Literary-themed travel is on the rise this year …
Who doesn’t love getting lost in a book on holiday? Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) says 91 per cent of us seek getaways focused on reading and relaxation this year. If literary-themed travel is on the rise thanks to #BookTok, Skyscanner has also revealed that hotel bookings using the “library” filter have steadily risen too. You can even stay in a library such as Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden near Chester in the UK, a true bookish fantasy. From book-themed bedrooms to reading rooms, and a spacious common room with roaring fires and deep sofas, it’s a gem. @gladstoneslibrary
Further afield, in Tokyo, Japan, you can sleep among the shelves at Book and Bed, a hostel where bunk beds are hidden under library shelves – perfect if you love falling asleep with a good book in your hand. @bookandbedtokyo
Chatsworth House in the Peak District is filled with stories. Its library, assembled by the Devonshire family (who count Lismore, Co Waterford as their home in Ireland) is home to rare first editions, lavishly decorated volumes, and books annotated by past owners and readers. In celebration of the UK’s National Year of Reading, a new exhibition “House of Stories: Tales from the Chatsworth Library” is open now until October 4. It brings together the library’s most exciting treasures, with first and early editions of works by authors including Geoffrey Chaucer, Alexander Pope, Jane Austen, Caroline Lamb, Lord Byron, Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charlotte Brontë and Oscar Wilde.
Access is included with all house and garden tickets. Ideally, you need two days to fully absorb the house and grounds, as I found out when I visited. Stay at The Cavendish Hotel on the 30,000 acre estate, renovated by interior designer Nicola Harding, also filled with inspiring books and art from the family collection. @chatsworthofficial
Some international hotels with significant libraries include the Alpine Library in Norway’s Hotel Union Øye which has earned a loyal following among mountaineers, artists, writers and royalty. It’s set at the edge of the dramatic Norangsfjorden, where guests have access to fjord cruises through some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery, kayaking on calm, clear waters and hiking and cycling routes that begin at the front door. Most notably, its library is home to a complete collection of The Alpine Journal, with editions dating back to 1863. Guests are invited to settle into deep leather chairs beside the fire and spend time with these historic volumes, connecting with the spirit of exploration that has long defined the property, or enjoy their own books. @hotelunionoye
The Library Lounge at Cape Grace, South Africa overlooks Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, framed by views of Table Mountain. Its book collection has been assembled by the hotel’s arts curator and is a relaxing spot to enjoy a tea or perhaps a cocktail, while also enjoying the art by contemporary South African artists. @capegracehotel
Originally designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1928 and reimagined by interior designer Martin Brudnizki, The Bloomsbury in London is known for its literary-inspired touches and theatre partnerships. The hotel is celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway; guests can channel the world of Clarissa Dalloway via hospitality inspired by the iconic novel. Currently on offer is The Devil Wears Prada overnight stay which includes a chance to see the musical at the nearby Dominion Theatre and themed cocktails at The Coral Room. @hotelbloomsbury
Ever since reading Kathleen Hay’s Devorgilla Days: A Memoir of Hope and Healing, I’ve wanted to visit Wigtown where she lives, also known as Scotland’s book capital because of its numerous bookshops. It hosts a Spring Book Weekend from May 2-4 and its acclaimed annual festival is on each September. For a peek at life in Wigtown, follow Kathleen on Instagram @poshpedlar.
Also for bibliophiles, Hay-on-Wye is world famous for having over 20 bookshops in a town of just 1,500 people. Stay at The Swan at Hay, a cosy hotel in an elegant listed Georgian building. @theswanathayhotel
For an urban cultural break, check Wine & Books that offers chic city hotels in Lisbon, Porto and Sintra. The hotel collection has just opened a new retreat in the Algarve, outside the resort town of Armação de Pêra. Rooms overlook the pool, sea or golf course and offer plenty of space to curl up with a novel (and sip on a glass of Portuguese wine).
Wine & Books Porto is also the inspiration for an online wine and book club led by bookstagrammer Elga Fontes and winemaker Bento Amaral, celebrating Portuguese authors and wines. @winebookshotels
In his popular podcast The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy, the broadcaster and author chats to special guests about the top three books that influenced their lives. Ryan’s next guests are globetrotting hoteliers Francis and John Brennan who will be at Cork Opera House on April 30. @corkoperahouse
If visiting, stay at The Montenotte where cinematic views are guaranteed from its Glasshouse rooftop bar – the perfect end to what promises to be a fun, informative evening with three legends. I can’t wait to hear them talk about their favourite books – they always surprise and inspire! @montenottehotel
Each April, Dublin City Council encourages people of all ages to read and share a specially chosen book connected with the city, part of its One City, One Book initiative. This year’s title is John Banville’s Christine Falls (Faber); an interesting programme explores the themes and historical context that underpin the novel. These include Banville in conversation with historian Donal Fallon, discussing how the city has shaped his work over the years, plus crime fiction writing workshops and a walking tour of Quirke’s Dublin with local historian Arran Henderson of Dublin Decoded, exploring locations associated with the novel.
Stay at College Green Hotel, which has a number of rooms named after literary heroes and connections with MoLi. I recommend the Samuel Beckett room for its range of reading material, or visit the excellent bookshop Books Upstairs nearby.
Killashee Hotel in Kildare has a new Solo Sanctuary Escape that includes lunch in the Oak & Anvil restaurant and a fréamh treatment at The Spa. In the evening, more treats are delivered to rooms including a snacking platter and face mask, fréamh bath salts and Killashee wax melts. @killasheehotel
Of note is a special salon show by fashion designer Aoife Ireland on April 26 when guests can enjoy the new collections (shot at Trinity College Dublin), high tea, a panel conversation and archive sale supporting Focus Ireland. @aoife_ireland
There’s a reason many authors and creatives stay at Gregans Castle in Clare – JRR Tolkien, Sean Scully and Seamus Heaney have all been former guests. The former 18th-century manor house overlooking Galway Bay is an inviting gourmet hideaway with elegant bedrooms and is the ideal base from which to enjoy the Burren. The bedrooms and suites are decorated with a mix of antiques, books and modern amenities, while The Corkscrew Bar and Drawing Room don’t disappoint on either menu or ambiance. Enjoy guided walking and cycling tours or boat trips to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands. @greganscastle
