On The Trail Of Dorset’s Literary Heroes

If you’re looking to visit somewhere with a rich literary heritage, one excellent choice is Dorset. Caravan parks in the county allow you to stay in cosy, comfortable accommodation that makes the perfect base from which to explore a region that has inspired countless writers throughout the years.

Dorset caravan parks are dotted all throughout the county, so no matter which writer’s haunts you’re interested in visiting you’ll find somewhere to suit. Why not explore the worlds of these great authors?

Thomas Hardy

The famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy set most of his tales in a fictional place known as ‘Wessex’, which has its roots in the part of Dorset he was raised. Many locations within the county can be found in his stories under different names.

You can dig deeper into the writer’s life and inspirations with a visit to the Hardy exhibition at Dorset County Museum, in Dorchester, which includes a faithful recreation of his study and a display of some of his personal possessions. It’s also worth paying a visit to Max Gate, the Victorian townhouse that Hardy designed and inhabited in his later life.

Enid Blyton

Childhood holidays in Dorset left a lifelong impression on Enid Blyton, who set many of her stories in fictional locales inspired by real places in the county. If you’re a fan of her rollicking Famous Five stories, visiting some of these amazing locations will give you an idea of just why they sparked her imagination.

Make a journey to the ruins of Corfe Castle, the inspiration for the grand Kirrin Castle with its hidden treasure. Or take a ferry to the wild Brownsea Island, which become the mysterious Whispering Island in Blyton’s books. The whole county is tinged with the atmosphere of her exciting adventure stories, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan.

Jane Austen

Jane Austen took several holidays to Lyme Regis in her lifetime and her final novel, Persuasion, features the town and, in particular, the famous Cobb Harbour. Persuasion is said to be the most autobiographical of all of Austen’s stories, so true fans will savour the opportunity to tread in the author’s footsteps.

The town is extremely popular as a holiday destination and there are a number of great places to stay in this area of Dorset. Caravan parks nearby are a particularly good choice, offering comfort and convenience for your visit.

Chris Chibnall

It’s not just the authors of the classics who’ve been inspired by this atmospheric county. Television writer Chris Chibnall’s hit crime drama Broadchurch is set in a small village on the Jurassic Coast, and the series has been described as his “love letter” to its glorious scenery. Although the specific village of Broadchurch is fictional, the series is inspired by and filmed entirely on location in Dorset.

The iconic cliff that served as the scene of Danny Latimer’s murder in the show is, in reality, Harbour Cliff in West Bay, and the market town of Bridport also featured heavily during shooting. Why not relive the intrigue of the series by taking a trip to these memorable locations?

If you’re planning on taking a literary trip to Dorset, caravan parks all around the county make for great home bases as you follow the trail of your favourite writers and see the stunning scenery that so inspired them.

Author Plate

Michael Paul is the Managing Director of Michael Paul Holidays, a holiday property agency offering a handpicked range of accommodation in wonderful UK locations. Whether you are looking for the best Dorset caravan parks or the cosiest cottages and log cabins in Scotland, he and his team will find you that perfect property for an unforgettable trip.