Literary Sights in London – Must-See Spots for Book Lovers

There are but a few cities in the world that can claim to have a close and ongoing connection with books and authors. London is one of them and has, for centuries, been a place of interest for great writers and thinkers who, at one time or another, have called the city their home. Visitors will find literary sights in London dotted around its many streets, often hidden, but worth exploring if you are an avid reader. These landmarks not only hold significant historical importance but are often places of wonder for book lovers. They are literary destinations where one can find inspiration or fulfill that longing every bibliophile holds towards books and those who write them.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

A premier tourist sight in London, one that will excite mystery readers, is the famous residence 221b Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes, the most celebrated fictional detective in the world, is now an institution, partly thanks to the several movies, tv-series, and follow-up books like The House of Silk and Moriarty. The Sherlock Holmes Museum, situated on Baker Street, commemorates the iconic first floor flat of the famed detective. Inside, there is the ever-so-popular sitting room consisting of Victorian-era paraphernalia depicting the time Sherlock and Doctor Watson lived at the residence, according to the books. The museum is small and a bit kitsch considering it attempts to portray a fictional character as real. However, it is fun trying to spot different objects that relate to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, and Sherlockians will especially find the wax figures amusing and Insta-worthy.

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

Address: 221b Baker St, Marylebone, London NW16XE

Freud Museum London

The “father of psychoanalysis,” Austrian born Sigmund Freud was a pioneer in psychology, also known for his influential books, such as The Interpretation of Dreams and Beyond the Pleasure Principle. A neurologist by profession, Freud spent his last years living at 20 Maresfield Gardens in London, a house that is now a museum. Visitors to the Freud Museum can walk through his study and see the iconic “psychoanalytic couch.” Also on display in the house are collections featuring Freud’s many books, correspondence, cigar boxes, photos, and unique objects that he accumulated during his lifetime. Freud Museum is an excellent literary spot in London for those interested in the complexities of the mind, and the man who tried to decode them with his revolutionary work.

Photo Source: https://www.freud.org.uk/

Address: 20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW35SX

King’s Cross Station

The departure point of Hogwarts Express is one of the most crowded literary spots in London. Situated inside King’s Cross Station, you will find several Harry Potter fans line up at the legendary Platform 9¾, eager to take a photo of themselves running through the “magic wall.” While you can take the pictures for free, a paid professional one is also possible and consists of an on-site attendant who will hold on to your Hogwarts house scarf to give the photo more authenticity. The next-door Harry Potter shop, where you can buy movie merchandise, wands, or even some chocolate frogs, is a treasure chest full of bookish delights from the series.

Photo Source: https://www.kingscross.co.uk

Address: Pancras Rd, Kings Cross, London N19AP

Charing Cross Road

Probably amongst the most recognized book streets in the world, thanks to the excellent 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, Charing Cross is an exciting respite for bibliophiles who want to take a break from visiting the literary spots of London and rummage through exotic bookstores. The road is close to Trafalgar Square and has several second-hand and antiquarian bookstores, along with theatres and places to eat. Foyles at Charing Cross takes up five floors and is brimming with books of all genres, whereas other book stores such as Quinto Bookshop, Any Amount of Books, and Goldsboro Books are where bookworms can find first-editions and rare novels. With plenty of specialized bookstores on hand, it is easy to spend an entire day walking up and down Charing Cross Road, lost in its bookish atmosphere.

Photo Source: https://www.foyles.co.uk/

Address: Charing Cross Road, London WC2H0AW

Shakespeare’s Globe

Best known as the theatre where Shakespeare performed his plays, The Globe first came into existence in 1599. However, it was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt later, only to close again. Shakespeare’s Globe opened to the public in 1997 and is located a short hop away from the original site of the theatre. In this new avatar, it is an entertainment and educational center for all ages. One of the highlights of visiting Shakespeare’s Globe is the opportunity to watch a performance without mics or technology, as it was done during Bard’s time. Besides experiencing Shakespeare’s plays in the recreated circular theatre, there are talks, events, guided tours, and courses available for those who want to spend their time participating in various cultural activities.

Photo Source: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE19D