Piecing Together a Spooky Getaway? Celebrate Frankenstein Friday at These Destinations! Javier Peinado October 18, 2023 Holiday Travel On a stormy evening in 1816, a young Mary Shelley accepted a challenge from her friends while vacationing in Geneva, Switzerland. The group, which included Mary’s soon-to-be husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and accomplished poet Lord Byron, dared each other to write a scary story for the ages. Wracking her brain, Shelley soon developed the tale of Victor Frankenstein, a man of science who, in a quest to make life in his own image, unleashed a monster upon the world. Published two years later as Frankenstein: or The Modern Prometheus, Shelley’s work is now recognized as a foundational piece of the horror genre, spawning countless film and stage adaptations and even a hit song by 80s rocker Alice Cooper. To celebrate Shelley and the monster that sprang from her pen, each year the last Friday of October is commemorated as Frankenstein Friday. More than just a day to dust off your copy the 1931 classic, Frankenstein Friday is a day to honor Shelley and her role as a pioneer for women writers. Whether you’re a horror fan, a lover of literature, or just someone looking for something fun to do on a beautiful fall day, there are plenty of places to visit for Frankenstein Friday. Let’s take a look at some of the best destinations to properly enjoy this fun and spooky day! Mary Shelley’s Home — Geneva Villa Diodati by Werner Bayer is licensed under CC0 1.0 Deed Mary Shelley lived in several places throughout Europe that are now synonymous with her horror tale. One of the most recognizable residences used by Shelley is Villa Diodati, the home in Geneva where she first conceived of Frankenstein on that stormy night two centuries ago. Although the interior of Villa Diodati is off limits to the public, the exterior lawns are often open to visitors hoping to bask in the beautiful architecture of the home and get a feel for what it must have felt like for Shelley as she put pen to paper. As the setting of the book, the city of Geneva also embraces all things Frankenstein, with tours focusing on famous spots from the novel. Visitors to Geneva can even get their picture taken next to an amazing statue of the monster on the exact spot where Shelley wrote that he rampaged through the city. The Shelley Memorial — Bournemouth, England St Peter’s Church, Hinton Road, Bournemouth, Dorset by Alwyn Ladell licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 The Shelley Memorial is the resting place of Mary Shelley and several of her closest relatives, including the heart of her husband Percy, who died in a drowning accident in Italy in 1822. Located in the cemetery of St. Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, England, the memorial is a humbling tribute to Shelley. Visitors to the Shelley Memorial will also relish getting to know Bournemouth, a hidden gem on England’s coast with amazing seascapes. Located a few miles away in Christchurch is another memorial to the Shelleys that was commissioned by the couple’s son, Sir Percy Shelley, in 1853. Made of marble, the memorial sorrowfully depicts Mary Shelley holding her husband’s lifeless body after his drowning accident in a testament to the love and tragedy that made up Mary and Percy’s life together. The Bodleian Library — Oxford, England The Bodleian Library , Oxford, England Frankenstein lovers hoping to get up close and personal with Shelley should head to the Bodleian Library at Oxford University for the chance to view relics and personal writings of the famous horror writer. The Bodleian is the repository for several early manuscripts of Frankenstein written in Shelley’s own hand. Also of note in the collection is a series of Shelley’s notebooks, one of which chronicles her wedding day. Although access to Shelley’s personal writings is restricted, the Bodleian nevertheless hosts exhibitions throughout the year that allow admirers of the author to see the manuscripts and learn more about Shelley’s life. Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein — Bath, England Royal Crescent, Bath, England Lovers of all things Frankenstein should consider heading to Bath, England for Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, a museum and escape room that offers guests the most complete Frankenstein experience in the world. The museum honors Shelley with an entire floor of exhibits and artifacts that touch on all aspects of her life. Visitors will also get to come face-to-face with an 8-foot statue of the monster made exactly as Shelley described him in the novel. The rest of the museum takes guests on an immersive experience that features everything from mockups of settings from the novel to various artifacts and memorabilia associated with Shelley and the numerous adaptations of her story. The bravest visitors to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein can head to the attic for an escape room based on Victor’s laboratory. Unraveling clues found in the mad scientist’s rambling notes and body parts strewn across the floor, guests are tasked with finding their way out of Victor’s lair before time runs out. Frankenstein Castle — Darmstadt, Germany Castle Frankenstein, Darmstadt-Ebertstad, Germany Frankenstein Castle sits on the mountains overlooking Darmstadt, Germany like a watchful bird of prey ready to swoop down on its quarry. Haunting and beautiful at the same time, the castle is the perfect place for travelers hoping to make Frankenstein Friday a day that you will never forget. Throughout the centuries, mysterious happenings and grisly tales have surrounded Frankenstein Castle, tales that likely led Shelley to christen her mad scientist with the castle’s ominous moniker. Local legends tell that occultist Johann Konrad Dippel experimented on dead bodies at the castle before inventing an elixir that granted eternal life. Still others believe that long ago the castle was home to a dragon that fed off the local peasants before being slain by a noble knight. Today, Frankenstein Castle is a welcoming stop for tourists keen on experiencing the haunting drama of Shelley’s work. Along with enjoying great views of Darmstadt and the surrounding countryside, visitors to Frankenstein Castle can settle in for a meal at the Burg Frankenstein, a world-class restaurant that offers stage shows and a signature cocktail appropriately named the Frankensteiner. You may also like: Spookiness Across the World! 6 International Halloween Destinations The Keats-Shelley House — Rome, Italy The Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy Just a quick walk from the Spanish Steps in Rome is the Keats-Shelley House, one of Rome’s best literary museums and a place that pays tribute to the greatest poets of the Romantic Era. Primarily honoring Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats, the museum nevertheless exhibits several artifacts from the life of Mary Shelley and tells the story of her close friendship with the paragons of the Romantic genre. One of the most fascinating items available for viewing is Shelley’s travel writing desk, which is exhibited alongside manuscripts and personal notes written by the author. Guests of the Keats-Shelley House will also enjoy checking out artwork displayed at the museum as well as Keats’ death mask, the institution’s most macabre relic. FAQS: Q: How can I reach Villa Diodati in Geneva? A: Villa Diodati is located in Geneva, Switzerland. While specifics vary, most visitors access it via public transportation or taxi from central Geneva. Q: Is there an admission fee to visit the grounds of Villa Diodati? A: While the interior of Villa Diodati is off-limits, the exterior lawns are often open to visitors for free. Q: Are there guided tours available in Geneva related to Frankenstein? A: Yes, Geneva offers tours focusing on famous spots from the novel and the history surrounding Mary Shelley’s creation. Q: Is the Bodleian Library’s Shelley exhibit always open to the public? A: The Bodleian Library hosts exhibitions featuring Shelley’s works throughout the year. However, access to some personal writings might be restricted. Q: What are the ticket prices for Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath? A: It’s best to check the museum’s official website or contact them directly for up-to-date pricing. Q: Is Frankenstein Castle in Darmstadt open year-round? A: Most castles of this nature have seasonal hours. Check the castle’s official website for accurate timings. Q: Are there any accessibility accommodations at these locations? A: Specific accommodations vary by location. It’s recommended to check with each destination in advance to ensure they meet any required accessibility needs. Are you a big Frankenstein fan? Have you been to any of these Shelley-esque destinations? Tell us about it in the comments below!
