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He brought us Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG and many other British classics, so what else could we do on 13 September than celebrate Roald Dahl Day?

London is famed for its many famous authors and books, written and set in the city, so we’ve created a guide to London’s literature scene for book lovers to enjoy. Travel with Caledonian Sleeper to London and explore some of the country’s best literary hotspots.

 

Roald Dahl Museum

Take a trip to Great Missenden, where Roald Dahl once lived, and visit the Roald Dahl Museum. With three galleries, a writing hut and lots of workshops and activities, there’s fun for all the family and the chance to find out about Roald Dahl’s writing inspirations.

 

 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea

Reading, walking and exploring London is tiring work – perk yourself up with an afternoon tea like no other. Inspired by the famous Roald Dahl story, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea is like being in chocolate heaven. With snozberry jam, chocolate milkshake, Loompaland lemon floss, wonka-worthy cakes, and, for the big kids, Lemonade Swimming Pool Fizz to drink, you’ll be left feeling like you’re the winner of a Golden Ticket.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea available at One Aldwych

 

Let the books come to life

Famous books are often so successful that they also make it big on stage. So why not take in a show and see some literary classics from a different perspective?

Visit one of London’s most popular musicals, based on Dahl’s 1988 novel, Matilda. A treat for all ages, the West End Musical holds the record for the most Olivier awards won by a musical.

One of the world’s favourite monsters, The Gruffalo, has made it to the stage – bringing the children’s favourite to life.

Other West End shows inspired by literary classics include Phantom of the Opera, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, War Horse, and Austentatious.

  

Stock up on your book collection

Immerse yourself in words and get lost in London’s best bookshops. We’ve got a list for you to explore:

• Daunt Books, Marylebone. One of the most famous bookshops in London, Daunt Books is an independent bookseller with floor-to-ceiling shelfs in a stunning Edwardian building. Transporting you to a bygone era as you explore the shelves, books are arranged by country for an added experience. The store also hosts events and talks from bestselling authors – this is the place for inspiration!

• London Review Bookshop in Bloomsbury focuses on classic and new fiction, as well as history, politics and philosophy. With a café and many literary events, this is not one to miss.
• Foyles, on Charing Cross Road, is a five-floor building with four miles of shelves for you to get immersed in. Along with a café and exhibition space, you could spend hours exploring the store.

They’re man’s best friend – so why not treat them to a mini break for National Dog Day?

And there’s no need to find a pet sitter when you can take your pets along on your trip with Caledonian Sleeper.

 

Climb a mountain

Get out in the fresh air and conquer a Munro (mountains in Scotland over 3,000 feet) with your furry companion. In Scotland, ‘Munro bagging’ is very popular and involves climbing as many Munros as possible. Experienced climbers should check out Ben Nevis, near Fort William, and those looking for something a little more relaxed could try Ben Lomond or Ben Wyvis.

 

Get a bite to eat

Dog friendly restaurants, cafes and bars are becoming increasingly common. We’ve come up with a list of the most popular across Scotland.

 

Long Dog Café, Aberdeen

Set in the West End of Aberdeen, the Long Dog Café welcomes all dogs as long as they are accompanied by a “well behaved owner”. Famous for their ‘freakshakes’, your coffee date can also enjoy some dog ice cream or mini iced ‘woofins’. They also have a boutique where you can treat your furry friend to some stylish new accessories or ‘pawsecco’.

 

BrewDog

Originating in Aberdeenshire, Brewdog has grown into a global phenomenon. The company has bars across the world, and in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, if you’re visiting Scotland. Dogs can join you for drinks, lunch, dinner or you can treat them to a Dog Pawty for their birthday. There’s even a dog-friendly beer!

 

The Winged Ox Bar & Kitchen, Glasgow  

Named ‘Dog Friendly Pub of the Year’ at the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards in 2017, The Winged Ox Bar & Kitchen is located in Glasgow and offers a wide range of food, drinks and live music for you and your dog. Visit for a chance for your pet to be ‘Dog of the Week!’

 

Walk out their energy at parks or the beach

 

Duthie Park, Aberdeen

Dating back to 1883, Duthie Park is a popular Aberdeen park for four legged friends and their owners. Not only is there plenty of green space to run around, there are two play areas, and the well-known David Welch Winter Gardens. The Winter Gardens is home to one of the most extensive indoor plant collections in Scotland, hosting plants from all across the world.

Alongside the parks and gardens, there is a coffee shop with plenty of seating.

 

Pollok Country Park, Glasgow

With a designated dog exercise area, Pollok Park is Glasgow’s largest park. Featuring a range of woodlands and gardens, there are plenty of walks available, whether you are looking for a long or short walk. As well as the greenery and woodlands on offer, Pollok Park is home to Highland cattle and a wildlife garden.

 

Portobello Beach, Edinburgh

Alongside hills overlooking Edinburgh like Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill, you can escape the city for some sea air at Portobello Beach. Nearby Harry’s Treats on Portobello High Street offers home-made dog treats – perfect after a day at the beach.

 

This World Photo Day, we’re celebrating Scotland’s most northerly city in all its picturesque glory. Surrounded by Highland mountains, lochs and with the infamous Loch Ness monster nearby – we’ve put together a guide to help you get the perfect picture.

Travel with Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness, experience some of the country’s most Instagrammable locations and take some pictures that will light up your Instagram feed – no filter required.

Inverness Castle Viewpoint

Go here if you’re looking to capture the city in a single snapshot.

The Castle Viewpoint is the newest visitor attraction in Inverness and offers panoramic views of the city, the River Ness and the surrounding area.

Admission Prices: £5 per adult, £3 per child (aged 12 and under)

 

Leakey’s

Go here if you’re looking to capture an Inverness institution.

Leakey’s Bookshop on Church Street is adored by locals and tourists alike, providing two floors of second hand books that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time – or onto the set of Harry Potter.

 

Inverness Victorian Market

Go here if you’re looking to capture the old-worldly charm of Inverness. 

Built in 1890, the covered Victorian Market is brimming with charm, character and a host of independent shops selling goods not typically found on the High Street. Key photo opportunities include the Victorian Market Clock and the round-headed shop fronts, and don’t forget to look up! The Victorian cast-iron and wooden-domed roof is full of unique features, while a model railways runs above part of the market.

 

Clachnaharry

Go here for the best sunsets in town.

A former fishing village, Clachnaharry is now a part of Inverness, sitting on the south shore of the Beauly Firth. Here, you’ll be treated to some of the best sunsets in the area – so make sure you have your HD camera at the ready. Clachnaharry is also where the Caledonian Canal begins – so you can tick off two photo opportunities in one.

 

Inverness Botanical Gardens

Go here if nature photography is your thing.

Step into an oasis of calm and beauty at Inverness Botanical Gardens, which includes a tropical house with a carp pond and waterfalls as well as formal gardens. Go all the way to the back and through a ramshackle gate to find the Secret Garden. Your efforts will be rewarded.

 

Loch Ness

Go here to be in with a chance of capturing a glimpse of Nessie.

You’ve heard of the Loch Ness Monster, why not give him a visit? Containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, its breathtaking scenery, Urqhuart Castle and the mystery of the loch makes this a location you can’t miss. Make sure to have your camera ready in case you catch a glimpse of the monster!

 

On the trail

Go here to be part of something special 

Oor Wullie’s Bucket Trail has taken Scotland by storm in recent months, with dozens of statues big and small to be found. As one of the host cities, Inverness has a total of 10 statues – and if you want to get a picture with them, you’ll need to be quick as the trail only runs until 30 August. And if trails are your thing, there’s also the Highland Hospice Squirrel Tour, with 23 squirrels to be found across the region – including several in Inverness.

Schools are going back, the nights are starting to draw in and it won’t be long until the waterproofs are dug out – but summer isn’t over yet. You can still make the most of these last few weeks of sunshine with a trip to the British capital.

Here, we’ve listed our top recommendations for a visit to London this summer with what’s on over the next few months. So why not join Caledonian Sleeper for a last-minute summer break and explore one of the world’s most bustling cities?

 

Dine outdoors

Get outside and take advantage of al fresco dining whilst the summer weather is here. Whether it’s a picnic in Hyde Park, lunch at Chiltern Firehouse, nibbles within a Surfer Shack on the riverside terrace of Coppa Club overlooking Tower Bridge, or relaxing on the velvet chairs of The Ivy Chelsea Garden, there are plenty of options to enjoy some sunshine.

Or, if the rain comes on, visit Bluebird in Chelsea, with its conservatory and array of plants – you’ll feel like you’re outside whilst avoiding the elements.

 

Notting Hill Carnival

A celebration of all things Caribbean, Notting Hill Carnival has been taking place since 1966 and last year alone welcomed over two million visitors. Enjoy the vibrant parades, creativity, music, dancing and food from 25-26 August.

 

Outdoor cinemas

Make the most of the summer weather by taking advantage of one of London’s outdoor cinema experiences.

Pop Up Cinemas will be appearing in parks across the city throughout summer, showing popular favourites including Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Greatest Showman and Jurassic Park.

Until 21 August, Film4 Summer Screen will be showing a film every night in the grounds of Somerset House, with DJs playing music inspired by the film in the lead-up to the showing.

For children, head along to Luna Kids Cinema which is showing family favourites including Harry Potter, The Gruffalo, Moana and Aladdin. The films are shown at three different venues across the city throughout August, and features an on-site bar serving delicious refreshments. A portion of the proceeds of each ticket purchased goes directly to Save the Children, too.

 

BBC Proms

Labelled the World’s Greatest Classical Music Festival, the Proms run until 14 September. Enjoy music from some of the biggest names in the industry and a range of concerts, workshops, talks and family events, as the eight week festival opens up classical music to everyone.

 

Buckingham Palace’s summer opening

The Palace’s annual summer opening takes place in August and September when the State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors. Time it right, and you can also see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11am each day. On selected dates in August, there is a ceremony with musical support to accompany the Changing of the Guard.

 

Take in a show

Disney’s Lion King remake may have divided opinion, but fans of the film certainly aren’t disappointed by the multi-award winning musical at Lyceum Theatre in London.  Still drawing huge crowds even in its 20^th year in London, the sounds, colours and costume provides all of the family with an experience to remember. Get your tickets here.

London Theatre Kids Week runs across August, meaning that any child under 16 can go to one of the participating shows for absolutely free (subject to availability), as long as they’re accompanied by a full price adult. Kids week includes musicals, children’s shows, plays and comedies, and also includes Q&A sessions, dance workshops and behind the scenes tours.