If you like prefer festivals that focus on books, ideas and authors rather than music, beer and sleeping in a tent, these are the ones for you.
There’s a whole plethora of literary events happening around the country this year, with line-ups featuring world-renowned authors – so take your pick…
Edinburgh International Book Festival
When: 9 - 24 August
What to read next
Where: Edinburgh
Highlights: One of the world’s leading literary festivals, Edinburgh International Literature Festival draws thousands of people to the Scottish capital. Last year's speakers included Dolly Alderton, Richard Osman, Philippa Gregory, Salman Rushdie, Colm Tóibín, Andrew O’Hagan, Val McDermid, Elif Shafak, David Nicholls, Lorraine Kelly, Rebecca F Kuang, Ian Rankin, and Margaret Atwood.
Book: edbookfest.co.uk
Radio Times presents Richard Osman
When: 4 September
Where: Kew Gardens, London
How: Radio Times presents Richard Osman
Chiswick Book Festival
When: 10 - 15 September
Where: Various venues in Chiswick, South-West London
Highlights: More than 50 authors are appearing at this boutique London festival, some of which takes place in the grounds of Chiswick House. Speakers include Jeremy Vine, Reeta Chakrabarti, Jeremy Hunt, Lyse Doucet and Kathy Lette.
Appledore Book Festival
When: 12 - 21 September
Where: Appledore, Devon
Highlights: Set on the picturesque north Devon coast, Appledore Book Festival is now in its 17th year and this year will be hosting more than 100 events, including workshops, nature walks, seafood suppers and musical interludes. Martin Clunes, Romy Gill, Jane Casey, Michael Morpurgo, Veronica Henry, Alan Davies and Fern Britton are all appearing.
The Queen's Reading Room Festival
When: 19 - 20 September
Where: Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Highlights: Queen Camilla's book festival moves to a new location for 2025: Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, a venue chosen to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. It will include a screening of the film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice in the gardens of the stately home, which starred as Pemberley (Mr Darcy’s house) in the 2005 film. Headliners include Jilly Cooper, Helen Fielding, Richard Osman, Jojo Moyes, Sarah Winman, Joanna Cannon, Kristin Hannah, Sebastian Faulks, Sarah Waters and Alan Titchmarsh.
How: The Queen's Reading Room Festival
North Cornwall Book Festival
When: 25 - 28 September
Where: St Endellion, Cornwall
Highlights: Curated by bestselling writer Patrick Gale, this intimate festival includes author events, live music and an artisan market. No speakers have been announced yet for 2025 but last year's included Anne Enright, Simon Armitage, Alan Hollinghurst and Sathnam Sanghera.
How: endelienta.org.uk/north-cornwall-book-festival
Henley Literary Festival
When: 4 - 12 October
Where: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Highlights: This festival, held in beautiful Henley on the banks of the river Thames, is a lovely way to spend a few days. Names for 2025 will be announced soon. Last year's speakers included David Nicholls, Lynda La Plante, Elif Shafak and Shirley Ballas.
Book: henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk
Cheltenham Literature Festival
When: 10 - 19 October
Where: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Highlights: One of the longest-running book festivals in the world, the Cheltenham Literature Festival was established in 1949. There are more than 100 debates, interviews and workshops planned in 2025. No names have been announced yet but last year's included Barbara Kingsolver, Helen Fielding, Eleanor Catton, Richard Curtis, Richard E. Grant, Theresa May, Michel Roux and Zadie Smith.
How: cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature
Cliveden Literary Festival
When: 11 - 12 October
Where: Cliveden House in Berkshire
Highlights: Now in its 9th year, this festival takes place in the beautiful grounds and surrounds of Cliveden House. Speakers have just been announced for 2025 and include Ian Rankin, Salman Rushdie, Richard E Grant, Douglas Murray, Jung Chang, Niall Ferguson, Hallie Rubenhold and Alain de Botton.
How: Cliveden Literary Festival
Wigtown Book Festival
When: 26 September - 5 October
Where: Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, south-west Scotland
Highlights: Scotland’s National Book Town plays host to this 10-day event, which features live music, performance, workshops, walks, as well as author events. Names appearing this year include Reeta Chakrabarti, Rory Cellan-Jones, Nicola Sturgeon, Jeremy Hunt, Damian Barr and Denise Mina.
Henley Literary Festival
When: 28 September - 6 October
Where: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Highlights: This festival held in beautiful Henley on the banks of the River Thames is a lovely place to spend a few days. Among the speakers this year are David Nicholls, Lynda La Plante, Elif Shafak and Shirley Ballas.
How: henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk
Ilkley Literature Festival
When: 3 - 19 October
Where: Ilkley, West Yorkshire
Highlights: The north’s longest-running literary festival has more than 90 events taking place across 17 days at the King’s Hall and venues across the spa town. Headliners from 2024 included Kate Atkinson, Julian Clary, Susie Dent, Patrick Grant, Alan Hollinghurst, Jodi Picoult, Prue Leith and Carol Ann Duffy.
How: Ilkley Literature Festival
Isle Of Wight Literary Festival
When: 9 - 12 October
Where: Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire
Highlights: Gorgeous Northwood House, a grade II* listed Georgian manor, plays host to book talks, cookery demos and wine tastings, as well as speakers such as Tracy Borman and Susie Dent.
How: isleofwightliteraryfestival.com
Durham Book Festival
When: 10 - 13 October
Where: Durham
Highlights: Based in the cathedral city of Durham, this festival of all things written is produced by New Writing North. The programme this year includes Rebecca F Kuang, Alan Hollinghurst, Jackie Kay, Jodi Picoult and Tracy Chevalier.
How: newwritingnorth.com/durham-book-festival
Wimbledon Bookfest
When: 16 - 26 October
Where: Wimbledon, London
Highlights: Set in a leafy suburb of south-west London, this festival takes place twice a year (there are events in the spring, too). Appearing this autumn are restaurant critic Jay Rayner, poet Lemn Sissay, award-winning storytellers Jung Chang,Alexander McCall Smith and Kit de Waal.
Bridport Literary Festival
When: 2 - 8 November
Where: Bridport, Dorset
Highlights: Taking place in the pretty market town of Bridport in Dorset, this 6 day festival celebrates its 21st year in 2025. The speakers include a real mix of well-known names alongside local writers. Speakers for 2025 will be announced soon.
How: Bridport Literary Festival
An Evening with Margaret Atwood
When: 10 - 13 November
Where: London, Bristol and Manchester
How: An Evening with Margaret Atwood
Good Housekeeping Live
When: 12 - 15 November
Where: The Business Design Centre, London
Highlights: Good Housekeeping Live is back and it’s bigger than ever. This year, we have teamed up with sister magazine Country Living and, as well as talks, workshops and demonstrations, you will be able to shop for all your Christmas needs at more than 100 stalls selling artisan products. Speakers this year include David Suchet, Susie Dent, Kate Mosse, Mary Portas, Jojo Moyes and Jacqueline Wilson.
