
Have you ever wondered what inspired fantastical literary places? What if you could see the real places they were based on?
Our Find the Inspiration Trips
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Harry Potter
If you're a Harry Potter fan, Edinburgh is nothing short of enchanting. This historic city is the birthplace of the wizarding world, where J.K. Rowling found much of the inspiration for her iconic series. From the atmospheric streets of the Old Town that seem straight out of Diagon Alley to the towering spires of George Heriot's School, which echoes the grandeur of Hogwarts, Edinburgh is alive with magic.
Stroll through Greyfriars Kirkyard and spot names that may seem eerily familiar, like Tom Riddle. Visit The Elephant House, where Rowling penned the early chapters of her books, or explore Victoria Street, said to have inspired Diagon Alley with its colorful shopfronts and quirky charm, not to mention Edinburgh Castle, perched high over the volcanic rock where it sits and which inspired how Hogwarts’ Castle would look.
There’s hardly a better place to step into the pages of Harry Potter and experience the wonder that brought this beloved world to life. In Edinburgh, magic truly lingers in the air.✨
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The Lord of the Rings
Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is a literary masterpiece, vividly bringing to life the wonders of Middle-earth. But did you know that many of its iconic landscapes were inspired by real-world locations Tolkien cherished? From the rolling hills of the English countryside to the dramatic peaks of Switzerland, these places capture the heart of his fantastical world.
Start with the West Midlands, Tolkien’s childhood home, which inspired the idyllic beauty of The Shire. The lush meadows, quaint villages, and peaceful rural life are echoed in the home of the hobbits. In Oxford, where Tolkien lived and worked for much of his life, you’ll find whispers of Rivendell in its serene river valleys and wooded paths, places where he often sought tranquility and inspiration. For those who dream of the grandeur of the Misty Mountains, look no further than the Swiss Alps. A journey Tolkien took through Switzerland in his youth left a lasting impression, inspiring the majestic peaks, deep valleys, and treacherous mountain passes that feature so prominently in his tales.
These destinations offer a glimpse into the landscapes that shaped Tolkien's imagination. Exploring them is like stepping into Middle-earth itself, where every hill, forest, and mountain carries echoes of his timeless story. 🌍✨
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The Neverending Story
Few stories capture the imagination like Michael Ende's The NeverEnding Story, and the fantastical world of Fantasia owes much of its charm to the enchanting landscapes of Bavaria, Germany. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the places that inspired this timeless tale, Bavaria offers a magical journey into the heart of imagination.
The iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, with its fairy-tale towers and majestic setting, embodies the grandeur and mystique of Fantasia's Ivory Tower. Beyond the castle, Bavaria’s dense forests and alpine meadows evoke the sprawling landscapes of Fantasia, where Atreyu embarks on his heroic quest. The ethereal lakes, like Alpsee near Neuschwanstein, reflect the tranquil beauty and mysterious allure that define the story's setting.
Michael Ende's connection to Bavaria ran deep, and the region’s magical charm is infused into the fabric of The NeverEnding Story. Visiting Bavaria is not just a trip—it's a step into a world where imagination and reality intertwine, inviting you to be part of a story that truly never ends. ✨🌲🏰
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The Witcher
Step into the world of The Witcher, where dark forests, medieval towns, and sprawling landscapes weave a rich tapestry of adventure. Andrzej Sapkowski’s epic series draws heavily on the history, folklore, and geography of Central and Eastern Europe, particularly his native Poland, bringing a distinctly Slavic flair to the Continent.
Wander through the Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s last primeval woodlands, and feel the echoes of the dark, mythical forests Geralt roams. The medieval castles and cobblestone streets of towns like Malbork (home to the imposing Teutonic Castle) and Kraków’s Old Town evoke the gritty, medieval atmosphere of the Witcher’s world.
The series’ rich mythology also pulls from Polish and broader Slavic folklore, with creatures like strigas and kikimoras rooted in local legends. Sapkowski’s storytelling is imbued with the landscapes and traditions of Central and Eastern Europe, offering fans a unique way to connect with the source of his inspiration.
Discover the landscapes that shaped the gritty realism and magical wonder of The Witcher. In these lands, myth and reality blend seamlessly, much like Geralt’s own adventures. 🌲🗡️
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The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia is beloved for its timeless magic, and the inspiration for Narnia’s enchanting world can be found in Oxford, England, where Lewis lived, worked, and dreamed.
The grandeur of Magdalen College, where Lewis was a Fellow, whispers of the regal Cair Paravel. Its medieval architecture, serene cloisters, and lush gardens feel like stepping into Narnia’s noble courts. Addison’s Walk, a peaceful path along the River Cherwell, is reminiscent of the calm yet magical woodlands that populate Narnia.
Lewis found further inspiration in the charming streets of Oxford, from its historic pubs like The Eagle and Child, where he discussed his ideas with fellow writers like J.R.R. Tolkien, to its ancient libraries and colleges that echo the timeless wisdom of Narnia’s lore.
Visiting Oxford is like opening the wardrobe door to Narnia itself—a place where the magic of storytelling is palpable in every corner. Step into the city that brought Lewis’s imagination to life, and feel the wonder that inspired a land as eternal as Narnia. 🌳🦁