Stories have a wonderful way of colouring the world around us. For children, a book can make a destination feel alive; pavements turn into paths to adventure, statues hint at secret histories, even a hotel suite becomes part of the tale. Across Europe’s great cities, we’ve paired beloved stories with the places that inspired them, from surrealist imaginings in Brussels to a young girl’s journey through London, inviting little readers to explore with fresh wonder.
A surreal adventure in Brussels
Magritte’s Marvelous Hat by D.B. Johnson offers a whimsical introduction to Brussels’ surrealist legacy. In this playful tale, René Magritte discovers a hat that sparks his creativity, but when removed, his ideas drift away like balloons. It’s a light-hearted metaphor for inspiration and a charming way to introduce children to one of Belgium’s most famous artists.
In the city, his presence is easy to spot, from the treasures of the Magritte Museum to Bar Magritte at Hotel Amigo, where parents can sip cocktails inspired by his dreamlike visions. For older readers, Brussels reveals itself through its comic heritage, as the birthplace of cherished characters like Tintin, Asterix, and The Smurfs. Families can even stay in our Tintin Suite, curated with bespoke artwork and endearing details that bring Hergé’s young reporter to life.
Stories of loyalty and mystery in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s winding closes and cobbled streets seem made for storytelling, but perhaps none more moving than Greyfriars Bobby. The small Skye Terrier who kept vigil at his master’s grave for 14 years is immortalised in a statue outside Greyfriars Kirkyard, where children still leave sticks in tribute to his devotion.
Older children may be drawn instead to the Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries, which reimagine the city through a young Arthur Conan Doyle, sleuthing through Victorian Edinburgh and tracing clues along gaslit alleys. At the centre of it all stands The Balmoral, with its clock tower that has long been witness to the city’s curious tales, filled with cosy corners that are perfect for bookworms.
Brave school girls in London
Ludwig Bemelmans’ beloved tale Madeline in London brings the capital to life through the eyes of twelve spirited schoolgirls and their devoted Miss Clavel. Crossing the Channel to visit their friend Pepito, they discover Buckingham Palace, climb the Tower of London and parade with scarlet-coated guards — a child’s adventure stitched into the city’s landmarks.
That spirit of imagination carries on at Brown’s Hotel, long a sanctuary for writers from Agatha Christie to Rudyard Kipling, who penned his beloved tale The Jungle Book at the hotel. And, just as Madeline and her friends enjoyed a taste for royal adventure across the city, so too can little explorers with a special kids afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, where Queen Victoria liked to take her tea, or so the stories say.
Discover the destinations that inspired these timeless stories and begin your own chapter with Rocco Forte Hotels.
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