Children's book inspired holidays in England

The best-known English children's books are often set or created in some of the country's most fantastical places.

To help holidaymakers get the best out of the places and attractions linked with children's books, Enjoy England is launching a free map and new website on September 4th.

The full-colour, fold-out map features the places connected with books such as Alice in Wonderland, Thomas the Tank Engine, Peter Pan, Harry Potter and The Wind in the Willows, covering 38 writers in all.

The website will have an interactive version of the map with additional information and event listings for families to be able enjoy a holiday that takes in some of England’s literary heritage.

Harry Potter fans in the north-east can head to Alnwick castle in Northumberland, one of the key locations for the film series based on the boy wizard.

Once there, tours can be taken of the medieval castle that show visitors the settings for Quidditch matches and Hagrid’s Hut as well as other areas that provide the backdrop for Warner Brothers' films.

The Harry Spotter Tours take place hourly every day until October 29th.

Alnwick town also has weekly markets, a large second-hand bookshop, a museum dedicated to the town's history and a playhouse.

And if you want to see more castles, there are plenty more dotted along the coastal roads nearby.

For more information see www.alnwickcastle.com

If you are planning to holiday in the north-east in November, then there is more Harry Potter-themed fun to be had.

The Eureka! interactive museum for children in Halifax, West Yorkshire, has a Harry Potter Wizarding Weekend from November 25th to 26th.

Suitable for children aged three and above, the event will have visitors cooking up potions and incanting charms and getting a lesson in practical magic.

The event is free upon entry to the museum, which has over 400 exhibits aimed at the under-11s. For more information see www.eureka.org.uk

Another north-eastern attraction for children who love reading is the Centre for Children's Books in Newcastle.

Entirely dedicated to children's literature, the centre is hosts many events where children can meet top authors.

One such event is a storytelling session on September 30th with Michelle Paver, author of Wolf Brother and Spirit Walker, part of the popular Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series.

The event is suitable for all the family and pre-booking is advisable. For more information see www.sevenstories.org.uk

To order a free map and find out more see www.enjoyengland.com/storybook

For information on accommodation see www.visitbritain.com XXX