Guernsey, Channel Islands
April sees the reopening of one of the most fascinating former writer’s homes, Hauteville House, in St Peter Port, where the French poet and author Victor Hugo spent 15 years while in exile from his homeland. It was here, from his writing room at the top of this eccentrically decorated structure, that he penned
Les Misérables, among other novels, facing a view that looked across the sea to his beloved France. Later novels, such as The Toilers of the Sea, were set in, and inspired by, the island’s craggy landscapes; follow in his footsteps along the stunning cliff walk he regularly took, from St Peter Port to Fermain, or visit the statue in his honour at Candie Gardens. Where to stay The charming Bella
Luce Hotel is set in a former Norman manor house in the quiet parish of St Martins, where they even distill their own gin. Double rooms from £138pn; bellalucehotel.com