Literary Heroes Trail

The Isle of Wight Literary Heroes Trail will take you to some wonderful places across the Island, introducing you to some of the wonderful sights and scenes which influenced some of the great literary heroes. Find out about the life of Oscar winning director, Anthony Minghella, discover what made the romantic poet John Keats tick and even find out where King Charles I was inspired to write poetry. The trail takes in towns from across the Island, so you can start planning your literary adventure now. Use the list at the bottom of this page to discover the literary heritage of towns and villages on the Isle of Wight.

Discover literary heroes

From Alfred, Lord Tennyson who made his home in Freshwater, to Lewis Carroll, who was inspired by the golden sands of Sandown, the scenery and tranquility of the Isle of Wight has long been a source of creativity for some of the world's literary giants. The Isle of Wight Literary Heroes Trail takes you on a journey across the Isle of Wight, discovering locations where celebrated writers went on holiday, spent their childhood days and of course, the places that meant so much to them.

“This Island is a little paradise.”

On visiting the Isle of Wight, Karl Marx said that this Island is a little paradise. Many literary heroes have walked these shores, and felt inspired by the beauty of this Island. The Isle of Wight Literary Heroes Trail will take you to the places the greats walked and wrote; from tucked away villages and hamlets to bustling seaside towns. You'll also find out about some of our home-grown talent, including an Oscar winning script writer.

Lynne Truss on the Isle of Wight

Author and journalist Lynne Truss is a regular visitor to the Isle of Wight and has edited the new Literary Heroes Trail leaflet, which follows in the footsteps of the literary greats who have been inspired by the Isle of Wight. 

"Call me a fanciful idiot, but whenever I visit the island by way of the Lymington-Yarmouth ferry, I look at the silhouette of the glorious Isle of Wight opening up before me and I think, “It’s a book! It’s like an open book!"

"From Alfred Lord Tennyson to Anthony Minghella, writers have breathed the air here, walked the cliffs and gazed at the glittering sea – and then dashed home to put pen to paper. The contemporary author Isabel Ashdown describes a “gentle energy in the air” here that makes her want to write, and I know exactly what she means. Dickens felt it; Keats felt it. As a lucky visitor to this special place, I hope you feel it too."

Discover Farringford - Tennyson's home

From 1853 until his death in 1892, Farringford was the main home of the renowned Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.  In this secluded spot on the Isle of Wight the new Poet Laureate produced some of his most famous works: Maud was composed in the attic, Enoch Arden in the summer house and Idylls of the King in the library.  Farringford also attracted many of Tennyson’s eminent friends, becoming a locus of literary and artistic activity. 

The writers Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear, Charles Kingsley, William Allingham, Coventry Patmore and Henry Longfellow were among many accomplished visitors.  Since 2012 this dramatic Gothic house has been meticulously restored and decorated in a late 19th-century style that reflects the Tennysons’ tastes and interests.  The grounds have also been returned to their authentic Tennyson-era appearance, complete with enchanting walled garden.  

Farringford is now open to the public as an historic home. Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy a stay in well appointed self-catering accommodation, situated in the house and grounds. Take a look at their website to book a trip and learn more about Tennyson, his circle and the enduring appeal of his magnificent poetry.

Make a holiday of it

Walk in the footsteps of literary heroes and be inspired by the sights and scenes which influenced their work. From a castle which held a king captive, to stunning stretches of sandy beaches - the Isle of Wight is full of wonderful places to enjoy, just as literary greats have done for hundreds of years.

“It is the prettiest place I ever saw in my life”

Why not visit the Isle of Wight and be inspired by areas of outstanding natural beauty, bring a notepad and a pen and find yourself drawn to the natural wonder of the Island, and use it to create your own tales. Even Charles Dickens was inspired to write that Bonchurch, near Ventnor, was the prettiest place he ever saw. Find out how towns, villages, beaches and the scenery provided by the Island, has helped inspire authors and poets across the ages. And if you are looking for even more inspiration, the Isle of Wight Literary Festival takes place in Cowes from in October and features some modern literary greats.

Stay on the Isle of Wight

You won't be lost for places to stay, with hotels blessed by royalty, charming B&Bs and great self catering accommodation available to help you make the most of the Isle of Wight Literary Trail. You can even stay in the cottage where romantic poet John Keats wrote some of his work. Visit our accommodation page to find the perfect place to stay.

And there is nothing like a ferry journey to the Isle of Wight. It's so easy to get to the Island on foot or by car - with regular ferry and hovercraft services across the south you can get here from Lymington, Southampton, Portsmouth or Southsea.

Literary Heroes trail leaflet