If you need some inspiration on where to take the brood for a fun family day out, then consider bringing their favourite storybook* to life, by visiting some of the most delightfully-enchanting spots in the UK.
(*If their favourite book is the Octonaughts, then, alas, you're out of luck.)
So, to celebrate the incredible locations that inspired authors and engrossed generations of children, Premier Inn has mapped out the UK, one iconic children’s book at a time.
UK places which inspired these children's books
1 of 9The Tales of Peter Rabbit - Lake District, Cumbria
Beatrix Potter's beautifully illustrated Peter Rabbit books are all influenced by her childhood days spent in the Lake District. Around Brockhole's beautiful lakeshore grounds is a Beatrix Potter trail and in Bowness-on-Windermere is The Wolrd of Beatrix Potter attraction - both great days out for you and the kids.
2 of 9Winnie the Pooh - Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
Winnie the Pooh, written by A.A. Milne, always played with his toys in the woods by their home in the Ashdwon Forest. You can visit the real 'Hundred Acre Wood', where several locations in the Pooh stories can be matched to real places.
3 of 9Treasure Island - Bristol
Treasure Island, written by Robert Louis Stevenso - which tells the story of pirates, parrots and treasure - features many places in Bristol. You can take part in a treasure island trail, which is a family friendly walk and app that guides you around Bristol's historic scene and has fascinating insights into Bristol's connections with Treasure Island.
4 of 9Peter Pan - Kensington Gardens, London
JM Barrie iconically used the opening sentence “All children grow up, except one”, which was a tribute to his brother who tragically died a day before his 14th birthday. His family thought of him as a forever boy and the legend of Peter Pan was born. JM Barrie commissioned a statue of Peter Pan which stands in Kensington Gardens that you can visit!
5 of 9The Borrowers - Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Written by English author Mary Norton, The Borrowers tells the trials and tribulations of a family of tiny people based in Leighton Buzzard. The house where The Borrowers was set is now a school. Things you can do in the area in relation to the book include a trip to Whipsnade Zoo, the Stockwood Discovery Centre and a Birds of Prey Centre in nearby Wilstead.
6 of 9The Railway Children - Yorkshire
Written by Edith Nesbit, The Railway Children was inspired by Ediths walks to Chelsfield railway station in Yorkshire. The story follows the lives of three children who move to a house near the railway. You can step back in time by standing on the bridge at Haworth and watch the vintage steam trains puff their way up and down the valley, or jump aboard and travel to the Edwardian Oakworth station which was the location for the famous 1970s film.
7 of 9Watership Down - North Wessex Downs, Hampshire
Written by Richard Adams and based in Hampshire there are many things you can do in the area in relation to the book. Stay near to the village of Ecchinswell which offers a Watership Down walk, taking in Nuthanger Farm which plays a major role in the novel. Along the way, see rare butterflies as well as obligatory bobbing bunny tails as they bounce around the North Wessex Downs.
8 of 9Harry Potter - London
Written by JK Rowling the Harry Potter books were all based in and around London. The books have inspired eight films, a tonne of merchandise and a studio tour close to Watford Junction - which is a great place to visit. Be sure to pop over to Platform 9¾ at London’s King’s Cross station and have your photo snapped as if you were getting ready to board the Hogwarts Express.
9 of 9Alice in Wonderland - Oxford
Lewis Carrolls Alice in Wonderland was set in Oxford. The town offers many ways to acquaint the visitor with the history of the novel and its author. Alice’s Day commemorates an important moment for children’s literature and is celebrated annually. Or try a themed walking tour of the city and see the original copy of the books in the Bodleian Library. If you want to expand your ‘Carroll’ tour, take a trip to Guildford, Surrey where he wrote Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Still looking for inspiration? Check out our top toddler days out in the UK!
Have you visited any spots of the list? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
Make sure you're following Mother & Baby on Instagramfor relatable memes, inspiring stories and parenting hacks!
Join the club! Introducing our brand, spankin’ new Facebook group called #mumtribe. Simply search ‘#mumtribe’ into the search bar and meet like-minded mums, win gorgeous goodies and have some fun!