As a parent, there is nothing more important than getting your child into reading. Developing their love for books can be tricky in a world of screens, but it offers enormous advantages for young minds.
Reading naturally helps them develop their empathy, which broadens their emotional understanding of the world around them. It can also become a bonding ritual during which you and your child can read a book together. This is a meaningful memory in their life, and one that will encourage them to read more. Books are the key to developing creative thinking, vocabulary, and even their comprehension.
There is so much to gain from reading. But have you ever considered combining their love of books with a trip?
The Harry Potter Experience
Few book series have encouraged children to read quite like Harry Potter. Generations of children who might otherwise have avoided long books suddenly became eager to spend hours reading about the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
No matter how opinions around the author may have changed over the years, the stories themselves remain deeply important to many readers. Visiting Harry Potter attractions in the UK can make that connection to reading feel even more alive. You can see the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and even some of the props at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. But there’s more in the UK, such as the steam train, which is a regular train in Scotland, and some locations that have inspired scenes in the books.
Hay Festival
If you prefer a traditional literary experience, the Hay Festival in Wales is one of the most famous book festivals in the world.
Held in Hay-on-Wye, the town of books of Wales, the festival attracts writers, readers, artists, and many more from all around the world. There are also many children-friendly activities for younger readers.
Children can even attend storytelling sessions with their favorite authors and interactive activities around books.
Northern England’s Independent Bookshop Scene
While London receives the most attention from international tourists, northern England offers some of the UK’s most interesting literary experiences. Cities like Manchester and Liverpool have thriving independent bookstore communities that feel far more personal than typical tourist attractions.
Paper and World, the UK’s first fantasy-only bookstore, is on the outskirts of Manchester, holding fantasy books by famous and independent authors for children, teenagers, and adults who love this genre. This is the occasion to slow down and discover your next favorite read. After spending the day exploring bookstores, you can relax together at a cozy Italian restaurant Manchester way, before continuing the adventure further north.
Edinburgh’s Literary Atmosphere
For older children, Edinburgh brings a completely different kind of literary magic. The city’s narrow streets and dramatic architecture create a cinematic atmosphere. It is also the birthplace of many famous authors, including the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle.
You can explore literary walking tours that take you through independent bookshops, museums, and historic cafes while you learn more about the city’s connection to storytelling. Edinburgh is the home of detective stories and gothic novels.
If your family loves books, it is absolutely worth planning a literary trip to the UK to soak up the unique creative atmosphere. There are so many British authors who end up on our bookshelves; it is only fair to discover their source of inspiration!
