William Blake

Standing outside this modest cottage near Bognor Regis, you'd never guess that one of England's most visionary poets spent his final years here. William Blake lived at this unassuming house from 1800 to 1803, crafting some of his most famous works including parts of 'Jerusalem'. The cottage itself isn't much to look at from the outside - a simple flint and brick affair typical of the area - but literary pilgrims will find it moving to stand where Blake penned those immortal lines about England's green and pleasant land. Poetry enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in English literature will get the most from a visit, though there's not a great deal to see beyond the building's exterior and a commemorative plaque. Kids might struggle to find it engaging unless they're already Blake fans. The site works well as a quick stop if you're staying at nearby parks like Butlins Bognor Regis or Haven Church Farm Holiday Village. You can easily combine it with a trip to nearby Chichester or a walk along the coast. Don't expect to spend more than fifteen minutes here - it's more about the connection to literary history than any grand spectacle. Worth the short detour for culture vultures, but hardly essential viewing for everyone else.