Author Rachel Valencourt

Hello, dear readers,

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip across England and Wales, a journey that felt like stepping into a living Pinterest board of picturesque views and literary landmarks. As a writer, nothing stirs my inspiration quite like exploring historical hotspots with my family, each destination unfolding its own story.

From Shakespeare’s birthplace to the ancient Roman Baths and awe-inspiring castles of Britain, join me as I recount the highlights of our enchanting literary adventure across England and Wales.

The Adventure Begins in London

Our first stop was London—a city bustling with the echoes of literary giants. Walking the same streets as Shakespeare and Dickens, I felt a profound sense of connection to the centuries of storytellers whose spirits seem to permeate the foggy air. Each corner of this majestic city offered a new narrative, from the historic crannies of the Tower of London to the modern-day sanctuaries of bookshops and cafes that line the Thames.

Literary Pilgrimage in Hay-on-Wye

From London, we ventured to the quaint town of Hay-on-Wye. Known as the “Town of Books,” this little piece of heaven on Earth has an ethereal quality, with its endless bookshops and the annual Hay Festival, which attracts writers and readers from around the world. As I wandered through its streets, each bookshop felt like a treasure trove of narratives waiting to be told, each with its own story that whispered to me in hushed tones.

In the colorful town of Tenby, Wales, I soaked up not just the rain but also the salty sea tales of yore. The pastel townhouses and picturesque beaches seemed to compete for the best ‘Wish You Were Here’ postcard message. It’s the kind of place where you start plotting a historical romance before you’ve finished your ice cream.

Historical Soaks in Bath

Last but not least, our journey brought us to the stunning city of Bath, whose architecture rivals the beauty of Paris itself. The Roman Baths, built in 70 AD, stand as a testament to ancient innovation and the timeless art of storytelling, captured in stone, word, and film.

Wandering through Bath’s perfect Georgian streets felt like walking through a live set designed for the Parisian elite—every building and passageway seemed to hold a story from another era.

The highlight for any literary fan was visiting the Jane Austen Centre. Walking the same paths that Austen might have strolled, where she was inspired to write her famed novels, was nothing short of magical. It’s one thing to read about Elizabeth Bennet or Anne Elliot, but another to feel so closely connected to their creator’s world.

For a bibliophile like myself, it was a thrill to see these romantic novels come to life against the backdrop of Bath’s historic streets. Visiting the recent filming locations for “Bridgerton” was particularly enchanting, as the city’s pristine Georgian architecture and cobblestone streets perfectly encapsulate the opulence and drama of the Regency era portrayed in the series.

Bath proved to be a dream destination—a perfect blend of literary history and architectural charm, all set within a cityscape that’s a masterpiece in itself.

A Brush with Legends in Nottingham

Nottingham offered more than just tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men; it brought us face-to-face with the ghostly whispers of the past at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. The oldest inn in England, dating back to 1189, this pub is carved into the sandstone beneath Nottingham Castle and is steeped in legend. Rumored to be haunted, its ancient walls and shadowy nooks seem to hum with the echoes of crusaders who might have patronized the inn before leaving for the Holy Lands.

The Princess Bride Castle

Next stop was a true highlight for me and a full-circle moment with my daughters—the filming location of “The Princess Bride.” This beloved childhood movie came to life as we explored the enchanting grounds where Westley and Buttercup’s adventures unfolded. Standing in the very spots where iconic scenes were filmed, I was transported back to those countless times I had watched the film, each scene a cherished memory from my youth now shared with my own children.

As we walked the castle grounds, we couldn’t help but quote scenes from the movie—an endearing reminder of the power of storytelling and its ability to bond us across time and experience. This visit wasn’t just a tour; it was an inheritance passed down, a shared narrative that continued to inspire and captivate our hearts.

These visits to Nottingham and the “Princess Bride” filming location reminded us that stories—whether told by the ancient walls of a pub or through the timeless frames of a beloved film—are not just tales told but lives lived and shared. They are the threads that weave through the fabric of our heritage and pull us back through time to connect with something larger than ourselves.

Grateful Musings

This journey reminded me how intertwined the human experience is with the locale, the history, and the culture, and how it all seeps into the pages of what we write.

I am immensely grateful for this experience, for the opportunity to see, feel, and live within the pages of history, and for the endless inspirations I’ve gathered for my next writing projects. Thank you, England and Wales, for the memories, the inspirations, and the stories.

Until next time,