44 Must-See Literary Landmarks in the United Kingdom

12. The Urban Grit of Doyle's Portsmouth

Before the foggy streets of Baker Street became legendary, Arthur Conan Doyle was crafting the beginnings of Sherlock Holmes in the bustling port city of Portsmouth. It was here, as a young doctor struggling to make ends meet, that Doyle began writing the detective stories that would revolutionize crime fiction. The Portsmouth Museum houses a fascinating collection dedicated to Sherlock Holmes, offering insight into Doyle’s creative process and the inspirations behind the world’s most famous detective. Strolling through the historic Old Portsmouth, with its maritime heritage and hidden alleyways, it’s easy to picture Holmes on the trail of a cunning criminal. The city’s seafaring past and Victorian elegance make it the perfect setting to unravel the mystery of Doyle’s enduring legacy.