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NDTV
4 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
Literary Journeys Are Changing The Way We Travel: 10 Bucket-List Destinations Inspired By Famous Novels
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. Explore 10 real-life destinations that inspired iconic novels, from Sherlock Holmes' London to Harry Potter's Edinburgh. Experience the charm of Verona, the beauty of Prince Edward Island, and the allure of Paris, each steeped in literary history. Some books don't just tell a story — they make you feel like you've actually been somewhere. You can almost smell the rain-soaked streets of Victorian London, feel the sun on a Tuscan hillside, or hear the buzz of 1920s New York. That's the power of a great setting. And in some cases, those spots exist off the page, too. Literary travel isn't about chasing fictional ghosts — it's about connecting with the unique places that sparked a writer's imagination. From classic novels to pop-culture giants, here are 10 real-life holiday destinations tied to some of the most iconic works of fiction ever written. Here Are 10 Best Holiday Destinations That Inspired The World's Most Famous Novels: 1. London, England — Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle London isn't just a backdrop for Sherlock Holme s — it's practically a supporting character. From the foggy lanes of Baker Street to the gas-lit alleys of Soho, Holmes' world is alive in today's capital. You can visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum at the iconic 221B, browse first editions at Daunt Books, or follow Holmes-themed walking tours that trace his adventures across landmarks like the Royal Opera House and the Embankment. The original stories, first published in The Strand magazine in the late 19th century, changed the detective genre forever — and turned Victorian London into a place of cunning intellect and sinister charm. Even now, it feels oddly fitting to read Holmes on the Tube, glancing up suspiciously at fellow passengers. 2. Paris, France — The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown Say what you will about The Da Vinci Code, but Dan Brown didn't just write a thriller — he redefined Paris tourism for a whole new generation. The novel's dizzying mix of art history and conspiracy theories weaves through some of the city's most iconic locations, from the Louvre Museum to Saint-Sulpice Church and beyond. Sure, it's heavy on the melodrama, but the thrill of standing in front of the Mona Lisa, knowing Robert Langdon sprinted past the same spot, is undeniable. Plus, Paris is never a bad idea — especially when layered with riddles, cryptic symbols, and a side of espresso. 3. Tokyo, Japan — Norwegian Woo d by Haruki Murakami Murakami's melancholic coming-of-age novel is steeped in 1960s Tokyo, even if much of the story unfolds in memory. The city has changed, but places like Yoyogi Park, Waseda University, and Shinjuku still echo the emotional isolation and beauty of Norwegian Wood. Murakami rarely names locations directly, but the atmosphere of Tokyo — its quiet corners, rainy afternoons, and neon-soaked nights — is in every line. It's modern literary travel: Subtle, emotional, and deeply personal. 4. Verona, Italy — Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Shakespeare probably never set foot in Verona, but that hasn't stopped the city from embracing Romeo and Juliet with full romantic fervour. The Casa di Giulietta, with its famous balcony and a bronze statue of Juliet, draws thousands of visitors annually. Letters to Juliet-real ones, asking for love advice-are still delivered here, and a team of volunteers replies to them, just like in the film. The city itself, with its terracotta rooftops, winding lanes and Roman amphitheatre, feels like a sonnet come to life. Sure, it's touristy-but also surprisingly moving. 5. Prince Edward Island, Canada — Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Few books have put a place on the map quite like Anne of Green Gables. The windswept fields, red cliffs, and sleepy villages of Prince Edward Island are more than a setting — they're practically a character. L.M. Montgomery based Avonlea on her own hometown of Cavendish, and fans can now visit Green Gables Heritage Place, the Anne of Green Gables Museum, and even stay at themed B&Bs. Whether you grew up with Anne's stories or discovered them later, visiting PEI is like stepping into a gentler, more poetic version of the world. Bonus: The seafood is outstanding. 6. New York, USA — The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Gatsby's parties might have been fictional, but they had very real inspiration. Fitzgerald based East and West Egg on Long Island's Gold Coast, where mansions still line the water. New York City itself — the backdrop to Gatsby's rise and Daisy's distraction — was the epicentre of Roaring Twenties glamour. Today, you can sip cocktails in Gatsby-style jazz clubs, stroll through Central Park in vintage attire, or visit the Plaza Hotel, where one of the novel's most dramatic scenes unfolds. It's all opulence, ambition, and aching nostalgia — just like the book. 7. Salzburg, Austria — The Sound of Music (based on Maria von Trapp's memoirs) While best known as a musical, The Sound of Music is rooted in real events-and real places. Maria von Trapp's memoir inspired the story, and Salzburg has embraced its role in the world's collective imagination. You can join a Sound of Music tour (yes, they sing on the bus), visit the Mirabell Gardens, or even hike up the hills that were, quite literally, alive with music. It's kitschy. It's touristy. And it's completely wonderful — especially if you grew up watching Julie Andrews twirl in Technicolor. 8. Edinburgh, Scotland — Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling Edinburgh is where J K Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter, scribbling early drafts in cafes like The Elephant House and Spoon. Fans flock to Greyfriars Kirkyard, where gravestones bear names like "McGonagall" and "Riddle". But even beyond Potter, the city has serious literary chops. It's home to the Scottish Storytelling Centre, hosts the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and was the world's first UNESCO City of Literature. Rowling also drew heavily from the grandeur of the Oxford University in England and its centuries-old traditions, and several scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot here. If Hogwarts had a twin, it would be here — hidden behind ancient stone walls and spiral staircases. 9. Bath, England — Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Although most of Pride and Prejudice unfolds in the English countryside, Bath was a pivotal place in Austen's life and several of her novels. She lived there from 1801 to 1806, and the city's elegant Georgian architecture influenced Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. Austenites can visit the Jane Austen Centre, dress in Regency attire for the annual Jane Austen Festival, or stroll along Royal Crescent pretending they've just received a scandalous letter from Mr. Darcy. Bath is charming, walkable, and steeped in literary romance. 10. Barcelona, Spain — The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon If ever a novel made a love letter of its setting, it's this one. The Shadow of the Wind isn't just set in Barcelona — it's obsessed with it. Ruiz Zafon's gothic mystery captures the foggy alleys of the Barri Gotic, the grandeur of Passeig de Gracia, and the melancholy weight of post-war Spain. Many of the book's settings are real, and there's even a literary walking tour that follows the footsteps of protagonist Daniel. For fans, it's like being handed a map to the secret heart of the city.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I'm grew up in one of the UK's most ‘boring' towns – it's anything but with Netflix filming and beautiful castles
WHEN I was growing up in Grantham, it wasn't uncommon to hear the word 'boring' thrown around - and not just because I was a sullen teenager, In fact, the south-west Lincolnshire town where I whiled away my childhood had been branded dull on a number of occasions. 8 I grew up in Grantham and it's anything but boring 8 The town is known for being the home of Margaret Thatcher - when it was first named a dull town by Radio 1 Credit: Alamy It was dubbed the 'most boring town in Britain' in a 1980 Radio One survey, when its most famous former resident, Margaret Thatcher, was prime minister. It still makes me chuckle that when That the town is still shorthand for 'monotony' is an unfortunate fact raised again by a new Daily Telegraph round-up that has made headlines in the past few weeks. Grantham sits amongst Read more on UK towns However, now in my 30s, I can't help but disagree that, from things to do to sites to see, my hometown isn't so uninteresting after all. If you're into history , then Grantham has centuries of it - with sites arguably as impressive as nearby Stamford or There's the blue plaque to spy on the side of a shop on the town's North Parade where Thatcher was born in 1925 - which also happens to be a chiropractic clinic and natural therapy centre, called Living Health , if you fancy a massage too. There's likewise the Angel and Royal hotel - aged 821 years - which is believed to be one of the oldest hotels in the world, and has hosted no fewer than seven kings and queens. Most read in News Travel Even if you don't stay in one of its 31 bedrooms, you still pop in to the The Kings Room restaurant, as well as The Angel Bar - which serves cocktails and tapas. Just outside town, in the village of Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, is the National Trust property Woolsthorpe Manor - the former home of Sir Isaac Newton. Grantham - underrated town of the Midlands It was from a tree at the premises that he famously saw the apple drop, leading to the discovery of Grantham has certainly had its brush with celebrity over the years, and usually as a filming location for iconic films and Netflix series. grand National Trust property on the edge of town - and a must-see in its own right - was famously enlisted for the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring More recently, the 17th-century mansion was used for the Bridgerton spin-off Queen Charlotte - in which it doubles up as the interior for Kew Palace and the exterior for Buckingham House. Another fancy residence close by that is well worth a visit, Belvoir Castle was used to film The Da Vinci Code - with Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and Ian McKellen spotted on set. 8 Belton House is a popular filming location Credit: Alamy 8 Bridgerton spin-off Queen Charlotte was filmed there Credit: LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX 8 The BBC's Pride & Prejudice also used the grounds as filming location As well as A-list royalty, plenty of real royalty have also passed through - including King Charles, who stayed over at Belton House during his training at RAF Cranwell in 1971. Currently, the most famous local residents are arguably Rebekah Vardy and her husband, If you like a good catch-up over a cappuccino, things have come a long way since I was a kid when the best place for a caffeine hit in town was Costa. Westgate Bakery is just off the Market Place, which hosts a market every Saturday selling all manner of lovely local produce, from honey to veg. The 14th-century Grantham House, yet another National Trust property, is currently the talk of the town since opening a new cafe within its five acres of walled gardens in April. Other local favourites for a cuppa include Kitchen and Coffee and the café at Belton Garden Centre. 8 Belvoir Castle was used to film The Da Vinci Code Credit: Alamy 8 The Angel and Royal is one of the UK's oldest hotels Credit: Alamy The aforementioned Belvoir Castle's Retail Village is also great spot to spend an afternoon, and you can also pick up some nice bits from the farm shop too. Fancy something stronger? The Blue Pig, a 16th-century watering hole, is perfect for a pint, while The Tap & Tonic is unrivalled for cocktails. If you're after a way to blow off some steam - and perhaps have little ones in tow - then Grantham actually has plenty of things to do. The Grantham Meres Leisure Centre boasts a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool, along with three leisure pools and its very own big windy slide. Feeling competitive? Grantham Bowl has 12 lanes and an American-style diner for refreshments, while you can go go-karting at Ancaster Leisure which has one of the biggest tracks in the region. In fact, for kids, you also can't go wrong with a trip to Belton House's adventure playground, which is the National Trust's largest in the country. For adults who fancy a bit of relaxation, then the country hotel Belton Woods is home to a popular spa and golf course. When I was growing up the cinema had just two screens and was a bit tired - however the shiny new five-screen Savoy Cinema multiplex was built on the same site and opened in 2019. One of my favourite free activities? A rural hike up to Belmont Tower - just a ten-minute drive outside town - from which you can see for miles on a clear day. So with the historic hotels, famous castles and new attractions - Grantham is anything but boring. 8 It definitely isn't a boring town - I can vouch for that Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Jesus did have children with 'wife' Mary Magdalene 'lost Gospel' proves
A controversial manuscript that is nearly 1,500 years old claims that Jesus Christ was married to prostitute Mary Magdalene and the couple had two children - despite no historical accounts of the marriage A bombshell manuscript said to be nearly 1,500 years old has sparked fresh debate by suggesting Jesus Christ was wed to Mary Magdalene and the pair had children. Dubbed the "Lost Gospel", the document, which surfaced in the British Library, reveals these shocking claims after translation from Aramaic as reported by The Sunday Times. While many scholars have historically downplayed Mary Magdalene's role, translators of this text believe she held much more prominence. Professor Barrie Wilson and writer Simcha Jacobovic devoted months to translating the ancient text, concluding that it identifies the original Virgin Mary as Jesus's spouse rather than his mother and asserts they conceived two children. Mary Magdalene's presence is woven throughout traditional gospel narratives, witnessing key events in Jesus's life, but this "Lost Gospel" isn't the pioneer in proposing she was Jesus's wife, reports the Express. The audacious idea previously surfaced in Nikos Kazantzakis's 1953 novel "The Last Temptation of Christ" and was famously echoed by Dan Brown in his bestseller "The Da Vinci Code". Known from the four canonical gospels as a devout follower who journeyed with Jesus, Magdalene's story remains interlaced with his, her significance perhaps greater than ever imagined. She is also thought to have been present at his crucifixion and subsequently, his resurrection. She is named a dozen times in the canonical gospels - more than most of the apostles. It's widely acknowledged among secular historians that Mary Magdalene, like Jesus, was a real historical figure. She is also referred to more than any other woman in the gospels, apart from Jesus's family. Magdalene is recognised as a saint by several religions including the Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox and Lutheran churches. In 2016, Pope Francis elevated the level of liturgical memory on July 22 from memorial to feast, and declared her to be known as the "Apostle of the apostles". In some Protestant Churches, she is celebrated as a heroine of the faith, while the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates her on the Sunday of the Myrrhbearers. During the Counter-Reformation in Roman Catholicism, the descriptor "penitent" was appended to her name on her feast day.
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Lost Gospel' claims Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had two children
A controversial new claim, countering traditional narratives, alleges Jesus Christ tied the knot with 'prostitute' Mary Magdalene and fathered two kids. This bombshell is based on a nearly 1,500 year old manuscript unearthed in the British Library. Labelled as the "Lost Gospel" and translated from ancient Aramaic, the document reportedly includes these shocking revelations, as reported by The Sunday Times. Despite the tendency of many scholars to dismiss the historical influence of biblical figures, this newly interpreted gospel paints Magdalene in a far more pivotal role than previously assumed. After extensive work on the translation, Professor Barrie Wilson and author Simcha Jacobovic assert that the text confirms Jesus's parenthood of two children and identifies the real Virgin Mary as his spouse rather than his mother. Mary Magdalene's presence intertwines throughout the prevailing gospels, witnessing many crucial events of Jesus's life. However, this "Lost Gospel" isn't the inaugural suggestion of a marital bond between her and Jesus, reports the Express. The notion was famously echoed by Nikos Kazantzakis in "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1953) and quite notably by Dan Brown in his blockbuster novel "The Da Vinci Code", both weaving the same claim into their stories. Magdalene maintains a significant presence in Jesus's tale, remembered as a key follower who accompanied him as per the four canonical gospels. She is widely believed to have witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus and also his resurrection. Mary Magdalene's name appears a dozen times across the canonical gospels, which is more than many of the apostles. There is a broad consensus among secular scholars that Mary Magdalene was as much a historical figure as Jesus himself. Moreover, apart from the family of Jesus, she is the most frequently mentioned woman in the gospels. Regarded as a saint by various Christian faiths, including Catholicism, Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Lutheranism, Magdalene holds a revered place in religious history. In a significant move by the Vatican in 2016, Pope Francis elevated Mary Magdalene's July 22 memorial to the rank of a feast day and declared her the "Apostle of the apostles". Within certain Protestant denominations, she is celebrated as a beacon of faith, while the Eastern Orthodox Church honours her annually on the Sunday of the Myrrhbearers. The Roman Catholic tradition, particularly during the Counter-Reformation, began denoting her with the title "penitent" when referring to her on her feast day.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FTSE annual reports now longer than The Da Vinci Code as red tape goes mad
The average FTSE 100 annual report is now longer than The Da Vinci Code as a blizzard of red tape forces companies to churn out epics that almost nobody fully reads. The word count of FTSE 100 company reports has increased by 27pc since 2019, according to research by the Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA), rising to 152,000 on average – around 13,000 words longer than Dan Brown's 2003 mystery novel. Some companies produce updates more than double that length. Devoted readers of HSBC's annual report may have to set aside a week or two to get through the 341,880 words over 446 pages that detail the goings on at the London-listed bank. That is almost 100,000 words more than Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Corporate updates have ballooned in size thanks to a growing list of regulatory requirements and greater scrutiny of issues such as pay, gender and ethnic balance within companies, and the environmental impact of a business. In its latest report HSBC devoted more than 90 pages to corporate governance, while its environmental, social and governance (ESG)-related disclosures ran on for more than 40 pages, as it discussed financed emissions and how the bank manages climate risk. Remuneration reports for companies listed on the main market of the London stock exchange have grown in length by 40pc since 2019, now averaging 10,000 words. ESG-related disclosures were found to be around 11,000 words on average, an increase of 236pc since 2019. While such candour may sound worthy to some, James Ashton, the chief executive of the QCA, said the sheer length of most reports was doing more to obscure information than reveal it. He said: 'Annual reports can be vital tools for shareholder communication, but as chapter after chapter is added to them every year, it's time to call a halt. 'We need to focus on what's really important to engender investor trust and confidence and discard the waffle that distracts from delivering growth.' Across all segments of the London Stock Exchange, the length of the average annual report has now ballooned to 98,000 words, which is longer than J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Even reports on London's junior AIM market, which is meant to be more light-touch, clock in at 42,000 words on average, longer than CS Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Mr Ashton called on the Government to rethink the UK's corporate reporting regime and work to simplify and standardise reporting requirements for quoted companies. The QCA wants the requirements for environmental disclosures to be cut down and more simplified rules around reporting on pay. The Department for Business and Trade is expected to hold a consultation later this year on changes to the UK's non-financial reporting framework. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Sign in to access your portfolio
