National Trust book nooks open across the South West

Even the loveliest day out deserves a chapter break. This autumn, tucked among historic bookshelves, peaceful gardens and orchard views, a series of inviting reading corners is offering visitors the chance to settle down and lose themselves in a good book. And with the leaves changing colour and the days growing shorter, there could hardly be a better time to find a cosy spot and turn a few pages.

The National Trust has introduced specially created Book Nooks at eight of its properties across the South West as part of the National Year of Reading. Each space offers a selection of books chosen to reflect the history, landscapes and natural world around it, whether that means curling up in a historic library or enjoying a little quiet beneath the trees. Some locations are also offering story-inspired trails, folklore activities and children’s books, with goodie bags for under-fives available at selected places.

A young visitor explores a picture book at Mompesson House’s Book Nook. (Image: National Trust Images)

Claire Reed, cultural heritage curator at the National Trust, said: “There’s something magical about finding the perfect spot to read, especially as the days grow shorter and the colours of autumn begin to appear. The idea behind our book nooks was simple: to create cosy corners where visitors can take a break and enjoy a story in beautiful surroundings.”

For Devon readers planning an autumn outing beyond the county, one of the places taking part is Lanhydrock in Cornwall. The historic house and its gardens have their own Book Nooks, while a folklore-themed activity called Weave a Wild Tale encourages visitors to create stories inspired by the world around them. It offers families the chance to combine exploring the property with storytelling, making reading part of their visit rather than something to save for the journey home.

Those drawn to the romance of historic libraries will find plenty to enjoy elsewhere in the region. At Avebury in Wiltshire, reading spots have been created throughout the manor, including the library and upper floors, with children’s books available in several locations. Mompesson House in Salisbury invites visitors to settle down with a book in its historic library, while Lacock has created a reading retreat in its botanic garden bothy.

The Weave a Wild Tale activity at Lanhydrock invites visitors to create stories inspired by folklore. (Image: National Trust Images)

Elsewhere in Wiltshire, Stourhead offers a peaceful place to pause with a book, while The Courts has a dedicated reading area in its visitor reception. At Newark Park in Gloucestershire, cosy reading spaces come with sweeping views across the Ozleworth Valley, providing another setting in which to take a moment away from the bustle of everyday life. Meanwhile, at Tyntesfield in North Somerset, visitors can discover Book Nooks in the Pavilion Café overlooking the orchard and near the Upper Courtyard.

The initiative is designed to encourage visitors of all ages to enjoy reading while discovering more about the places they visit. With titles exploring local history, nature and heritage, the books offer another way to connect with the landscapes and stories behind some of the South West’s best-known historic properties. And whether visitors choose to spend a few minutes browsing or linger over several chapters, the emphasis is on taking time to enjoy the surroundings.

Claire added: “From fairy-lit libraries and orchard retreats to window seats with spectacular views, each nook offers its own invitation to slow down, switch off and turn a page.”

A Book Nook in the South Library at Avebury Manor. Credit : Submitted (Image: National Trust Images)