World Book Day: Stories from Around Britain and Ireland

6th March 2026

Featuring: World Book Day – Stories from around Britain and Ireland… Happy Friday everyone and a very good afternoon from Backpacker Tours and our sister Best Value Tours where today we have a lovely feature about World Book Day yesterday and events in Britain and Ireland celebrating and inspiring reading. 

World Book Day – Stories from around Britain and Ireland

World Book Day lit up schools, libraries and communities across Britain and Ireland and indeed around the World yesterday, turning the everyday into something magical. From classrooms to community halls, children, families and book lovers came together to celebrate the joy of stories and have a little fun along the way.

Classrooms were buzzing with excitement as kids arrived dressed as their favourite characters. Princesses, pirates, wizards and superheroes roamed the corridors, each costume a conversation starter about the books behind them. Even the children who don’t normally pick up a book were eager to talk about their characters, proving that stories can spark imagination in everyone.

In London schools kicked off the day with “reading breakfasts,” where families shared stories over tea and juice. Parents joined children in exploring books together, making reading feel less like a lesson and more like an adventure. Over in Manchester libraries staged dramatic storytelling sessions. Puppets, animated readings and interactive plot twists had children shouting suggestions for what should happen next, turning them into tiny co-authors for the day.

Popular costumes  were Harry Potter – see here for the Behind the Scenes Studio Tour 

In Cardiff, a book swap allowed kids to trade old favourites for new adventures, while in Belfast local authors visited schools to share how their childhood love of stories grew into careers as writers. Meeting real authors made students realize that the next great story could come straight from their own imagination.

Bookshops in Dublin were alive with families using World Book Day tokens to choose free books. Everywhere, stories were being discovered, shared, and treasured. Even in small towns across Scotland and Wales, reading circles brought grandparents and grandchildren together, proving that the love of books spans generations.

From costumes to storytelling, swaps, and author visits, World Book Day reminded everyone that reading is fun, creative, and endlessly inspiring. Across Britain and Ireland yesterday was proof that a single book, or a single story can ignite curiosity, laughter and imagination in the most magical ways.

More from Backpacker Tours – Stonehenge, UK/Ireland, Festivals and Events, European, Worldwide and much more Contact Details below and do shout, we are happy to help with any questions Call, WhatsApp or Email  Contact Us. 

Please see below for more previous Helpful Posts from Backpacker Tours and our sister-site Best Value Tours

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Featuring our Series – Indulging the King Arthur, Merlin and Stonehenge Legends

Today: Part Four Glastonbury

A warm Hello from Backpacker Tours and our sister Best Value Tours, where we continue our fascinating series: Indulging the King Arthur, Merlin and Stonehenge Legends. Full of mystery, magic and wonderful legend, but also with a good chuck of fact, were King Arthur and Merlin truly real? We explore, plus feature our continually updated Stonehenge Inner Circle Calendar and great tips to visit.

This fascinating period of history takes place in the Stunning South-West of England, featuring many designated areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Historic Interest. We will be exploring these locations in this series and our legendary figures; King Arthur, Merlin and Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Mystical Glastonbury in Somerset. And beyond to Devon, Cornwall and Wales where we explore fascinating Tintagel Castle, Camelot, Cadbury Castle, Caerleon in Wales, the Winchester Round Table and of course Avalon – thank you for reading and do feel welcome to contribute.

Part Four Glastonbury 

Glastonbury is a quiet town in Somerset often celebrated for its music festival, but it has far more mysterious history; one that entwines it with the legendary King Arthur and his enigmatic advisor, Merlin. While sceptic’s argue that Arthur and Merlin are purely mythical, the historical and archaeological evidence surrounding Glastonbury suggests otherwise, pointing to real events, real people and a real legacy that has endured for centuries.

Glastonbury is said to be the discovery of what is purported to be King Arthur and Queen Guinevere’s tomb in the abbey grounds in 1191. Chroniclers of the period, including the monks of Glastonbury Abbey, claimed that the skeletal remains were unearthed following a devastating fire that damaged the abbey. The tombs were identified with inscriptions suggesting their royal nature. While some have dismissed these claims, the meticulous records and consistency across contemporary sources lend credence to the notion that a royal burial was genuinely found. This discovery reflects a deep historical tradition that the legendary king was not merely a figure of folklore but a real, historical ruler whose death and resting place were noted by chroniclers. What do you think?

Merlin too is inseparably linked to Glastonbury. Prominent monk at the Abbey; William of Malmsbury, wrote in the 12th century of a “wild man of the woods” whose wisdom guided the people and kings of the region. Merlin resided in the Somerset Levels the marshlands surrounding Glastonbury, where his magical powers were associated with the landscape itself. The Glastonbury Thorn which blooms twice a year, is said to have grown from Merlin’s staff, a living testament preserved even today in the grounds of the Anglican Church.

Glastonbury today feels like a place where everyday life and ancient legend blend into one atmosphere. The streets, landmarks and way people speak about the landscape are infused with the stories of Arthur, Merlin, and Avalon. Independent shops line the High Street, offering crystals, books on Celtic lore, handmade clothing, incense, and spiritual tools, creating small worlds reflecting the town’s mystical identity. Cafes and pubs such as Hundred Monkeys Café and the George and Pilgrims Inn add rhythm and warmth, while modern venues like the King Arthur pub keep the legend alive in lively ways.

Please see below for previous posts in series: Indulging the King Arthur, Merlin and Stonehenge Legends

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Image – Magnificent Glastonbury Abbey as we find it today in this truly mystic and magical location of England

Here are a few of our great related tours and Stonehenge Inner Circle Calendar

Small Group King Arthur’s Stonehenge, Glastonbury and Avebury

Step into the world of myth and mystery on this captivating small-group day tour that brings the legends of King Arthur to life. Journey through the heart of England to explore some of its most enigmatic and sacred sites; Stonehenge, Glastonbury, and Avebury.

Highlights of Devon & Cornwall 5 Day Tour

Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle, where history and legend intertwine. Then, explore the quaint towns of Bosastle, St Ives, and Falmouth, enjoying Cornwall’s dramatic coastline and Devon’s tranquil moorlands. Next, uncover historic cities like Winchester and iconic landmarks such as Minack Theatre, Land’s End, and Glastonbury.

Morning Tour

3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th and 24th March 2026. 4th or 7th April 2026. 2nd, 5th, 9th, 12th, 16th, 19th 23rd, 26th or 30th May 2026. 2nd, 6th or 9th June 2026. 4th, 7th, 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st or 28th July 2026. 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th, 18th, 22nd, 25th or 29th August 2026. 1st, 5th, 8th, 15th or 19th September 2026

Previous posts….

Indulging the King Arthur, Merlin and Stonehenge Legends

Imagine wandering through misty hills, ancient stone circles and quiet forests, feeling like you have stepped into history. This is the thrill you get when you chase the legends of King Arthur, Britain’s most famous and maybe most mysterious king. Arthur is not in a strict sense historical, but there is plenty of clues he was so make your own mind up as you unravel this wonderful mystery. He might be part history, part myth, but his legend has left footprints across the British landscape that are an absolute must to explore today.

Arthur’s story begins according to medieval tales, his birth foretold by Merlin, the enigmatic wizard who seems to exist somewhere between magician, advisor and cosmic life coach. Merlin is the mastermind behind Arthur’s rise. He hides the boy from enemies, plots the moment when Arthur will reveal himself as the true king and teaches him the skills he will need to rule wisely. Without Merlin, there is a good chance Arthur might just be like many before and after, another forgotten noble.

The legend does not live in a vacuum, Britain itself becomes a stage for Arthurian adventure. Tintagel Castle in Cornwall is said to be Arthur’s birthplace, perched dramatically on cliffs above the Atlantic, a magnificent structure in part still there. Add in the mystical allure of Glastonbury, where monks in the 12th century claimed to have discovered Arthur’s grave among the abbey ruins. And of course, the enigmatic Stonehenge, though older than Arthur by thousands of years, it ties into Arthurian myth through Merlin’s magic, said to have magically transported its stones from faraway lands.

Traveling through these magical and mystic locations today, it’ is easy to feel the whisper of legend in the wind. You can almost hear the clash of swords, see knights riding through foggy valleys or imagine Merlin chanting spells in a hidden grove. Whether you are a  history buff or just chasing a sense of magic, exploring the landscapes tied to King Arthur, you will be stepping into a tale that has been told for centuries; full of mystery, romance and that British charm that makes every legend feel alive.

Image – Mystic and Magical Glastonbury Tor or perhaps the Isle of Avalon? As it would have looked around 1000 years ago in Arthurian times

Part Two: Is Mystic and Magical Glastonbury Tor the Isle of Avalon

Can mystical and magical Glastonbury Tor be the lost Isle of Avalon? Well it is certainly possible and the Tor would have been an Island around 1000 years ago in Arthurian times. Today wandering through Somerset with even a flicker of interest in King Arthur, Glastonbury Tor has a way of pulling you in. The hill rises so suddenly from the landscape that it feels staged, as if someone placed it there for dramatic effect. 

As you walk toward the Tor, it is easy to imagine how it once appeared to medieval travellers. The Somerset Levels were marshland for much of history, so the Tor would have looked like a lone island rising from the water. Mysterious, unreachable and absolutely perfect for legends‑making that still persist today so surely this magical location has connection to Arthur, what do you think? Even today, mist often curls around the slopes in the early morning, wrapping the hill in a dreamy haze that makes it feel half‑real, half‑myth. You don’t need much imagination to picture Arthur’s wounded body being carried across those waters.

Image – Glastonbury Tor as we find it today

Glastonbury itself has been a spiritual magnet for centuries, long before Arthurian stories took hold. That reputation made it fertile ground for myth. And then, in the 12th century, the monks at Glastonbury Abbey announced they had found King Arthur’s grave. Pilgrims poured in. Donations soared. Suddenly Glastonbury wasn’t just a holy site, it truly was the Avalon. The monks seem to have believed their discovery and whilst still debated, but the legend sticks fast.

Historians will tell you there’s no archaeological proof that Glastonbury Tor is Avalon, but stand at the top, wind tugging at your clothes, the ruined tower silhouetted against the sky, the Levels stretching out like a silver sea, it feels ancient, enchanted and rather magical, so is Glastonbury Tor the Isle of Avalon? Wander its paths, breathe in that misty air and you might find yourself thinking it just could be, because it certainly feels like it. Wishing you all fun touring this magical and mystic location full of history and legend. A true jewel of South-West England.

Part Three Tintagel Castle, Birthplace of Arthur? 

Perched dramatically on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Tintagel Castle feels less like a ruin and more like a gateway into legend. Wind howls across the cliffs, Atlantic waves crash far below and the sea air carries stories that locals have been telling for centuries. Even before you reach the stone archway, there’s a sense you’re stepping into a place where history and myth have learned to live side by side.

Image – The awe inspiring cliff top structure of Tintagel Castle as it would have looked around 1000 years ago in Arthurian times

The walk out to the castle ruins is an adventure in itself. A narrow footbridge links the mainland to the island where the castle stood and as you cross you can see why storytellers fell in love with this spot. Jagged rocks plunge into turquoise water, seabirds wheel overhead, and the path twists upward to reveal panoramic views of the Cornish coast. It’s easy to imagine the Tintagel fortress rising here, banners snapping in the wind, watching over ships moving through the narrow channel below.

Tintagel is famously tied to the legend of King Arthur and the setting alone makes you think “If a legendary king were born anywhere, surely it would be here.” Medieval writers claimed Arthur was conceived at Tintagel through magic and intrigue and standing on these windswept heights, the story doesn’t feel far-fetched at all. The isolation of the cliffs, the dramatic natural defences and the sense of secrecy woven into the landscape all add to the mystique. 

Image – Magnificent Tintagel Castle as we find it today in this truly mystic and magical location of England

More from Backpacker Tours – Stonehenge, UK/Ireland, Festivals and Events, European, Worldwide and much more Contact Details below and do shout, we are happy to help with any questions Call, WhatsApp or Email  Contact Us. 

Please see below for more previous Helpful Posts from Backpacker Tours and our sister-site Best Value Tours

Contact Us