Literary lodgings of Britain - where the famous writers slept

Here is a selection of the best literary lodging to stay in the UK – just remember to pack your notepad!

Woolf Monk’s House Garden – Studio, Sussex

When not exploring the waters of the River Ouse, or the rolling South Downs, guests of this one-bedroomed garden studio in the grounds of Woolf’s country retreat – Monks House Garden Studios – can wander through the sensuous gardens, just yards from the author’s writing room. nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays

Roald Dahl's Cabin – Pembrokeshire

Sandwiched between Tenby Harbour and Carmarthen Bay, The Cabin’s first-floor self-catering apartment is where Dahl holidayed every Easter for 16 years as a child. Whether you’re exploring the charming Pembrokeshire Coast Path or spotting sea life from the living room window, every moment here will offer you your very own tale of the unexpected. thecabintenby.co.uk

Seamus Heaney's Laurel Villa – County Londonderry

Immerse yourself in the Northern Ireland landscape that influenced some of this Nobel laureate’s early work. Just five miles from the new Seamus Heaney Home, Laurel Villa is Ireland’s only poetry guest house, with a rare collection of first editions and an exhibition dedicated to the poet who visited and gave readings here. laurel-villa.com

Gavin Maxwell House – Isle of Skye

Eilean Ban is where the otter-loving author of Ring of Bright Water lived his final months. Accessed through a gate in the bridge, this former lighthouse keeper’s cottage is perfect for spotting basking sharks and seabirds. scottish-cottages.co.uk

The John Ruskin Lodge – Lake District

Brantwood was the home of thinker, writer, painter and social reformer Ruskin, and this small flat in the main house has the same lake views that inspired his imagination. What better place for creative contemplation than between the shores of Coniston Water and Grizedale Forest? brantwood.org.uk

Agatha Christie Greenway – Devon

The Queen of Crime had murder in mind when holidaying at Greenway on the banks of Devon’s River Dart. It’s the setting for Dead Man’s Folly, among others, so it would be criminal not to explore the Dart Estuary and seductive South Devon coastline on your stay. nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/greenway-apartment-devon