There is a certain feeling associated with opening the pages of a new book. Whether fresh off the press or pre-loved and second-hand, we wouldn’t blame you for quickly finding yourself swept up in a world of fascinating stories and characters.
September is Read a New Book Month and represents the perfect chance to inspire a different type of adventure in your caravan or motorhome. While many owners will be familiar with cosying down in your leisure vehicle with a book on rainy days, we’re talking about exploring real-life literary destinations.
To mark the month, Aura Print has put together a list of the best cities for book lovers in the UK. So, get ready to wander in the footsteps of Jane Austen and JK Rowling, and discover bookshops to stock up on volumes for those autumn evenings in your caravan or motorhome that are on their way.
York
York took the top spot as the best UK city for book lovers, boasting the highest number of reading spots per 100,000 people among all cities analysed. Home to 20 libraries and 33 highly rated bookshops, check out Minster and King’s Manor Libraries, as well as Grimoire Bookshop and Fossgate Books.
Bath
It’s hard not to think of Jane Austen as you wander around the Regency architecture of Bath. In fact, the city hosts a festival dedicated to the author every September. Why not head to Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights and treat yourself to a new copy of Persuasion to enjoy in your caravan?!
Belfast
Take your leisure vehicle on the ferry across the Irish Sea to Belfast and discover its 18 libraries and 55 charming bookshops. Author CS Lewis was born in the city and the square bearing his name is full of sculptures from characters in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Getting up close to Aslan is an absolute must-do for fans.
Bristol
Bristol secured fourth place on the list, thanks to its treasure trove of independent and secondhand bookshops. In fact, there are 17.41 bookstores per 100,000 people who live in the city. Get your hands on Angela Carter’s Bristol Trilogy – Shadow Dance, Several Perceptions and Love – to enjoy while exploring the city and lookout for local landmarks like Cabot Tower, Bristol Museum and Arnolfini, which feature among their pages.
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital is awash with locations associated with literary figures. We’re looking at you JK Rowling and Sir Walter Scott, whose monument looms over the main shopping street. Not far from the reminder of the great novelist and poet is Topping & Company, a bookshop complete with 70,000 titles on its handmade shelves, accessed by rolling library ladders. Check the schedule of events before a visit for book signings, talks and book groups.
Photo credit: Pexels/Thirdman
