Britain’s best literary festivals for 2025
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I was so happy to see that one of my most-read newsletters of 2024 was my guide to the best literary festivals in Britain. As a self-professed bibliophile, I love the idea a little British book club sprung up around my newsletter. So, it’s only right I bring it back with the best book festivals of 2025, this time with plenty of advance warning. Start booking! Pun intended.
Oxford Literary Festival
March 29 – April 6, oxfordliteraryfestival.org
With talks from everyone from David Starkey to Tracy Chevalier, this is a busy and popular festival, in the learned city. It proudly commits to “freedom of speech, debate and diversity, maintaining a tradition of courteous dialogue,” with speakers from many backgrounds and opinions. There’s a children’s section and lively events at the Sheldonian.
Hay Festival, Wales
May 22 – June 1, hayfestival.com
The biggest and most famous literary festival is Hay, in Hay-on-Wye, Wales. The full programme hasn’t been announced yet, but early highlights include Alexander McCall Smith, Tim Rice, Miranda Hart, Matt Haig, Richard Dawkins and Michael Morpurgo, Ben Murray and Billy Ocean in concert.
The Queen’s Reading Room Festival, Hampton Court
June, thequeensreadingroom.co.uk
Queen Camilla’s literary festival has been a success for the past two years and it’s believed it will return to Hampton Court this year, although it has not yet been confirmed. If so, it’s likely to be in June and feature a mix of speakers and performances. Last year’s included Ann Cleeves, Ian Rankin, Lee Child, Mary Beard, Helena Bonham Carter, Kate Mosse and Miriam Margolyes.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
October 10 – 19, cheltenhamfestivals.com
Another prestigious literary festival is the world’s first – in Cheltenham. This year’s line-up hasn’t been announced, but like previous years, will consist of big-name authors as well as new voices, workshops and performances, from the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Miriam Richard Ayoade, Michael Palin, Nick Hornby and Jodi Picoult, who all appeared last year.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
August 9 – 24, edbookfest.co.uk
Again, it’s way too early to see the line-up programme for this literary festival, but as in previous years, the festival city will come alive with a mix of events, talks and workshops. It’s huge – with more than 500 events, last year it included talks from Salman Rushdie to Dolly Alderton, Philippa Gregory to Richard Osman.
Jane Austen Festival, Bath
September 12 – 21, janeausten.co.uk
While not exactly a literary festival – it’s so much more than that – I couldn’t leave out the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, which this year celebrates the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth. Expect lots of talks from Austen experts and readings, as well as the usual celebrations and Grand Regency Parade.
Bath Children’s Literature Festival
September 26 – October 5, bathfestivals.org.uk
Also in Bath, if you have a little bookworm in the house, they’ll love Europe’s largest children’s literary festival. With more than 100 authors and illustrators, past guests include Michael Rosen, Cressida Cowell, Rob Biddulph, Harry Hill and Jacqueline Wilson.
Cliveden Literary Festival, Berkshire
October 11-12, clivedenliteraryfestival.org
Dubbing itself, “the most dignified and beautiful literary festival on the planet,” Cliveden Literary Festival, in the part National Trust property/part luxury hotel, is always a good one. Last year’s speakers included Salman Rushdie, Tom Holland, Rachel Weisz and Ian McEwan.
London Literature Festival
October, southbankcentre.co.uk
Over 10 days every October, Southbank hosts the London Literature Festival, where it holds talks and performances from a wide range of authors and artists. Last year’s line-up included everyone from Rupert Everett to Ghetts.