Muddy Stilettos


<p>It&#8217;s official: the era of the Literary It-Girl is here. Thanks to BookTok and the rise of the celebrity book club (from Dua Lipa to Dakota Johnson, seriously, who doesn&#8217;t have one these days?), reading is apparently the sexiest thing you could be doing right now. And it&#8217;s no longer just a beach holiday pastime either. Literary travel is having a serious moment. From bookish retreats where the only agenda is reading (bliss), to adventures inspired by your favourite author or novel, to checking into a hotel purely to make a heroic dent in your ever-teetering TBR list — travelling with a good book in mind has never been more popular.</p>



<p>In fact, some hotels are now taking it even further, teaming up with local bookstores or publishers to offer packages that throw in books as part of your stay. It marks a new chapter in wellness travel, taking a pause from everyday life, ditching digital screens, and taking the time to fully rest and recharge. Sold? Here are some of the best book-inspired stays to schedule in the diary this year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treehouse-hotel-london"><a href="https://www.treehousehotels.com/london" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treehouse Hotel</a>, London</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1105" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/191106_THH_Madras_1114_HighRes.jpg" alt="Treehouse Hotel, London literary travel" class="wp-image-132616" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/191106_THH_Madras_1114_HighRes.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/191106_THH_Madras_1114_HighRes-600x442.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/191106_THH_Madras_1114_HighRes-1000x737.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For an escape completely and utterly built around books, the new <a href="https://www.treehousehotels.com/london/offers/once-upon-stay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Once Upon A Stay</a> package at Marylebone&#8217;s urban Treehouse Hotel has your name all over it. Not one, not two, but <em>five</em> books will be waiting for you in your room, all thanks to the hotel&#8217;s year-long partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing. Themes of the novels change monthly. Naturally, February was all about romance (<em>WANT</em> by Gillian Anderson being firmly on the lineup), with March centred around fantasy fiction. If that hasn&#8217;t got you hitting the book button already, you&#8217;ll also get cocktails hand-delivered to your bedroom door. Say no more, we&#8217;re in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-francis-hotel-bath"><a href="https://www.francishotel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Francis Hotel</a>, Bath</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2251" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Francis-Hotel-Mr-Bs-Readers-Retreat.jpg" alt="Francis Hotel, Bath literary breaks near me" class="wp-image-132620" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Francis-Hotel-Mr-Bs-Readers-Retreat.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Francis-Hotel-Mr-Bs-Readers-Retreat-400x600.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Francis-Hotel-Mr-Bs-Readers-Retreat-666x1000.jpg 666w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Francis-Hotel-Mr-Bs-Readers-Retreat-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Francis-Hotel-Mr-Bs-Readers-Retreat-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Bath is something of a literary epicentre, boasting numerous connections to beloved authors including Jane Austen, Mary Shelley, and Charles Dickens to name a few. The new two-night&nbsp;<a href="https://www.francishotel.com/offers/offer/readers-retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Readers’ Retreat Package</a> at one of the city&#8217;s most gorgeous boutiques sounds very lovely indeed. Teaming up with local indie bookshop, Mr B’s Emporium, guests will be treated to a hand-selected, beautifully wrapped book chosen based on a questionnaire sent after booking. It&#8217;s basically Christmas. Tea, coffee, and cake is provided to keep the reading tank fuelled during your stay, plus, the package is perfectly timed with the opening of the hotel&#8217;s new thermal spa in March. An immaculate wellness escape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-budock-vean-hotel-cornwall"><a href="https://www.budockvean.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Budock Vean Hotel</a>, Cornwall</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/budock.jpg" alt="Budock Vean Hotel, Cornwall best reading retreats uk" class="wp-image-132627" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/budock.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/budock-480x600.jpg 480w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/budock-800x1000.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Gone are the days of readers just being content to burn through paperbacks by the pool. In 2026, swathes of literary travellers are wanting more. Much more. This year, check into country house bolthole Budock Vean Hotel in Falmouth for <a href="https://www.budockvean.co.uk/offer/readers-retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Reading Room Retreat</a> &#8211; a series of self-led literary&nbsp;escapes&nbsp;featuring books set alongside the nearby Helford River. Not just a way for guests to connect to the real-life settings of the novels and see the world through the eyes of three fantastic authors, but the retreat offers a genuine chance to disconnect, slow down, and fully sit in the moment. </p>



<p>The two-night package includes a copy of either <em>The Secret Shore&nbsp;</em>by Liz Fenwick (author signed), <em>Frenchman’s Creek</em>&nbsp;by&nbsp;Daphne&nbsp;du Maurier, or <em>Five Million Tides</em>&nbsp;by Christian Boulton&nbsp;(author signed) &#8211; depending on the time of year you visit. Sprawl out on a picnic blanket by the river, curl up in the hotel&#8217;s fireplace library, or check yourself into the spa for a day of pampering. A phone-free basket is even provided in your room for the ultimate immersive digital detox. Bliss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boutique-book-breaks-uk"><a href="https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boutique Book Breaks</a>, UK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BoutiqueBookBreaks-Amber-RoseSmith-20.jpg" alt="Boutique Book Breaks, UK reading retreats near me" class="wp-image-132626" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BoutiqueBookBreaks-Amber-RoseSmith-20.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BoutiqueBookBreaks-Amber-RoseSmith-20-400x600.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BoutiqueBookBreaks-Amber-RoseSmith-20-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BoutiqueBookBreaks-Amber-RoseSmith-20-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/BoutiqueBookBreaks-Amber-RoseSmith-20-1365x2048.jpg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: @AmberRosePhotography</figcaption></figure>



<p>Reading as a form of self-care is nothing new. But in the age of tech that&#8217;s crept into literally every facet of our lives, sometimes paper and some words are all you need. As it turns out, reading retreats are the holy grail of wellness breaks these days. Primarily, they have absolutely exploded in popularity amongst women of various ages who are seeking rest, zero distractions, and connection with like-minded individuals. <a href="https://www.boutiquebookbreaks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boutique Book Breaks</a> is just one of those offering fantastic literary travel escapes. The USP here is that every weekend hosts three separate author talks and interviews, plus new books too. Itineraries also include activities like yoga, quizzes, and bookstore visits.</p>



<p>Join solo or with friends, but with reading the name of the game here, a big draw for some is that there&#8217;s zero pressure of small talk. Plus, the hot guy in that romantasy you&#8217;re powering through is always a solid conversation starter to fall back on. The next weekends currently available are Minster Mill Hotel in The Cotswolds (26-28 Jul) and The Talbot Malton in North Yorkshire (6-8 Nov).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ashdown-park-hotel-east-sussex"><a href="https://www.ashdownpark.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashdown Park Hotel</a>, East Sussex</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="812" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pooh.png" alt="Ashdown Park Hotel, East Sussex literary breaks near me" class="wp-image-132662" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pooh.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/pooh-600x487.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><em>Winnie the Pooh</em> is officially turning 100 this year, and Ashdown Park Hotel in Wych Cross is pulling out all the stops for our most beloved little bear. Perfect for families, their <a href="https://www.ashdownpark.com/storybook-stay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Storybook Stay</a>&nbsp;is available until 22 December &#8211; a whimsical getaway that places you slap-bang in the heart of the Hundred Acre Woods. Literally. The nearby Ashdown Forest was the real-life inspiration behind A.A. Milne’s books and there&#8217;s lots to get stuck into throughout the year. There&#8217;s The Hunny Pot Afternoon Tea Experience, Winnie-the-Pooh Themed Garden Trail, cocktail masterclasses, and honey-themed supper clubs, so time your visit wisely. The Instagram famous Pooh Corner Tea Room in Hartfield isn&#8217;t far either, as is the Pooh Museum located in the heart of Hartfield village itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-academy-london"><a href="https://www.theacademyhotel.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Academy</a>, London</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="944" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0002114_0.jpeg" alt="The Academy, London literary stays travel holidays" class="wp-image-132614" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0002114_0.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0002114_0-600x378.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0002114_0-1000x629.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>London&#8217;s Bloomsbury has serious literary clout. And 50-bedroom boutique, <a href="https://www.theacademyhotel.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Academy</a>, (designed by New York&#8217;s Alexandra Champalimaud) sits right at the heart of Bloomsbury &#8211; once the literary stomping ground of the famed Bloomsbury Set, including Virginia Woolf,&nbsp;E.M.&nbsp;Forster&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lytton Strachey. For those seeking a quiet literary retreat, the hotel&#8217;s intimate reading rooms are the perfect places to curl up for a few indulgent hours. But at the heart of it all is the library. Drop by for various events like book launches and book clubs throughout the year. Guests can even go on a blind date here. With a book that is. Simply select one of the hotel&#8217;s wrapped mystery titles, guided only by a few clue words, and get cosy.&nbsp;Even the afternoon tea with an Asian twist has a bookish connection &#8211; inspired by Chinese author&nbsp;Lao&nbsp;She’s&nbsp;<em>Mr&nbsp;Ma and Son</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gainsborough-bath-spa-bath"><a href="https://www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gainsborough Bath Spa</a>, Bath</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2295" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20-Spa-Village-by-day.jpg" alt="The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Bath" class="wp-image-132612" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20-Spa-Village-by-day.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20-Spa-Village-by-day-392x600.jpg 392w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20-Spa-Village-by-day-654x1000.jpg 654w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20-Spa-Village-by-day-1004x1536.jpg 1004w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/20-Spa-Village-by-day-1339x2048.jpg 1339w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Unbridled luxury what you seek? <a href="https://www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Gainsborough&nbsp;Bath Spa</a> needs little introduction. It&#8217;s an historic hotel that oozes five-star opulence with a thermal spring-fed spa comprised of Roman-built baths. It&#8217;s the UK’s only hotel with access of its kind. A pretty cool USP to boast. In 2026 though, guests can firmly follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps through a city which served as inspiration for <em>Pride and Prejudice</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Northanger Abbey</em>. But most importantly, from <strong>26&nbsp;–&nbsp;31 Oct</strong>, the hotel is teaming up with Strictly Jane Austen Tours to offer a fully immersive, literature-led escape with events that include expert talks, guided tours, Regency-inspired&nbsp;workshops,&nbsp;and visits to iconic Austen sites like the Jane Austen House Museum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kensington-hideaway-london"><a href="https://www.thekensingtonhideaway.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kensington Hideaway</a>, London</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TKH-detail_green.jpg" alt="The Kensington Hideaway, London what is literary travel holidays" class="wp-image-132624" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TKH-detail_green.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TKH-detail_green-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TKH-detail_green-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Brand-new <a href="https://www.thekensingtonhideaway.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kensington Hideaway</a> is literary travel personified. The book themed boutique officially opened following a multi-million-pound renovation this February, with room categories named after literary heavyweights including William Makepeace Thackeray, Agatha Christie, T.S. Eliot and P.L. Travers. Location-wise, it’s basically a dream chapter for book lovers.&nbsp;You&#8217;re within easy strolling distance of English Heritage’s Literary Kensington Blue Plaque Walk, Kensington Garden&#8217;s Peter Pan&nbsp;statue (a nod to former local resident J.M. Barrie), bookshops, and more culture than you can swing a hardback at. Even the cocktails in the hotel restaurant are inspired by Kensington’s literary icons. Byline Martini, anyone?</p>



<p><em>Words by Ellie Ball</em></p>



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Literary travel: the wellness breaks everyone’s booking right now

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