Books Set in Dorset & Cornwall | Waterside

There’s something truly special about losing yourself in a good book while on holiday, especially when the story unfolds in the very place you’re staying. Whether you’re relaxing on your lodge deck with sea views, unwinding after a day of exploring, or sitting by the coast with your toes in the sand, a captivating story set in Dorset or Cornwall can make your break with Waterside feel even more immersive.

Activities

To help you choose your next page-turner, we’ve rounded up some of the best books set in (or inspired by) the stunning landscapes surrounding our holiday parks in Dorset and Cornwall.

1. “Frenchman’s Creek” by Daphne du Maurier (Cornwall)

Few authors capture the mystery and beauty of Cornwall quite like Daphne du Maurier. Set on the Cornish coast, Frenchman’s Creek tells the story of Lady Dona St. Columb, who escapes London society for a life of adventure and forbidden romance. It’s a perfect read for those staying at Tregoad Holiday Park - just a short drive from du Maurier’s own inspiration, the Fowey Estuary.

Why read it on holiday?
It’s atmospheric, escapist, and captures the wild spirit of Cornwall’s coastline - a perfect match for the sweeping views and coastal walks near Tregoad.

Fowey town and harbour from above with blue waters out to sea

2. “The Shell Seekers” by Rosamunde Pilcher (Cornwall)

A true Cornish classic, The Shell Seekers follows Penelope Keeling as she reflects on her life, family, and the beauty of Cornwall. Pilcher’s storytelling perfectly evokes the rugged coastline and timeless charm of Cornish villages.

Perfect pairing: Enjoy with a cream tea on your lodge decking, or after a walk along nearby Looe Beach, soaking in the same coastal atmosphere that inspired Pilcher’s writing.

3. “On Chesil Beach” by Ian McEwan (Dorset)

For guests staying at Chesil Beach Holiday Park, this one’s a must-read. Set in the 1960s, On Chesil Beach follows a newlywed couple whose honeymoon by the Dorset coast becomes a reflection on love, communication, and change.

McEwan’s poetic descriptions of Chesil Beach, with its vast, pebbled shoreline and sea breeze, perfectly capture the location that inspired the novel’s name.

Why it’s ideal for your Dorset holiday:
It’s short, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. The kind of story that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.

Aerial view of a stretch of Chesil Beach looking out towards the sea and Portland

4. “Far from the Madding Crowd” by Thomas Hardy (Dorset)

A timeless classic by Dorset’s most famous literary son, Far from the Madding Crowd brings to life the fictional Wessex countryside, inspired by Hardy’s home county. Its rolling hills, farms, and market towns will feel familiar to anyone exploring the landscapes around Osmington Mills Lodge Park.

Why read it here?
Hardy’s Dorset is rich with drama, romance, and rural charm - all of which echo through the countryside trails, stone cottages, and peaceful coastlines near our Dorset parks.

View of sea from countryside around Osmington Mills Lodge Park

5. “The Salt Path” by Raynor Winn (Cornwall & Dorset)

A modern favourite that follows Raynor and Moth as they walk the South West Coast Path - a route that follows both Cornwall and Dorset’s spectacular coastline, right near our parks. This moving memoir celebrates resilience, nature, and the healing power of the sea.

Perfect for: Anyone planning to explore parts of the South West Coast Path from Bowleaze Cove, Chesil Beach, Osmington Mills or Tregoad.

A rocky coast path with a female walking along and views of the blue sea

6. “Remarkable Creatures” by Tracy Chevalier (Lyme Regis, Dorset)

Set in Lyme Regis, this historical novel follows the real-life fossil hunter Mary Anning, who made groundbreaking discoveries along the Jurassic Coast. It’s an inspiring, atmospheric read for anyone fascinated by the area’s unique history and geology.

Make it immersive: After reading, plan a trip to the nearby Jurassic Coast from Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa or Osmington Mills - perfect for fossil-hunting adventures of your own.

7. “A Year of Marvellous Ways” by Sarah Winman (Cornwall)

Set in post-war Cornwall, this beautifully written novel tells the story of an old woman named Marvellous Ways and a young soldier who crosses her path. It’s filled with hope, healing, and the gentle rhythm of coastal life - ideal for slow mornings on holiday.

Best read: Wrapped in a blanket with a view of the Cornish countryside from your Tregoad Holiday Park accommodation.

Where to Read Them: From Deckchairs to Coastal Cafés

Whether you prefer reading by the sea, in a cosy lodge, or at one of our on-park restaurants and bars like Drift Bar & Grill, Stargazy Bar & Grill, or Breeze Bar & Grill, there’s no shortage of peaceful reading spots at Waterside.

From the coastal calm of Dorset to the wild beauty of Cornwall, these stories are the perfect companions to your next UK staycation.

Start Planning Your Next Story-Worthy Escape

Book your next holiday in Dorset or Cornwall with Waterside and step into the landscapes that have inspired generations of writers. Whether it’s a romantic break, a family adventure, or a quiet reading retreat, our parks offer the perfect base to relax, recharge, and maybe even write your own story.