London
London's literature experience: explore bloomsbury
Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours
4.8
(12)
London's literature experience: explore bloomsbury
Explore beautiful Bloomsbury, London's literary neighborhood. Discover unique bookstores, Shakespeare's tavern and more with a literature-loving host
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Explore the very places that were home to the greatest literate minds and visit the places they once met
- Browse the unique bookshops in London that only a book lover knows about
- Experience the places that have inspired iconic writers and the spots that feature in famous novels
- Chat about your favorite books over coffee in a cozy, independent coffee shop with your host or visit one of the pubs where literary greats like Dickens, Shakespeare or Wilde used to drink!
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
3-hour experience
Private and personalized
Pick-up from your accommodation (within a reasonable distance- hooray!)
Walking experience
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What’s not included
Additional food and drink
Transport costs
Tickets to any attractions
Gratuities
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
London and literature go together like bangers and mash (or peanut butter and jam if you have a sweet tooth). Uncover a world of literature and the arts as you follow your local London host, a bookworm like yourself, through Bloomsbury, counting the blue plaques which chronicle London's literary past.
Heads up; there are a lot! Discover the spots immortalized in classic tales, following in the footsteps of your favorite characters, and be transported back to a time when some of the most influential writers roamed these streets.
You'll visit the hidden haunts of writers' past and browse quirky bookshops that only a fellow literature lover would know. See the places where Shakespeare drank and dined with friends and where great minds such as Wilde and Woolf gained inspiration for their works.
Stop by Dickens' old house, which is now a museum, browse magical bookshops like Persephone, which lovingly republishes out-of-print novels by female authors, or enjoy a pint (or that gin we mentioned earlier) in the pub where Shakespeare used to drink.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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What travelers think of this experience
Luisa
May 2023
She asked us about our interests and made useful suggestions of her own.
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Priya
Nov 2021
I had Ana-as my tour guide. Ana made the tour personal and intimate. She had the maximum knowledge on JK Rowling and Harry Potter. and the locations that inspired the writer to create the epic series. Ana was thoughtful. And went ahead to spend a lot more time than the usual.
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Clay
May 2021
Our tour guide Anna was amazing. Kind, patient and well educated giving us a pleasant experience. She was also kind enough to show us how to use the tubes. Thank you for an amazing literature tour. We wish you the best! - Clay and Ardus
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Ann Marie
Feb 2020
Our guide Adrian was sweet, knowledgeable and fun to hang out with for a day of exploring some of London’s literary treasures.
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Allison
Dec 2019
Adrian was knowledgeable, interested in what I wanted to learn about, and showed me several hidden gems on our afternoon in London. I would tour again with Adrian in a heartbeat.
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Maggie
Sep 2018
Hi Anna, We were met by the delightful Elle on Saturday and enjoyed a relaxed and interesting walking tour of the city. The route was perfectly tailored for our group and each one of us thought it was a lovely way to spend a view hours together while learning a bit more about London. Thank you so much for your communication prior to our trip and to Elle for her time, guidance and company.
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