To celebrate World Book Day, Sykes Cottages are bringing you some of the best literary sites that the UK has to offer. We’ve compiled a short list of just some of the places in the UK that have inspired writers to create some of the most popular novels and poems that have ever been written.

Torquay, Devon

Via Flickr

The stunning English Riviera seaside spot of Torquay was the hometown of the UK’s ‘Queen of Crime’ and bestselling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie. With its bustling harbour, iconic palm trees and picturesque bay, Torquay has long been considered an attractive location, so it’s no surprise that Christie chose her beloved hometown as the setting for many of her novels. Even after she moved from the area, Christie returned to Torquay every summer to stay in her holiday home, Greenway. The property is now owned by the National Trust and fans of Christie’s work can visit and experience Greenway as it would have been in the 1950s, when she holidayed there. The town also holds a festival in her honour every year. This year it will be held from 14^th- 21^st September.

Brontë Country, Yorkshire

Via Flickr

Brontë Country in Yorkshire is one of the most popular literary pilgrimage sites in the UK. The Brontë Parsonage Museum in the picturesque village of Haworth was once home to the famous sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë and is now a revered tourist attraction. Lovers of literature flock here to soak up the history and romance of the sisters’ celebrated novels, which are considered to be masterpieces of English literature.  The parsonage has been preserved as it would have been in the Brontë’s lifetime and is home to a fascinating exhibition about their lives with many of their personal belongings on display. From Haworth, you can also make the trip to the nearby moors and immerse yourself in the breathtakingly rugged landscape that was the setting and inspiration for Emily’s tortured love story, Wuthering Heights.

Whitby, Yorkshire

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With its cliff top Abbey and cobbled streets, it’s not hard to see why Bram Stoker was inspired to write his Gothic novel, Dracula, in the Yorkshire fishing town of Whitby. Irish-born Bram stayed in Whitby in 1890 with the intention of deciding whether it would be a good place to bring his family for a holiday. While he was there, he became quite taken with the charm and atmosphere of the town, in particular the Gothic eeriness of Whitby Abbey which went on to play a central role in his novel and which you can still visit today. It is also said that it was in Whitby that Stoker first discovered the name, ‘Dracula’; Stoker’s only known references to Dracula, the historical figure, were found in his notes from his research sessions at Whitby Library.

The Lake District

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There can be no mention of literary areas in the UK without including the Lake District. The breath-taking scenery of the Lakes has been inspiring writers for hundreds of years; one of the most famous poems in the English Language, William Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, was inspired by the sight of daffodils on the shores of Ullswater. Wordsworth spent the majority of his life living in the Lake District and wrote passionately about the place he considered “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. Along with Wordsworth, there are many other writers heavily influenced by the Lakes, including Beatrix Potter, who spent many childhood holidays here and chose to set some of her most famous books in Lake District beauty spots.

By Louise O'Toole

Louise loves reading, shopping, baking and cosy country pubs with log fires. A nice cup of tea will never be turned down. She has spent many childhood summers on the beach in Cornwall and walking the hills of the Lake District.

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It’s no secret that us Brits enjoy a trip to the pub. Whether we’re celebrating, socialising or drowning our sorrows, the pub is and always will be a British institution. As of 2012, there are around 49,400 public houses in the UK, almost 20,000 less than in the early 80’s. But let’s not get gloomy- there are still some treasured taverns to be found. If you’re tired of the local boozer and fancy a change of scenery, read our shortlist of the ten best pubs in Britain. We’ve scoured the internet to bring you some of the most interesting, historic and damn right quirky inns from all four corners of the British Isles, so raise a glass to the humble pub today with Sykes Cottages.

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, Nottingham

Via Flickr

Supposedly established in 1189AD, Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem lays claim to the title of England’s oldest watering hole. The pub itself is half built into the soft sandstone wall beneath Nottingham’s Castle Rock, and legend has it that the Knights of the 12^th Crusade stopped off here to wet their whistle before departing for the Holy Land.

The White Horse Inn, Beverley

Via Panoramio

Known locally as Nellies, this labyrinthine inn is the closest you’ll come to a step back in time at any British tavern. Lit dimly by the odd gas mantle and warmed by a clutch of open fires, The White Horse Inn is a Dickensian marvel tucked away within the cobbled back streets of the historic town of Beverley.

The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe

Via Flickr

Renowned for its striking location at the foot of Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, the Clachaig Inn has been a welcome pit stop for weary walkers for over three centuries. As well as inspiring mountain views, Clachaig also serves up a wealth of hearty Scottish fare, making it an excellent stop off point during a gruelling hill walk.

Philharmonic Dining Rooms, Liverpool

Via Flickr

Regarded as the most ornate pub in England, the Philharmonic Dining Rooms, or The Phil, is a flamboyant Grade II listed public house featuring bags of Art Deco panache. Popular amongst Liverpool’s poets and all-round arty folk since the 60’s, the pub’s interior makes musical reference to the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which stands directly opposite.

The Drunken Duck, Ambleside

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Offering commanding views over the Lake District fells, the Drunken Duck takes its name from the mishaps of the pub’s Victorian landlady, who accidentally spiked her duck’s feed with strong beer. Now free from inebriated wildfowl, the Drunken Duck remains one of the best pubs to enjoy a pint in Cumbria.

Pandora Inn, Cornwall

Via Flickr

With its thatched roof, flagstone floor and spectacular location on the banks of Restronguet Creek in South Cornwall, Pandora Inn may just be the prettiest tavern on our shortlist. Serving Cornish food and drink for nigh on five hundred years, this Grade II listed inn is the ideal spot for pint on a sunny summer’s day.

Ye Dolphin, Robin Hood’s Bay

Via Flickr

Sporting a stack of out of date board games, maritime furnishings and an ensemble of mysterious fishermen, Ye Dolphin is great if you want to hear the tall tales of a scurvy sea-dog. The pub serves up a good selection of traditional ales and plays host to regular sea shanty sing-alongs, making it well worth a visit on your next trip to the Yorkshire Coast.

The Brazen Head, Dublin

Via Flickr

Graced by the likes of James Joyce and reputably one of Robin Hood’s favourite drinking dens, The Brazen Head was established in 1198, making it not only one of the oldest pubs, but one of the oldest companies in the world. Not content with simply providing punters with some of the Emerald Isle’s finest ale, the tavern is also a renowned music venue, with both traditional and contemporary musicians taking to the stage seven nights a week.

Marsden Grotto, South Shields

Via Flickr

Thought to be one of the only surviving ‘cave bars’ in Europe, Marsden Grotto is a fascinating place to enjoy a wee snifter. The pub features a large bar dug directly into the cliffs with a zigzag staircase from top to bottom (don’t worry, there’s a lift too), as well as a heated terrace overlooking the beach.

Ye Olde White Hart, Kingston Upon Hull

Via Flickr

A hidden gem with a mighty claim to fame, Ye Olde White Hart is reputably the place where Parliamentarians plotted to keep King Charles I out of Hull at the start of the English Civil War in 1642. The pub is awash with relics which support this claim, including a preserved human skull which peers down on punters from atop the bar- spooky.

Visit a proper British pub on your next cottage holiday

Have we got your taste buds a’ tinglin’? Treat yourself to a cottage holiday this year for your chance to sink a pint at one (or more) of these delightful British pubs. There’s nothing better than grazing in the sun with a tankard of real ale, so why not do it in style with a self-catering holiday in the UK with Sykes Cottages.

Or perhaps you’re outraged by our pick of the pubs? If so, we’d love to hear which inns you hold dear. Send us your suggestions on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll endeavour to pay them a visit ourselves!

By Jonathan Tuplin

Jonathan is a lover of books, music and good food. Originally from Yorkshire, there's nothing he likes more than a cycle in the country. One of his favourite spots in the UK is Tenby, where he spent many a happy holiday as a child.

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Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like spoiling yourself when it comes to finding some holiday accommodation, and that’s why we have a page on our site that is completely devoted to showing our luxury cottages. However I personally think that when it comes to luxury there is no better indicator than the bedrooms of a property and so I’ve had a look to see if I could find any cottages with particularly delightful bedrooms to share with you.

The Paddock – Cumbria

The Paddock, Cumbria, Ref: 11219

If you’re looking for luxury then The Paddock is for you. Situated in the beautiful little village of Tunstall, just outside of the Lake District, this property is perfect for those looking for a quiet break in beautiful surroundings. With a fantastic open plan kitchen-dining area, contemporary styling and even a tennis court The Paddock really is the definition of luxury, and this is before I’ve even mentioned the bedroom! A super king-sized bed, dressing room and en-suite bathroom all wonderfully finished with a modern décor, what more could you want?

Old Station Farm – North Yorkshire

Old Station Farm, North Yorkshire, Ref: 15823

A charming limestone built Georgian house in the peaceful village of Amotherby near Malton, Old Station Farm is perfect for a larger group looking to spoil themselves. With features like high, ornate ceilings, open fires and an AGA the cottage is full to the brim with character and opulence, and this continues into the bedrooms. Nothing says luxury quite like a four poster bed and Old Station Farm has three of them! Add to this the en-suite bathrooms complete with roll top baths and even a day bed in one of the rooms and you can see how Old Station Farm can be considered as one of our more opulent properties.

Hayloft – Yorkshire Dales

Hayloft, Yorkshire Dales, Ref: 22460

Hayloft is one of three beautifully appointed apartments in the grounds of the Grade II listed Brampton Hall. With a fully open plan layout to make sure that you fully appreciate the beauty of the cottage with its exposed beams, bespoke kitchen and wood-burning stove. The bedroom area continues in the same luxury vein as the rest of the cottage. It’s separated from the main living space by a demi wall which gives it an air of warmth and cosiness, and then there’s the small matter of the super king-size bed and free standing bath to cap it all off!

Hopefully you’ll agree with my choices on some of Sykes’ most luxurious cottages and their beautiful bedrooms but if you have any suggestions of others then we would love to hear from you. Or if you fancy treating yourself then why don’t you take a look at our full selection of luxury cottages.

By Jamie Tomkins

Jamie is a big fan of long weekend walks with the dog, especially when there is the chance to refuel with lunch in a country pub. Living in Lancaster for three years gave him the perfect opportunity to spend a lot of time in the Lake District.

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