What’s a more relaxing way to spend an evening than cosying up in front of the fire and getting lost in a good book? Although we’re more distracted than ever by the digital world, reading remains one of the nation’s favourite pastimes.
As an ode to the country’s wanderlusting bookworms, the team at The Knowledge Academy has identified the cities with the best bookshops, libraries and public bookcases across the UK.
So if you’re a caravan enthusiast with a penchant for reading, why not make one of these cities for book lovers your next touring destination?
Cambridge
Famed for being home to one of the world’s leading universities where literary greats like Lord Byron and Sylvia Plath studied, it’s no wonder Cambridge tops the list as the best destination for book lovers.
Chock-full of bookshops and libraries, Cambridge is also a wonderful destination for caravanning and camping. Stay at the Cambridge Camping and Caravanning Club Site close to the River Cam, which is also one of the best spots in the UK to enjoy wild swimming.
Edinburgh
The birthplace of Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson and Muriel Spark – Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the UK for avid readers. If you’re planning a touring trip to Scotland, the capital should certainly be on your itinerary.
Wander Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and explore its numerous bookshops and libraries. Once you’ve had enough of the city, head to one of the country’s best beaches or hidden gems to enjoy a spot of secluded reading.
York
No literary bucket list of the UK would be complete without a trip to York. Known for its stunning architecture and surrounding Yorkshire Dales, the city is also home to charming bookshops to find your next novel.
Once you’ve toured York and filled your bag with books, hop in your caravan and head to one of the best picnic spots along the Yorkshire Coast to immerse yourself in a story to the backdrop of the waves crashing against the shore.
Oxford
Home to another of the world’s leading universities, the likes of Oscar Wilde, J.R.R. Tolkein and Lewis Carroll graced the streets of Oxford back in the day. It’s also where you’ll find one of the most famous libraries in the world, the Bodleian Library, making it the ideal destination for a literary-themed road trip.
Surrounded by spots to pitch up and beautiful countryside to explore, why not combine your next touring adventure with a trip to one of the world’s most thriving literary capitals?
Brighton and Hove
This seaside city is renowned for its liberal atmosphere which has given way to a culture and arts scene that makes it unique.
In Brighton and Hove you’ll find numerous new and second-hand bookshops to explore, and you can combine your visit with a touring adventure around the southeast of England.
Image credit: Aaron Burden / Unsplash
