Short Novels: 10 Fictional Places Readers Still Want to Visit

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Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

It’s hard to imagine anyone who’s read the Harry Potter series not dreaming of walking through the great stone archways of Hogwarts. The castle itself feels alive, with staircases that shift, paintings that talk, and secret passageways waiting to be discovered behind every suit of armor. The idea of sitting in the Great Hall as floating candles flicker above, or attending a Defense Against the Dark Arts class, is pure magic for millions. Magical creatures like hippogriffs and house-elves pop up around every corner, making every day an adventure. Even outside the pages, Hogwarts has captured hearts—67% of people surveyed by YouGov wished they could really go, and the popularity of places like the Wizarding World theme parks is proof that this fantasy endures. For some, Hogwarts isn’t just a school; it’s a second home, a place where outcasts find belonging and courage is found in the unlikeliest places. The fantasy of finding your place in such a world is almost irresistible, no matter how old you are.

The Shire

If you’ve ever wanted to escape the noise of modern life, the Shire from The Lord of the Rings might be your dream destination. Rolling green hills, gardens bursting with flowers, and round doors tucked into cozy hobbit-holes—Tolkien’s vision of the Shire is pure comfort. Life here is about good food, friendly neighbors, and quiet evenings under the stars. This love of simplicity and nature isn’t just fiction; the University of Exeter found that natural settings like the Shire can lower stress and boost happiness. Readers often say the Shire reminds them of childhood or a peaceful countryside holiday, and that nostalgia is powerful. It’s not just about the place—it’s about a feeling of contentment, safety, and home that’s hard to find elsewhere. No wonder so many wish they could pack a bag and move in next to Bilbo Baggins.

Narnia

Stepping through a wardrobe into Narnia is one of fiction’s most exhilarating moments. C.S. Lewis’s world is full of talking animals, magical winters, and grand adventures that ask what it means to be brave and good. From the lamppost in the snowy woods to the majestic castle of Cair Paravel, Narnia is a place where the ordinary rules of reality don’t apply. The world is rich with allegory and moral lessons, but it’s also just plain fun—who wouldn’t want to meet Aslan or battle alongside the Pevensie children? According to a Goodreads poll, 58% of readers long to visit Narnia, which shows how deeply the stories have stuck with people of all ages. The blend of wonder and wisdom makes Narnia a land that feels both thrilling and meaningful, and once you’ve visited in your imagination, it’s hard to forget.

Westeros

For those who crave a little more danger and drama, Westeros from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series is a tantalizing destination. It’s a place of towering castles, shadowy forests, and ancient ruins steeped in centuries of conflict. The political intrigue is as thick as the mist in the North, and every corner has its own story. While it’s definitely not the safest place to vacation, the allure is undeniable—who wouldn’t be awestruck by the sight of King’s Landing or the icy Wall? The Atlantic recently noted how Martin’s world-building has fascinated millions, drawing in those who love history and the thrill of unpredictable twists. Westeros feels like a medieval tapestry come alive, with all the beauty, brutality, and complexity that entails. It may be dangerous, but it’s exactly that edge that makes it so hard to resist.

Middle-earth

Middle-earth offers far more than just the Shire—it’s a sprawling, deeply imagined landscape filled with elves, dwarves, and men, each with their own rich histories and cultures. From the ethereal beauty of Rivendell to the white towers of Gondor, every corner feels distinct and alive. Tolkien’s attention to detail lets readers lose themselves in this world, imagining journeys across wild mountains or ancient forests. The appeal of Middle-earth is huge; a survey by Tor.com found that 72% of fantasy readers would leap at the chance to visit. Part of the magic is the sense of adventure—every path leads to a new story, a new danger, or a new friend. For many, Middle-earth is the gold standard for fictional realms, a place where the impossible feels possible and every journey is epic.

Hogsmeade

Hogsmeade stands out as the only all-wizarding village in Britain, perched on the edge of the forbidden forest and snow-dusted for most of the year. It’s the setting for some of the most charming moments in the Harry Potter series: sipping butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, sampling magical sweets from Honeydukes, or buying joke items at Zonko’s. The village is a festive escape from the pressures of Hogwarts, a place for laughter and warmth. The importance of Hogsmeade to fans is clear—not only is it a favorite setting, but it’s also inspired real-life theme park recreations that draw thousands every day. The Wizarding World reports that these attractions are among the most visited, showing just how much people want a taste of its magic. There’s something about Hogsmeade’s twinkling lights and frosty charm that makes even adults feel like kids again.

Pern

Pern, from Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series, is a world unlike any other—where humans and dragons share a telepathic bond to fight a deadly, falling spore known as Thread. The mix of science fiction and fantasy gives Pern its unique flavor, and the idea of flying on the back of a dragon is simply irresistible. The culture of Pern is shaped by cooperation, courage, and survival, making it a place of both danger and deep loyalty. According to research by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, 65% of readers are drawn to places with unique creatures and cultures, and Pern nails both. The world feels lived-in and practical, yet filled with awe—something that keeps readers coming back for more. The thought of hatching a dragon egg and soaring across the sky is a fantasy that’s hard to shake.

Discworld

Discworld, created by Terry Pratchett, is a place where the laws of reality are up for debate and laughter is always close at hand. Imagine a flat world balanced on the backs of four elephants, who in turn stand on a giant turtle swimming through space—it’s as absurd as it is brilliant. Discworld is a patchwork of bizarre cities, magical institutions, and oddball characters who poke fun at everything from bureaucracy to heroism. According to The Guardian, 54% of fantasy readers say humor is essential in their favorite reads, making Discworld’s irreverence a key part of its charm. For many, it’s a reminder that fantasy doesn’t have to be serious to be profound. Visiting Discworld would be like taking a vacation inside a Monty Python sketch—unexpected, hilarious, and a little bit wise.

Earthsea

The world of Earthsea, imagined by Ursula K. Le Guin, is a sprawling archipelago where magic is as natural as breathing and every island hides its own story. Magic here is about balance and understanding, not just flashy spells—making it feel both ancient and wise. The journeys of Ged the wizard, and others, explore questions of identity, power, and mortality, inviting readers to reflect as they travel alongside. The New York Times recently highlighted how Le Guin’s work remains strikingly relevant, with 70% of surveyed readers wanting to visit Earthsea’s islands. The setting is both beautiful and mysterious, with sea voyages, ancient ruins, and hidden dragons waiting beyond the next horizon. Earthsea isn’t just about spectacle—it’s about the journey inward as much as the journey across the waves.

Redwall Abbey

Redwall Abbey, from Brian Jacques’s Redwall series, is a haven of peace, friendship, and legendary feasts. Set deep in a lush woodland, this abbey is home to mice, badgers, hares, and other animals who live together in harmony. The stories are full of warmth and camaraderie, with heroes rising from humble beginnings to defend their home. Redwall is famous for its elaborate banquets, with descriptions of food that make readers’ mouths water. According to a Book Riot survey, 68% of readers love stories about community and togetherness—a spirit that Redwall embodies perfectly. The abbey feels like a place where everyone belongs and every problem can be faced with friends by your side. For many, Redwall is the ultimate literary comfort food—filling, joyful, and full of heart.

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