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Bookworms rejoice; Britain is home to a myriad of top-class literary festivals taking place at some of the finest historical locations. Meet your favourite writers, enjoy expert discussions and hear live readings at one of these landmark literary events taking place throughout the year.

From readings in the shadow of historical buildings to city centre pop-up shows, Britain’s 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.

A guide to some of Britain's best literary festivals

Cambridge, England 17th - 21st April 2024

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

Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Wales 23rd May - 2nd June 2024

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

Visit Wales

Brecon Beacon

Hay Festival
Molesey, England 8th June 2024

Set within the regal surroundings of Hampton Court Palace, this festival brings together authors, actors and literature fans alike.

VisitBritain/Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal palace built by Cardinal Wolsely and handed to his monarch King Henry VIII in the year 1528.
Cliveden, England 21st - 22nd September 2024

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

National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole. All rights reserved

The Parterre at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Haworth, England September 2024

Celebrate women’s writing at the Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing, taking place at the former home of female literary icons. Enjoy talks and creative workshops.

VisitBritain/Tim Holt Photography

Haworth, England

View down cobbled hill in a village with Union Jack bunting
Kendal, England 21st - 24th November 2024

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

kendalmountainfestival

People at Kendal Mountain Literary Festival

More literature festivals in Britain

The Last Word Festival

6 – 30 June 2024

Through spoken word, workshops and more, The Last Word Festival at The Roundhouse, London, offers a wide range of stories from different walks of life. Look out for the poetry slam, too.

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

18 – 21 July 2024

Find out ‘whodunit’ at this literature festival in Harrogate, Yorkshire, packed with authors, agents, publishers, editors and readers.

Queen’s Park Book Festival

31 Aug – 1 Sept 2024

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

26 – 29 Sept 2024

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

28 Sept – 6 Oct 2024

Held across a range of venues is the Henley Literature Festival, including talks, performances and discussions for all ages with big names in literature.

Petworth Literary Festival

18 Oct – 3 Nov 2024

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.

Discover Britain's literary destinations

Edinburgh

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town
Stratford-upon-Avon

Birthplace of the great bard, William Shakespeare, fall in love with this hopelessly romantic 16th century town.

Find out more

©VisitBritain/Nemorin

Couple walking around the exterior of Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
London

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station
Bath

A wellness retreat for the Romans and Georgian architecture around every corner.

Find out more

VisitBritain

Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Cotswolds

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

Find out more

VisitBritain

Cotswolds, England

Pärchen, das sich im Garten in der Nähe eines Springbrunnens umarmt
Lake District

From the tip of England’s tallest peak to the nation’s deepest lake, this national park is stacked with super-sized scenery.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Ryan Lomas

Lake District, England

Rear view of young woman on a hillside with two dogs
Oxford

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

Two boys playing on a path in front of a palace
Birmingham

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

Find out more

West Midlands Growth Company

Historical building, with a clock tower, beside a fountain
Edinburgh

From palaces to cobbled alleys, and a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Edinburgh

A young couple taking a selfie of view over historic town
Stratford-upon-Avon

Birthplace of the great bard, William Shakespeare, fall in love with this hopelessly romantic 16th century town.

Find out more

©VisitBritain/Nemorin

Couple walking around the exterior of Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England
London

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station
Bath

A wellness retreat for the Romans and Georgian architecture around every corner.

Find out more

VisitBritain

Woman swimming in a swimming pool at a spa
Cotswolds

Lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers - the Cotswolds has it all.

Find out more

VisitBritain

Cotswolds, England

Pärchen, das sich im Garten in der Nähe eines Springbrunnens umarmt
Lake District

From the tip of England’s tallest peak to the nation’s deepest lake, this national park is stacked with super-sized scenery.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Ryan Lomas

Lake District, England

Rear view of young woman on a hillside with two dogs
Oxford

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

Find out more

VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

Two boys playing on a path in front of a palace
Birmingham

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

Find out more

West Midlands Growth Company

Historical building, with a clock tower, beside a fountain

Explore Britain’s famous literary filming locations

Follow in the magical footsteps of Harry Potter around these great British filming locations.

Visit CountyDurham

View over Durham City

Live out your Regency fantasies and immerse yourself in the record-breaking series.

VisitBritain/Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal palace built by Cardinal Wolsely and handed to his monarch King Henry VIII in the year 1528.

From the Scottish glens, to international art - spy Britain's favourite agent.

visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet

London

View of Vauxhall from across the River Thames, London

Great Britain sets the scene to embark on a star-studded adventure, seek out the stories from the latest releases and pose for that picture-perfect moment.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Two men hiking in highlands at sunset. Streaming sunlight

From Bridgerton to Bond and Harry Potter to the Peaky Blinders, Britain has set the scene for a multitude of film, television shows and period dramas.

VisitBritain/Guy Richardson

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Highlands, Schottland

View of valley in the Highlands and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, steam train on the tracks, Loch Shiel in the background

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