Explore Britain's best literary festivals in 2026

Bookworms rejoice; Britain is home to a myriad of top-class literary festivals taking place at some of the finest historical locations. From readings in the shadow of historical buildings to city centre pop-up shows, our literary calendar has something for every taste. You’ll find plenty of immersive experiences dotted across the country too, from the homes of writing greats to exhibitions dedicated to their work. Meet your favourite writers, enjoy expert discussions and hear live readings at one of Britain’s literary events.

Photo by: Spencer McPherson, StillMoving

Location: Cheltenham, England

People posing with big bear mascot under an arch sign reading Cheltenham Literature

Cheltenham Literature Festival

Established in 1949, the Cheltenham Literature Festival is the UK’s oldest annual festival of its type and welcomes more than 600 of the world’s writers, politicians, poets and actors to celebrate the written word.

When? 9 – 18 October 2026

Photo by: Bevan Cockerill

Location: Bradford, England

A girl putting flowers into the hands of a statue

Brontë Women's Writing Festival

Paying homage to Britain’s iconic literary sisters, the Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing draws both writers and readers to the Brontë Parsonage Museum to celebrate women’s literature. Settle down for talks from much-loved authors, poets, and book agencies – as well as engaging workshops and fun, free activities for all ages.

When? September 2026 (TBC)

Discover the Brontë Women's Writing Festival

Photo by: Newark Book Festival

Location: Newark, England

Newark Book Festival

Discover the world of words at Newark Book Festival, with some of the biggest global names in literature. The festival features a mix of events including stage and street performances, author talks and readings, workshops, a four-day literature market in the Royal Market Place, and a dedicated family day at Newark Castle.

When? 9 – 12 July 2026

Check out Newark Book Festival

Photo by: Bradford Literature Festival

Location: Bradford, England

Bradford Literature Festival

There’s a whole lot to enjoy at this annual festival that celebrates all things from literature, music, spoken word and more. Expect a jam-packed programme of events that covers ten brilliant days of live music, literary workshops, family-friendly events and poetry. Find something that you fancy in various locations around the city. Previous years have welcomed Sir Lenny Henry and Sir Michael Palin as special guests.

Read all about Bradford Literature Festival

Photo by: Edinburgh International Book Festival

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Welcoming around 900 authors to its new location at Lauriston Place in the heart of the city, the Edinburgh International Book Festival includes more than 800 events for you to enjoy.

When? 15 – 30 August 2026

Photo by: Bath Festivals/Dan Flinter

Location: Bath, England

Bath Children's Literature Festival

The Bath Children’s Literature Festival is Europe’s biggest festival dedicated to children’s literature, offering you and your youngsters a chance to meet the creators of their literary heroes.

When? Autumn 2026 (TBC)

Photo by: onepoeticphrase

Location: London, England

A woman standing outside the National Poetry Library at the London Literary Festival

London Literature Festival

The London Literary Festival takes place on London’s South Bank Centre and brings together writers, journalists and creative thinkers for 11 days of readings, talks, poetry and performance.

When? Autumn 2026 (TBC)

A guide to some of Britain's best literary festivals

Cambridge Literary Festival

Cambridge, England 21st - 22nd November 2026

Welcoming writers from all genres, get stuck into the main festival and the Children's Festival, see your favourite authors and meet fellow bookworms.

Photo by: Traditional Punting Company

Location: Cambridge, England

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge

Hay Festival

Hay-on-Wye, Wales 27th May - 6th June 2027

A treat for your mind, featuring the world’s greatest authors, journalists and activists.

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales

Location: Hay-on-Wye (Powys), Wales

Queen’s Reading Room Festival

Bakewell, England September 2027

Set within the majestic surroundings of Chatsworth, this festival brings together authors, actors and literature fans alike.

Photo by: Chatsworth House Trust

Location: Bakewell, England

Exterior view of country house and gardens in autumn

Cliveden Literary Festival

Maidenhead, England 10th - 11th October 2026

The opulent Cliveden House hosts this star-studded annual gathering of celebrated writers and authors.

Photo by: National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole.

Location: Cliveden, England

Beautiful manicured flower gardens and sculptured hedges in front of a large mansion.

Brontë Women's Writing Festival

Haworth, England September 2026

Paying homage to Britain’s famous literary sisters, the Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing celebrates talented female authors.

Photo by: Bevan Cockerill

Location: Bradford, England

Kendal Mountain Literary Festival

Kendal, England 19th - 22nd November 2026

Explore the connections between people, landscapes, nature and places.

Photo by: kendalmountainfestival

People at Kendal Mountain Literary Festival

Oxford Literary Festival

Oxford, England March 2027

Catch lively debates, workshops and seminars involving hundreds of different speakers from around the globe.

Photo by: Oxford Literary Festival

Location: Oxford, England

Crowds of people watching a talk on stage at Oxford Literary Festival

Stratford Literary Festival

Stratford-upon-Avon, England May 2027

The town celebrates the written word in this bi-annual event for book lovers.

Photo by: Rupert Barnes Photography

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Hugh Bonneville on stage at Stratford Literary Festival in 2022

Scottish International Storytelling Festival

Edinburgh, Scotland October 2026

Full of tales, songs and poems, this 12-day celebration unites performers from all over the world.

Photo by: Getty Images / Dougal Waters Photography Ltd

Location: Falmouth, England

An actor rehearses his lines on a spotlit stage in a small community theatre.

Durham Book Festival

Durham, England October 2026

Award-winning novelists, writing workshops and film screenings make up just some of the schedule at this packed autumn literature festival.

Photo by: Rob Irish

Location: Durham, England

People watching a performance in a theatre

Ilkley Literature Festival

Ilkley, England October 2026

Northern England's longest-running literature festival brings big names and engaging events to this 17-day extravaganza.

Photo by: Rich Bunce Walking Photographer

Location: Ilkley, England

Presenter on stage at the Ilkey Literature Festival

Bradford Literature Festival

Bradford, England 11th - 20th June 2027

There's a whole lot to enjoy at this annual festival that celebrates everything from literature, music, spoken word and more.

Photo by: Bradford Literature Festival

Location: Bradford, England

Cambridge Literary Festival
Cambridge, England 21st - 22nd November 2026
Welcoming writers from all genres, get stuck into the main festival and the Children's Festival, see your favourite authors and meet fellow bookworms.

Photo by: Traditional Punting Company

Location: Cambridge, England
Hay Festival
Hay-on-Wye, Wales 27th May - 6th June 2027
A treat for your mind, featuring the world’s greatest authors, journalists and activists.

Photo by: Crown Copyright/Visit Wales

Location: Hay-on-Wye (Powys), Wales
Queen’s Reading Room Festival
Bakewell, England September 2027
Set within the majestic surroundings of Chatsworth, this festival brings together authors, actors and literature fans alike.

Photo by: Chatsworth House Trust

Location: Bakewell, England
Cliveden Literary Festival
Maidenhead, England 10th - 11th October 2026
The opulent Cliveden House hosts this star-studded annual gathering of celebrated writers and authors.

Photo by: National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole.

Location: Cliveden, England
Brontë Women's Writing Festival
Haworth, England September 2026
Paying homage to Britain’s famous literary sisters, the Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing celebrates talented female authors.

Photo by: Bevan Cockerill

Location: Bradford, England
Kendal Mountain Literary Festival
Kendal, England 19th - 22nd November 2026
Explore the connections between people, landscapes, nature and places.

Photo by: kendalmountainfestival
Oxford Literary Festival
Oxford, England March 2027
Catch lively debates, workshops and seminars involving hundreds of different speakers from around the globe.

Photo by: Oxford Literary Festival

Location: Oxford, England
Stratford Literary Festival
Stratford-upon-Avon, England May 2027
The town celebrates the written word in this bi-annual event for book lovers.

Photo by: Rupert Barnes Photography

Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Edinburgh, Scotland October 2026
Full of tales, songs and poems, this 12-day celebration unites performers from all over the world.

Photo by: Getty Images / Dougal Waters Photography Ltd

Location: Falmouth, England
Durham Book Festival
Durham, England October 2026
Award-winning novelists, writing workshops and film screenings make up just some of the schedule at this packed autumn literature festival.

Photo by: Rob Irish

Location: Durham, England
Ilkley Literature Festival
Ilkley, England October 2026
Northern England's longest-running literature festival brings big names and engaging events to this 17-day extravaganza.

Photo by: Rich Bunce Walking Photographer

Location: Ilkley, England
Bradford Literature Festival
Bradford, England 11th - 20th June 2027
There's a whole lot to enjoy at this annual festival that celebrates everything from literature, music, spoken word and more.

Photo by: Bradford Literature Festival

Location: Bradford, England

More literature festivals in Britain

Petworth Literary Festival
28 October – 8 November 2026
With discussions and debates, the Petworth Literary Festival in West Sussex has welcomed big names in literature, including Andy McNab, Sebastian Faulks and Michael Palin.
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival
23 – 26 Jul 2026
Find out ‘whodunit’ at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, packed with authors, agents, publishers, editors and readers.
Queen’s Park Book Festival
5 – 6 September 2026
For literary arts in the heart of London, head to the Queen’s Park Book Festival for a weekend of authors, artists, poets and actors.
Marlborough LitFest
24 – 27 September 2026
Covering a range genres across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children’s authors and more, the Marlborough LitFest in Wiltshire has something for all.
Henley Literary Festival
3 – 11 October 2026
Held across a range of venues is the Henley Literary Festival, including talks, performances and discussions for all ages with big names in literature.
Faversham Literary Festival
February – March 2027 (TBC)
With creative writing workshops, events, and talks from international best-selling authors, the Faversham Literary Festival is offering 10 days of creativity.

Storybook stays in Britain

Discover literary-themed lodgings and experiences inspired by some favourite British reads.

Photo by: The Cairngorms National Park

Location: Braemar, Scotland

Under the covers in the Cairngorms

Dame Judi Dench, David Nicholls, Kate Mosse – just some of the past guests at Scotland’s Braemar Literary Festival, returning for its sixth year in September 2027. But this Cairngorms village’s literary links stretch back centuries: it’s even where Robert Louis Stevenson started writing Treasure Island while on a family holiday in 1881. Stay at the five-star Fife Arms, where you’ll find bedrooms inspired by literary greats and some suitably bookish experiences. Why not join a Literary Tour of Braemar, or channel your inner wordsmith on a Creative Writing session?

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ula Blocksage

Location: Bakewell, England

A family walks on a stone bridge with a grand historic building and lush green hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Period panache in the Peak District

Within easy reach of Manchester and Birmingham, the Peak District National Park brings main character energy to the pages of period dramas. Discover Jane Austen’s Derbyshire on a literary-inspired break walking in the footsteps of her famous characters. First eat your way around Bakewell, home to the Bakewell tart and pudding, and the rumoured inspiration for Lambton in Pride and Prejudice. Then make like a lord or lady at Chatsworth, said to have inspired Mr Darcy’s Pemberley. It even became a filming location for the 2005 big-screen adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley. Can’t tear yourself away? Cosy up in your own romantic bolthole on the Chatsworth Estate with Chatsworth Escapes.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jason Hawkes

Location: Rhossili, Wales

A speedboat in the sea follows the coastline in deep blue waters

Poetic inspiration in south-west Wales

One of Wales’ most famous sons, Under Milk Wood author Dylan Thomas was born in and spent much of his life in the seaside city of Swansea. Get to know his story at the dedicated Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea’s former Guildhall, home to the permanent exhibition ‘Love the Words’. Discover one of his favourite beaches, Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula, where the rugged scenery might inspire you to pen a verse yourself. The best bit? You can even stay at Thomas’ birthplace and family home, No. 5 Cwmdonkin Drive.

Discover Britain's literary hotspots

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Explore Britain's best literary festivals in 2026

Cheltenham Literature Festival

Brontë Women's Writing Festival

Newark Book Festival

Bradford Literature Festival

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Bath Children's Literature Festival

London Literature Festival

A guide to some of Britain's best literary festivals

More literature festivals in Britain

Petworth Literary Festival

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

Queen’s Park Book Festival

Marlborough LitFest

Henley Literary Festival

Faversham Literary Festival

Storybook stays in Britain

Under the covers in the Cairngorms

Period panache in the Peak District

Poetic inspiration in south-west Wales

Discover Britain's literary hotspots

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