Trail information
Follow in the footsteps of some of the UK’s best loved writers and be inspired by the landscapes that influenced them.
This trail is not designed for you to complete in one go, take your time visiting each of the sites at your own pace. Alongside biographical information on each writer there are creative prompts to inspire your own writing. For each writer, we have suggested locations for you to visit, including inspirational places connected with the writer and places nearby where you can spend some time writing. Explore and Enjoy!
Dorset's inspirational beauty
Dorset is a county as rich in literary heritage as it is in natural beauty. The distinctive rounded hills, verdant vales, hollow ways, and rugged coastline have inspired writers for centuries, and have provided resonant settings for some of the finest writing in the English language.
Thomas Hardy, Jane Austen, John Fowles, and Tracy Chevalier are only some of the great writers whose work has both drawn upon Dorset and has become associated with its landscapes and landmarks.
The trail focuses on authors associated with the east of the county around Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.
Use the trail guide to follow in the footsteps of world-famous writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Enid Blyton, John le Carré, and Mary Shelley.
Thank you to Dr Kevan Manwaring and Robin Mackenzie for their work on the content, illustrations and design for this trail.
For people who want to develop their creative writing further you can check out Bournemouth Writing Festival who host events year round.
Route description and access information
This is a self-led trail that helps you explore the whole of the BCP area in your own time and at your own pace. Most suggested locations are accessible with hard surface pavements and pathways.
We encourage you to research where you’d like to visit in advance of setting out as each location.
Facilities and rest opportunities
This trail includes some suggested destinations and viewpoints, most of which are close to local cafés and our libraries.
Dogs
Writers' Trail is dog-friendly in a mix of urban landscapes and parks spaces.
Writers' Trail map