World Book Day 2023
Step into your favourite books in these UK literary locations
Posted: March 2023
Today we celebrate World Book Day 2023. World Book Day is a charity run event that changes lives through the love of books and reading. We’re proud to work with some of the biggest publishers in the UK helping to create bespoke prize promotions that allow their winners to embark on a unique journey as they step into the shoes of their characters.
So, we’ve picked some of our favourite UK literary locations that allow you to do just that and hopefully will inspire your next promotion or even for you to enjoy this Easter break.
AA Milne’s Hundred Acre Wood: Ashdown Forest, Sussex
Winnie-the-Pooh is the most loveable bear of all time – his famous stories have been captivating children since 1926. The iconic British character was created by AA Milne who lived on the edge of Ashdown Forest in Sussex, which inspired the Hundred Acre Wood that Pooh explored throughout the novels with Christopher Robin.
Pick up a map of the forest to follow in the great bear’s footsteps from the visitor centre. Then take a stroll across Pooh’s much-loved bridge where you can take a moment to play Pooh Sticks – the honey loving bear’s favourite game, before heading to Pooh corner for Afternoon Tea.
With lots of other attractions a short distance away such as Blackland Farm Activity Centre, Arundel Castle and West Wittering beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy during a long weekend break in Sussex.
Where to stay: Amberley Castle
Where to eat: Pooh Corner for Afternoon Tea
Roald Dahl’s BFG Country: Isle of Skye, Scotland
There are variety of locations that spring to mind when thinking of Roald Dahl’s repertoire of literacy, from heading to a real chocolate factory in Birmingham to watching Matilda the musical in London. But our favourite has to be hunting for giants in the Isle of Syke.
The awe-inspiring landscape of Skye was used by Steven Spielberg in the Disney BGF film to depict Giant’s Country. Visit the magical Fairie Glen, or walk in the giant’s footsteps by hiking the impressive Quiraing. If you time things well, you can even spot real life Giants in the wild as Mink whale sightings are a daily occurrence in the summer months.
Where to stay: 57 Nord- modern living with Scandinavian design
Where to eat: Loch Bay restaurant
JK Rowling’s Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
Perhaps some of the most famous books and films of all time are J K Rowling’s Harry Potter series, which have awed fans from all around the world. The popularity grew and what followed was a huge chain of themed attractions based on the franchise including Warner Bro’s Studio tour The Making of Harry Potter in London, as well as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening in Florida, LA and Japan.
But the most magical setting of the novels has to be Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Lacock Abbey was used to film the interior scenes of Hogwarts in many of the movies, including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The castle walls are magical for fans of all ages and are definitely less crowded than the bigger attractions.
Where to stay: Beechfield House
Where to eat: The Harp & Crown
If you’re looking for further inspiration for your next book or film promotion or want to incorporate any of our favourite UK literary locations in your next prize campaign or incentive scheme, get in touch at hello@ndlgroup.com
Take a look at World Book Days website here to look at resources and activities for today’s celebrations.
