Cottages with literary connections

The outdoor seating area at Welbeck Cottage, Sussex | © National Trust/Mike Henton

From Agatha Christie and Beatrix Potter, to Enid Blyton and William Wordsworth, the places we care for have inspired several well-known writers and poets. Book a holiday to one of these cottages to walk in their footsteps.

The exterior of Greenway House, Galmpton, near Brixham, Devon

Greenway Apartment, Devon

For Agatha Christie fans or those looking to unwind by the English Riviera, Greenway Apartment makes for a scenic escape. Christie's beloved holiday home, which appears as a crime scene in ‘Dead Man’s Folly’, is well placed for exploring the South Devon coastline.

Emley Farmhouse, Surrey

If you love Sherlock Holmes, it's worth exploring Hindhead Commons. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle found inspiration for ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ here. Boasting latticed windows and low-beamed ceilings, this 19th-century cottage is a peaceful retreat near the South Downs.

The pretty exterior of Fyne Court Cottage, The Quantocks, Somerset

Fyne Court Cottage, Somerset

Stay in this characterful former gardener’s cottage on the Fyne Court Estate, once home to scientist and poet Andrew Crosse. Conducting controversial experiments on his friends, it’s rumoured that Crosse was the real-life inspiration for the doctor in Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’.

The exterior of The Summer House, Cumbria

The Summer House, Lake District

Explore the inspiration for Beatrix Potter's stories. Her 17th-century home, Hill Top, is a 20-minute drive from The Summer House. Hidden in the grounds of Wray Castle, it's a cosy cottage surrounded by sweeping views of Potter's beloved Lake District.

The exterior of Groom's Cottage, Corfe Castle, Dorset

Groom's Cottage, Dorset

Corfe Castle is a key location in Enid Blyton's first 'Famous Five' book. Head off on an adventure from this quirky holiday cottage with medieval origins and contemporary décor, sat in the shadows of the castle.

Exterior of The Old Rectory, West Gower, Swansea

Rhossili Old Rectory, Wales

Delve into the inspiration behind Dylan Thomas’ story ‘Extraordinary Little Cough’ at Rhosili Bay. This cottage on the Gower Peninsula makes for a picturesque group getaway, with opportunities for alfresco dining and strolls along the beach.

Priest's House, Kent

Once home to writer Vita Sackville-West, discover her old writing room at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Priest's House is believed to be part of the former Elizabethan mansion here. Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling, is only a 30-minute drive away.

An aerial view of the front of Millbeck Towers, with Skiddaw in the background, Cumbria

Millbeck Towers, Lake District

Step back in time at the childhood home of Romantic poet William Wordsworth, just 20 minutes from Millbeck Towers. Stay in this fairy-tale tower with imposing turrets, a large garden and uninterrupted views over the Lakes.

An aerial view of Portland House including the ground floor and first floor terraces, Dorset

Portland House, Dorset

Larger groups can step back in time to experience 1930s glamour in this Art-Deco cottage overlooking Portland harbour. Just a 30-minute drive away is Thomas Hardy’s cottage. Walk in his footsteps at the family home where he wrote some of his finest novels.

The exterior of Welbeck Cottage, Sheffield Park and Gardens, East Sussex

Welbeck Cottage, East Sussex

Nestled in the heart of the Sheffield Park Estate, this comfortable cottage is packed with character. Discover Virginia Woolf’s 16th-century retreat, Monk's House, only a 30-minute drive away. Hidden away in the garden is her famous writing lodge where she wrote many of her works.