Writers, artists and poets throughout history have fallen in love with Britain’s beauty. From the rolling hills of Somerset to the bustling streets of London, various places across the land have inspired some of our greatest writers to create heart-stopping poetry. We’ve created a list of some of Britain’s most inspiring locations, so you can fall in love with them too!
William Wordsworth: the Lake District
The golden daffodils surrounding Ullswater, in the Lake District, inspired one of William Wordsworth most famous poems. Take a romantic walk in the hills surrounding the lake and follow with a stay in a nearby lodge. Quieter spots like Newlands Valley and Loweswater are perfect for a secluded romantic break.
John Keats: Winchester
With winding lanes, pretty houses and the South Downs National Park in the distance, it’s no surprise John Keats was inspired by Winchester. This small city is perfect to explore on foot as the chimes from its gothic cathedral create the perfect soundtrack to your trip.
William Shakespeare: Stratford-upon-Avon
Some of Britain's most romantic poems and plays were written in Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. Enjoy a romantic picnic on the banks caressing the River Avon or visit the charming Anne Hathaway’s Cottage where Shakespeare wooed his bride-to-be.
Thomas Hardy: Dorset
The south-west England county of Dorset was the home and birthplace of the writer and poet Thomas Hardy. With rolling green countryside and ancient rugged cliffs, there’s a lot to fall in love with in Dorset. For a more adventurous trip, join a fossil hunting tour as you roam the beaches on the Jurassic Coast.
Rudyard Kipling: Sussex
Rudyard Kipling's most famous work is The Jungle Book, but he also wrote about natural beauty closer to home. Sussex’s coastline, thick forests and rolling hills were a common topic in Kipling’s work. With some of the cleanest beaches in Britain, like Eastbourne beach, Sussex is the perfect place to take a dip in sea or soak up the sun.
Geoffrey Chaucer: Canterbury
The destination of Geoffrey Chaucer’s fictional group of pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales, this medieval town is the perfect setting for romance. Walking through its cobbled streets and charming Buttermarket it’s easy to imagine what Canterbury was like during Chaucer’s time. A relaxing boat trip on the River Stour which runs through the town is an ideal way to see this historic location.
William Blake: London
London-born poet William Blake often wrote about the hustle and bustle of his magnificent city. Enjoy the breathtaking views of London from the Shard or walk along the river Thames at dusk to admire the capital’s beautifully lit iconic buildings.
Robert Burns: Ayrshire
The fiercely proud Scottish poet Robert Burns found inspiration all over his beloved Scotland. Visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway to immerse yourself in his life and work. For a remote getaway, venture to the Isle of Cumbrae and hire a bicycle to travel around the pretty island.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge: Somerset
Romantic poet Samuel Tayler Coleridge often wrote about Somerset’s captivating landscape. If cities are more your thing, head to Bath and admire the Georgian architecture as you meander along the River Avon that flows through the city.
Dylan Thomas: Laugharne
Welsh poet and writer Dylan Thomas wrote passionately about the beauty of his country. Visit the pretty boathouse in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, where Thomas wrote some of his most popular work. To get a better view of the south Wales coast, visit the 12th century Llansteffan Castle overlooking the river Tywi.
R S Thomas: Cardiff
You’ll find plenty of romantic things to do in Cardiff, the birthplace of the spiritual Welsh poet R S Thomas. Hire a rowing boat and sail around the lake in Roath Park or catch an opera at the Millennium Centre. Head down to the vibrant Mermaid Quay for a romantic meal overlooking Cardiff Bay.
A E Houseman: Ludlow
Best known for his poem ‘A Shropshire Lad’ A E Houseman was inspired by the pretty market town of Ludlow. Often appearing in the top five of loveliest towns in England, Ludlow's Tudor-style buildings and 11th-century castle attracts visitors from all over the world.
Sir Walter Scott: Trossachs
The shimmering lakes, wild landscape and deafening waterfalls of Trossachs were famously evoked in 'The Lady of the Lakes' poem by Sir Walter Scott. For water lovers, there’s kayaking, windsurfing and boating activities to do at the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. If you’re feeling really loved up, the nearby Callendar House is a classy wedding venue to tie the knot!
