.

Captivated by the book’s depiction of a city where "east and west" architectural styles converge, and a unique spirit of defiance permeated the atmosphere, Louise finally visited Sarajevo. Her experience validated Morris’s evocative prose. Nestled in a valley surrounded by imposing mountains, the city’s dramatic topography offered a stunning backdrop to its layered history. The Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s Ottoman-era Old Town, immediately immerses visitors in a blend of cultures, with its bustling bazaars, traditional coffee houses, and minarets rising alongside Austro-Hungarian facades.

What truly struck Louise were the "haunting memories unapologetically left in view." Bullet holes still scar many buildings, serving as stark reminders of the recent past. Even more poignant are the "Sarajevo Roses," concrete scars in the pavement filled with red resin, marking the spots where mortar shells exploded and claimed lives. These memorials are not hidden away but integrated into the city’s fabric, reflecting its commitment to remembrance and its refusal to forget. Amidst these solemn reminders, Louise also perceived hints of "old Eastern European glamour" and "Middle Eastern rituals," coexisting with a palpable "precious hope for the richness of a hard peace." Sarajevo, she concluded, is a city that "took my heart and showed me that it’s OK, things change but we carry the memories for a reason." It’s a powerful testament to human resilience and the city’s unique ability to blend sorrow with a vibrant, forward-looking spirit, making it an incredibly moving and introspective travel destination.

Porquerolles, France: Maigret’s Mediterranean Mystery

Leigh, a devoted fan of Georges Simenon, found his ultimate literary pilgrimage destination in Porquerolles, the idyllic French island setting of My Friend Maigret. Published in 1949, this classic detective novel sees the iconic Inspector Maigret travel to the remote Mediterranean island to investigate the murder of a small-time crook, immersing himself in the local life and uncovering the hidden tensions beneath the island’s serene surface. Simenon’s genius lies in his ability to imbue his settings with character, making Porquerolles an almost tangible entity in the narrative.

Nearing 80, Leigh decided it was "now or never" to experience this literary landscape. His journey itself was an ode to slower travel, involving a multi-leg train odyssey from London to Toulon, then a local train to Hyères, a bus to the port, and finally a boat across the azure waters to Porquerolles. This deliberate, unhurried approach mirrored the contemplative pace often found in Simenon’s narratives, allowing for a gradual immersion into the setting.

Porquerolles, the largest of the three Îles d’Hyères (also known as the Golden Islands), is a protected national park and a car-free paradise, encouraging exploration by foot or bicycle. Leigh delighted in visiting the very sites described in the novel, imagining Maigret’s observations and deductions unfolding amidst the island’s natural beauty. The island boasts stunning white sand beaches like Plage Notre Dame and Plage d’Argent, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a landscape dotted with fragrant pine forests and vineyards. Fort Sainte Agathe, a historic fortress offering panoramic views, and the charming village square, where much of the island’s social life revolves, likely served as backdrops for Simenon’s detailed observations. Leigh’s experience of being "Porquerolled" speaks to the island’s unique, tranquil atmosphere, which, despite its literary connection to a murder mystery, offers a profound sense of peace and natural beauty. The discovery of the island’s renowned wine, produced from its sun-drenched vineyards, added another layer of sensory pleasure to a journey that perfectly blended literary appreciation with a serene escape.

San Francisco: Tales of the City Come to Life

For Fraser and his wife Nic, Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series was more than just a collection of novels; it was an invitation to a lifestyle and a city. Beginning as a daily serial in the San Francisco Chronicle in 1978, Maupin’s groundbreaking books captivated readers with their witty, poignant, and often scandalous portrayal of a diverse group of characters living in a boarding house at the fictional 28 Barbary Lane. The series celebrated San Francisco as a vibrant, unconventional haven for self-discovery, embracing its LGBTQ+ community, counter-culture spirit, and eccentric charm, portraying it as a place of "kindness, beauty and pleasure."

Inspired by this literary tapestry, Fraser and Nic embarked on a two-year saving plan, determined to "live like the Barbary Lane gang for a fortnight." Their pilgrimage sought to immerse them in the very essence Maupin so brilliantly captured. San Francisco, with its iconic cable cars, steep hills, colourful Victorian houses, and breathtaking bay views, proved to be everything the books promised and more. While Barbary Lane itself is fictional, it is widely believed to be inspired by the real Macondray Lane, a picturesque pedestrian alleyway on Russian Hill, which still exudes a similar bohemian charm.

The city’s unique blend of "weird, gorgeous and fascinating" elements rewarded their curiosity, just as Maupin suggested. Exploring neighbourhoods like the Castro, a historic hub of LGBTQ+ culture, Haight-Ashbury, the birthplace of the counter-culture movement, and the bustling North Beach, with its Beat Generation legacy, allowed them to connect with the city’s diverse soul. Beyond the famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz, it was the act of "ambling," of allowing themselves to wander and absorb the local rhythms, that truly brought Maupin’s world to life. They found the city’s legendary tolerance and openness to be as real and inviting as depicted in the books, confirming San Francisco’s enduring appeal as a place where individuality thrives and community flourishes, making their literary-inspired trip an unforgettable personal journey.

Orkney, Scotland: The Wild Beauty of Recovery

Amanda’s journey to the remote Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland was profoundly influenced by Amy Liptrot’s acclaimed memoir, The Outrun. Published in 2016, Liptrot’s book offers a raw and beautiful account of her return to her childhood home in Orkney after battling addiction in London. It explores themes of recovery, solitude, and the healing power of the natural world, as Liptrot reconnects with the rugged landscapes, the rhythms of island life, and the unique challenges and comforts of remote living. Her vivid descriptions of the sea, the sky, and the local wildlife are central to her story of finding peace and self-acceptance.

Inspired by this intimate portrayal of resilience and natural beauty, Amanda embarked on a three-week solo holiday, seeking her own space for recovery after a challenging year. Her experience became a poignant mirror to Liptrot’s narrative. A highlight was staying at Amy’s mother, Jane’s B&B, a direct connection to the book’s personal story. This personal touch extended to Jane taking Amanda birdwatching, an activity central to Liptrot’s immersion in nature. The Orkney and Shetland Islands, with their dramatic coastlines, ancient Neolithic sites (like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar), and abundant birdlife, provided a stunning backdrop for introspection and rejuvenation.

Amanda spent a week in the Papay (Papa Westray) hostel, an island renowned for its tiny population and rich archaeological heritage, allowing her to "walk all around the island," fully embracing the solitude and expansive beauty. The islands offered a unique blend of wildness and a strong sense of community, ensuring she never felt lonely despite travelling solo. The peace and beauty she found in Orkney and Shetland were exactly what she needed to recover and reflect. With her sister now living in Shetland, Amanda’s connection to these islands has deepened, promising future returns to a place that, through literature, offered profound solace and a renewed sense of self. The Outrun not only provided a travel itinerary but also a template for emotional healing in a breathtakingly beautiful, windswept corner of the world.

Bognor Regis, England: A Fortnight of Nostalgia

Patricia’s trip to Bognor Regis was a heartwarming dive into British social history, inspired by RC Sherriff’s beloved 1931 novel, The Fortnight in September. The book is a tender, meticulously observed account of the ordinary Stevens family’s annual two-week holiday to the seaside town of Bognor Regis. It captures the anticipation, the simple pleasures, and the profound significance of this annual escape for a working-class family in an era when seaside holidays were the highlight of the year. Sherriff’s prose elevates the mundane to the magical, making a simple stroll on the promenade or a visit to the bandstand feel like a grand adventure.

The novel harks back to the "heyday of British seaside holidays," a time when resorts like Bognor Regis were truly "magical summer destinations." Patricia was drawn by the vivid descriptions of the bandstand, the shingle beach, and the "lovely walks," wishing to retrace the Stevens family’s steps. Bognor Regis, while perhaps having "seen better days" compared to its peak Victorian and Edwardian popularity, still retains a certain charm. Its pier, promenade, and the quintessential British seaside atmosphere evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia.

For Patricia, Bognor served as a "perfect base" for exploring the wider Sussex countryside, offering a balance between coastal relaxation and rural excursions. Yet, the core of her experience remained the simple, profound pleasure of a seaside stroll. With the sun shining and an ice-cream in hand, walking along the promenade of this "fading seaside town" became a direct connection to the innocent joys Sherriff so beautifully depicted. It was a journey not just to a place, but to a feeling – a recapturing of a bygone era’s charm and a celebration of the enduring appeal of traditional British holidays, proving that even in quieter moments, literature can illuminate the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Provence, France: Zola’s Sensory Feast

Sandra’s enduring love affair with Provence began in the 1980s, not through a travel brochure, but through the pages of Émile Zola’s Contes Choisis (Selected Tales) during her French A-level studies. While Zola is most famously known for his gritty naturalism in novels like Germinal, his earlier short stories often captured the sensory richness and vibrant life of provincial France, drawing from his own youth in Aix-en-Provence. These "visual descriptions" of the region’s light, colours, and atmosphere sparked a lifelong longing in Sandra.

More than a decade later, Sandra finally fulfilled her literary ambition, discovering a Provence that was an even richer "glorious feast for all the senses" than she had imagined. By then, her appreciation for the region had deepened, having also discovered the works of Post-Impressionist masters like Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse. Cézanne, a childhood friend of Zola’s from Aix, famously depicted the Mont Sainte-Victoire and the landscapes around his hometown, while Matisse, among many other artists, was drawn to the dazzling light and vibrant colours of the French Riviera and its hinterland. This artistic lineage further cemented Provence as a cultural heartland.

Her visits revealed the iconic landscapes that inspired generations of artists and writers: the vast, fragrant lavender fields of the Valensole plateau, stretching into purple horizons; ancient olive groves shimmering under the Mediterranean sun; rolling vineyards producing world-renowned wines; and the dramatic ochre cliffs of Roussillon. She experienced the bustling markets, tasted the exquisite local cuisine infused with herbs and olive oil, and felt the warm, dry mistral wind. From the grand papal palace in Avignon to the Roman ruins of Arles and the vibrant port of Marseille, Provence presented a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Sandra’s experience is a testament to the enduring power of early literary inspiration, proving that a well-written description can lay the groundwork for a profound and multi-sensory travel experience that continues to impress with its timeless beauty, even decades later.

The Apennines, Italy: Love, War, and Mountain Hospitality

Peter and his wife’s month-long hiking adventure in the Apennine Mountains of central Italy was a direct tribute to Eric Newby’s evocative memoir, Love and War in the Apennines. Published in 1971, Newby’s book recounts his extraordinary experiences as an escaped prisoner of war in Italy during World War II. Shot down over Sicily, he escaped from a POW camp and spent months hiding in the remote Apennine villages, sheltered by incredibly brave and compassionate Italian peasants. The memoir is a profound testament to human kindness, resilience, and the unexpected blossoming of love amidst the chaos of war, as Newby met his future wife, Wanda, an Italian-Slovenian woman, during his clandestine existence.

Newby’s "praise for the brave honest people who sheltered him" in their humble "stone cottages and freezing farmyard barns" deeply moved Peter. The book not only highlights the dangers and deprivations of wartime but also celebrates the profound human connections forged across cultural and political divides. Newby’s journey of learning Italian and falling in love with Wanda adds a deeply personal and romantic layer to the harrowing tale.

The Apennines, often referred to as the "spine of Italy," offer a diverse landscape of rugged peaks, deep valleys, ancient forests, and charming, secluded villages. Peter and his wife found themselves immersed in this beauty, tracing paths Newby might have walked. They particularly enjoyed visiting towns like Fiumalbo, a picturesque medieval village known for its distinctive architecture and welcoming community. Here, they experienced the same "warm welcome" Newby had described. When they mentioned "Signor Newby" and presented his book to locals, they were met with genuine smiles and recognition. This personal connection to a shared history transformed their trip from a simple hike into a profound encounter with a "heartfelt legacy." It underscored the enduring impact of Newby’s story and the villagers’ heroism, demonstrating how literature can bridge generations, fostering a sense of shared appreciation and a deep connection to a place’s history and its people.

Naples, Italy: Ferrante’s Authentic City

Carol’s decision to visit Naples in 2018, alongside her lifelong friend, was a direct consequence of "devouring" Elena Ferrante’s globally acclaimed novel, My Brilliant Friend. The first installment of the Neapolitan Novels, Ferrante’s work delves into the intricate and intense friendship between Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo, two girls growing up in the gritty, working-class neighbourhoods of Naples in the 1950s. The book masterfully explores themes of female identity, class struggles, poverty, and the raw, often violent, social fabric of post-WWII Naples, presenting a complex portrait of a city often maligned by "bad press, focusing on crime and shabbiness."

Inspired by Ferrante’s rich, unvarnished depiction, Carol and her friend sought to experience the authentic Naples portrayed in the book. They were determined to look beyond its reputation and discover the vibrant heart that pulsed beneath its surface. Their visit proved to be a revelation. Despite preconceived notions, they "felt safe, were welcomed and fed," experiencing the famed Neapolitan hospitality firsthand. The city, with its ancient origins, tumultuous history, and a constant, bustling energy, offered a sensory overload. From the chaotic charm of the Spanish Quarters, with its narrow alleyways and washing lines strung between buildings, to the grand historical architecture of the city centre and the ever-present, watchful gaze of Mount Vesuvius, Naples is a city of dramatic contrasts.

They specifically sought out places mentioned in the book, such as Chiaia, a more elegant waterfront district renowned for its beautiful promenade, Via Francesco Caracciolo. This allowed them to see the stark social contrasts that Ferrante so deftly describes – the aspirational beauty existing alongside the more challenging realities of the working-class rione. The "edgy neighbourhoods" that are the setting for much of the novel revealed not just hardship, but also incredible resilience, close-knit communities, and a vibrant street life. Carol’s experience was one of "wonderful times," confirming that Ferrante’s novels had successfully peeled back layers of misconception, revealing a Naples that is fiercely proud, deeply human, and undeniably brilliant, much like the friendship at the heart of the story. The "Ferrante effect" has indeed inspired a new wave of literary tourism, drawing visitors eager to discover the raw, authentic soul of this captivating Italian city.

Prince Edward Island, Canada: Anne’s Enchanted Shores

Katharine’s lifelong dream of visiting Prince Edward Island, Canada, was cultivated through countless readings of LM Montgomery’s beloved Anne of Green Gables series. Published in 1908, the first novel introduced the spirited, imaginative orphan Anne Shirley, whose adventures unfold against the breathtaking backdrop of a fictional rural community on Prince Edward Island. Montgomery’s lyrical descriptions of the island’s "snowy winters, enchanting woods, winding country lanes, and red sandstone cliffs along the coast" captured Katharine’s imagination from childhood, leaving an indelible impression of an idyllic, pastoral paradise.

At the age of 44, Katharine finally embarked on her pilgrimage to the smallest Canadian province. Her initial experience, however, was a "bitter disappointment," as torrential rain and thick mist obscured the island’s famed beauty from dawn until dusk. This temporary setback, however, only heightened the magic of the following day. Under clear skies, the island transformed, revealing the enchanting landscapes she had dreamed of.

Her visit included a "perfect coastal boardwalk," allowing her to soak in the stunning maritime scenery. The highlight, undoubtedly, was a "truly magical visit to Green Gables itself." Located in Cavendish, the Green Gables Heritage Place is the actual farm that inspired Montgomery’s novel, meticulously preserved to reflect Anne’s world. Visitors can explore the iconic farmhouse, wander through "Lover’s Lane" and "Balsam Hollow," and truly step into Anne’s imaginative universe. The island’s unique red soil, picturesque lighthouses, and the warm hospitality of its communities further enriched her experience. She capped off her perfect day with a "wonderful lobster meal," a quintessential Prince Edward Island culinary delight. Katharine’s journey is a powerful testament to the enduring influence of childhood literature, demonstrating how the stories we cherish can inspire decades later, leading to a profound and deeply satisfying encounter with a place that lives up to its literary promise.