Boswell

The house where Samuel Johnson spent his final years sits quietly on the edge of Burton-on-Trent, a red-brick Georgian property that feels genuinely lived-in rather than museum-sterile. Johnson bought Boswell in 1776 as a country retreat, and you can still sense the weight of his presence in the rooms - the study where he worked, the parlour where he held court. The place isn't flashy or overdone. It's the kind of spot that appeals most to literature enthusiasts and anyone with a genuine interest in 18th-century domestic life rather than casual tourists hoping for dramatic period drama.

Access and opening times aren't always straightforward, so ring ahead before making the trip from Burton-on-Trent. The setting itself rewards a longer visit if you've got time - the house sits within grounds that give you a proper sense of how the great man lived away from London's noise. Allow a good couple of hours if you're thorough, though you could manage the essentials in 45 minutes.

For a park-based holiday in the area, Kingfisher Holiday Park is just over three miles away, making Boswell a manageable half-day excursion. Cannock Chase Camping & Caravanning Club Site sits further out at just under six miles, though that's still within striking distance if you're after combining literary history with woodland walking on Cannock Chase itself. Neither park location makes Boswell convenient for a quick visit, but it's worth factoring in if you're staying put for several days.