About Books in Places
How it began
Books in Places began in 2023 and has since run more than 60 trips, welcoming hundreds of readers,
many of whom return again and again.
Whenever I visit a new country or city, I love immersing myself in its atmosphere through a novel
set there. Reading a book rooted in the place I am exploring adds an extra layer to the experience.
Streets, culture and history come alive in a way that guidebooks alone never quite manage.
From book clubs to book-inspired travel
After years of running the Exeter and Bristol book clubs, I realised this immersive way of reading
resonated with others too. We did not just read books, we experienced them together.
We read Elif Shafak and gathered in a Turkish restaurant to discuss her work over a traditional meal.
We read Grace Dent and met in a restaurant worthy of one of her own reviews. These evenings showed
how powerful it can be to connect stories with real places and shared experiences.
From this, Books in Places was born. A way for book lovers from across the UK and beyond to step
into the worlds they read about.
What matters most
The book clubs I run have always been about more than just books. They are about connection.
They are open to all, with new members welcomed at every meeting. The heart of everything is
simple: a friendly, relaxed space where people can share their love of literature.
That same spirit carries through to every Books in Places trip.
Everyone arrives not knowing each other and leaves as firm friends. This is the real joy of
running Books in Places. A reading retreat is rarely a one-off experience. Once people have
been on one trip, many choose to return, which feels like the strongest endorsement we could ask for.
Where we have been, and where next
Our first literary-inspired trips took place in 2023, with weekends in Bath and Florence.
In 2024, we expanded to Barcelona, Marrakech, Pompeii, Delft and Lyme Regis.
In 2025, even more destinations were added, including Istanbul, Egypt, Budapest and new UK-based trips.
Looking ahead, 2027 promises yet more books and places to explore together, including our first
journeys to Asia.
Stay in touch
If you would like to hear about new trips as they are announced, leave your email and I will keep you posted.
