Sherlock Holmes, Oliver Twist, Harry Potter — these characters remind us of the youthful reading we probably spent long autumn evenings with. What if you could meet these heroes again, almost face to face? It’s possible! London has museums dedicated to these characters and their creators.
Join us on a journey in the footsteps of English writers, let yourself be transported to the world of the novel, and learn about the everyday lives of its authors. Drop your belongings at one of Luggage Storage London‘s locations and hit the road with confidence. There are plenty of reliable companies like Radical Storage. Then, embark on this fantastic book journey with ease.
Charles Dickens Museum
Who among us doesn’t know “A Christmas Carol” or experience the adventures of Oliver Twist?
To this day, the house where these works were created still stands at 48 Doty Street. The desk where the writer poured out stories from “The Pickwick Papers” and “Nicholas Nickleby” still stands.
You can also see souvenirs related to the writer’s creative and personal life, including original or copied furniture, letters, manuscripts, paintings, photographs, and documents. All of this is part of the museum’s exhibition, which has operated on this site since 1925.
It was in this apartment that the Dickens family lived from 1837 to 1839. Their two daughters were born here, and here Charles experienced tragedy — the death of his wife, Catherine, his most faithful muse.
Today, the house on Doughty Street is the only surviving place where the writer lived. Here, you can soak up the atmosphere of those times and immerse yourself in the artist’s everyday life. A good opportunity to do this is, for example, to try making butter in Dickens’s kitchen using Catherine’s recipe.
Where? 48 Doughty Street
How to get there? Bus routes 7, 17, 19, 38, 45, 46, 55, 243
When? Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sherlock Holmes Museum
This is the only place in the world where you can immerse yourself in the world of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective. The museum was founded in 1990 at 221B Baker Street (or rather, in a building somewhere between numbers 237 and 241), because, according to the books, this is where Sherlock Holmes and his companion Watson lived.
The area is steeped in this popular literary character: a monument, a detective-themed café, tourists strolling around in Sherlock caps, and, most importantly, the museum building.
We will see numerous memorabilia associated with the famous hero and the personality of his creator. Letters, a book, a hastily hidden newspaper — these are elements that serve to prove the detective’s (fictional, after all) presence in this place.
A visit to the museum will be a true treat for Holmes fans and for those who aren’t the most dedicated. So, no matter your level of sympathy for Sherlock or Conan Doyle, be sure to visit this most famous address in the world during your stay in London.
Where? 221B Baker Street
When? Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Harry Potter Museum
Finally, a true gem, a dream attraction for fans of both the Harry Potter books and films. Anyone who wants to be transported to the magical world of the novels or movies will have a wonderful time here. The museum was established at Warner Bros. Film Studios in Watford, near London.
Stepping through the doors, we find ourselves in places known from the Harry Potter films. We peek into the secret compartment under the stairs where the young wizard slept. We visit, among other things, the Hogwarts Great Hall, the boys’ dormitories, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s cabin, and the Weasleys’ house. In the latter, there are magical elements: a knife will cut a carrot by itself, and knitting needles will knit a sweater.
During the tour, we also come across numerous wizarding paraphernalia: costumes, wands, books, spells, and even a flying car. We’ll learn how and why Harry Potter’s fictional adventures were brought to cinema screens. And the incentive to see all these attractions is none other than the wizards themselves, who, of course, also speak to us on screen.
Where? Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden
When? Opening hours vary from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Paddington Station
The bear’s adventures began at the station. This adorable character, Paddington, was named after him. A statue of him now stands on Platform 1, and a shop dedicated to him can be found inside the station. You can buy books, toys, and other Paddington souvenirs there. And if you or your child are fans of the books, you can follow the route they describe. It’s sure to be a fascinating adventure. By the way, there is a Radical Storage branch nearby, so you won’t have to sightsee with heavy bags in your hands.
Charles Dickens’s London
Charles Dickens, who lived most of his life in London, wrote about the Victorian city. In his novels, such as Bleak House, Oliver Twist, and Little Dorrit, London serves as both a backdrop and a character. Scholars of the writer’s work have long explored the hidden meanings he imbued in his images of the city.
Places associated with Dickens can be found throughout London. For example, the Camden area, where the writer spent his childhood, the house museum where Oliver Twist and other works were written, and the Victorian-era pub, the George Inn, are mentioned in Little Dorrit.
Conclusion
If, upon returning from this trip, you find yourself saying “it was epic,” it won’t be just an empty, meaningless cliché. And if it seems unrealistic, remember — this is not fiction; it really happened, although perhaps in a slightly different London than the one known from guidebooks and photographs. And if you’ve found a Radical Storage location near the train station in advance, you won’t have to explore these magical places with heavy luggage.
