Occasionally, a bookworm must bravely abandon the elaborate world of their own mind and reconnect with the outside. As reading week and bank holidays steadily approach, it is hard to ignore the peer pressure to book the cheapest Ryanair flights to someplace sunlight-ridden, where nights are endless and alcohol-fuelled, even when you would rather retreat into the dark and cosy corners of your room to, well, read. But what if, this month, you crave something a little different?
Despite the natural desire for an immediate vitamin C boost in sunny Spain, we mustn’t neglect the cities and towns which encapsulate everything that book lovers marvel at. History and culture encompass many locations, some of which have inspired the works of renowned authors and have become known for their “bookish” culture, adorned with quaint bookshops and inspiring museums. Whether you revel in the romantic history of the Regency era or prefer picturesque scenery, there are a plethora of literary destinations only a short flight away for you to enjoy during the next college break, when most students anticipate the lull from endless reading, but you long for it.
For the Classics’ Lovers
Bath, England, is a haven for those infatuated by the concept of the period piece, particularly the works of Jane Austen. Nestled on the banks of the River Avon, Bath operated as one of Austen’s muses, the setting where many of her romances unfolded. Only a quick flight across the Irish Sea, the literary context of the city alongside its immaculate architecture makes it an epitome of aesthetics and the perfect spot for a relaxed weekend away.
Visitors are not short on activities to keep them stimulated as Bath is home to various museums and tours inspired by literary works. The Jane Austen Centre welcomes its visitors from just £20 an hour. There, you can explore the exciting life of Austen whilst trying on Regency gowns and delighting in the rich history Bath has to offer. Reviews are impeccable, highlighting it as an unmissable stop for any book lover.
For Those Who Yearn for Summer
Although March marks the beginning of spring, Ireland’s endless gloom has many students longing for a sunny getaway, where temperatures rise instead of lingering in wintery single digits. Italy offers sun, culture, history and also the option of a quiet town or city as opposed to a bustling hub like Milan. Crema embodies this; a commune situated cutely in the north of Italy, understated but still arising as a sole inspiration for the renowned Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman.
Crema is a delightful spot for those longing for warmth but bookish satisfaction. You can wander around the spots in the city where Timothée Chalamet gave his award-winning performance, hiring a bike or exploring on foot in the conveniently pedestrianised streets. Cafes, shops and bookstores are on every street corner, and the locals are kind but authentic, isolating Crema from the overwhelming touristy feel of a major city. Travel and accommodation are relatively affordable, considering the unique experience the city offers.
For Those with an Eye for a Browse
There is no shortage of towns where authors drew inspiration for their works. Everyone is inspired by something, whether that be a place, a building or a person you met somewhere. Art can always be traced back to a particular spot or point in time. However, there are many places that do not solely operate as a muse for an author’s writing but instead embody a reading culture; villages ornamented with bookshops and libraries where any reader can feel truly at home, even miles away. France has many hidden towns, where there are streets dedicated to the sole pursuit of reading and purchasing books.
Everyone knows Paris, but not everyone knows St. Germain-des-Prés. This twee neighbourhood is the secret hub of literature in Paris, where there is a library and bookshop at almost every glance. One is always drawn to the allure of Shakespeare and Co., but only a mere fifteen-minute stroll away is an array of underrated shops which are both endearing and inspiring. St. Germain-des-Prés symbolises the importance of education and literacy, marking the meeting spot of writers like Simone de Beauvoir and Albert Camus during the aftermath of the Second World War, when literature was a secret weapon for liberty. Paris is a remarkable spot for any tourist, but it can be a truly enriching experience for a person with an interest in literature and its importance.
