BESTSELLING author and Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams paid a visit to Cornwall’s Fowey Hall Hotel to officially open its library.

The library is home to more than 800 books appealing to children of all ages as well as a selection of great reads for adults. A collection of vintage photography and prints tell the story of the hotel and its literary links to Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame and Daphne du Maurier.

 Describing the library as 'magnificent', David Walliams said: “In a world of deadlines and constant interruptions, many families are juggling work and personal commitments and their lives are currently restricted due to the pandemic.

“ A library, however big or small, can often be the perfect place to retreat and enjoy a book without distraction.”

Simon Maguire, Managing Director of Luxury Family Hotels, said: “One of the most relaxing things about getting away, whether it’s to the beach or a long weekend out of town, is that you get the chance to pick up a book.  As part of our major refurbishment, we wanted Fowey Hall to offer a luxury stay with relaxation guaranteed and our library has been carefully designed to do just that

Fowey  has provided inspiration and a home to many authors including Daphne du Maurier and  Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows.

Grahame first came to Fowey in 1899, staying at the Fowey Hotel while convalescing from pneumonia. Here he became friends with Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch (Q), who introduced him to life in Fowey, he also married Elspeth Thompson in St Fimbarrus Church in Fowey in the same year. Although the marriage was a somewhat unhappy one, Grahame often sought refuge in Fowey spending much time with Q and on the river. It was during these visits that he wrote to Alastair, his only son (affectionally known as Mouse) with his tales of the riverbank.  These letters and other bedtime stories were to make up The Wind in the Willows.