The best book festivals

Where: Bradford

Highlights: This 10-day festival celebrates its 10th year with over 500 events, including talks with Miriam Margolyes, Lemn Sissay, Mary Beard, Sara Pascoe and Ruby Wax.

How: bradfordlitfest.co.uk

Chalke History Festival

When: 24-30 June

Where: Church below, Broad Chalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Highlights: The world’s largest history festival returns in 2024 with a new look and many more events. Speakers include James May, The rest is history Duo Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, Max Hastings, Bettany Hughes and Sathnam Sanghera.

How: Chalke History Festival (ticket sales start in April)

Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

When: 18-21 July

Where: Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate

Highlights: The award-winning crime festival is in its 21st year and this time renowned author Ruth Ware is at the helm as programme chair. Other speakers include Richard Osman, Chris Carter, Jane Casey, Elly Griffiths, Erin Kelly, Vaseem Khan, Dorothy Koomson, Shari Lapena, Abir Mukherjee and Liz Nugent. A must for crime fans!

How: Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival

Also24

When: 12-14 July

Where: Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire

Highlights: Set on the lakeshore in 50 acres of Capability Brown-designed landscape, this boutique festival combines writers, music and comedy with food, nature and wellness. Speakers this year include Philippa Perry, Natalie Haynes, Dr Pragya Agarwal, Adam Kaye and Sara Pascoe.

How: Also24

Edinburgh International Book Festival

When: 10-25 August

Where: Edinburgh, Scotland

Highlights: The Edinburgh International Book Festival, one of the world’s leading literary festivals, is going to be bigger than ever – this year an estimated 220,000 visitors are expected to attend Charlotte Square Garden. The programme for this year has not yet been announced, but last year’s guest speakers included Gordon Brown, Judy Murray, Colson Whitehead, Val McDermid, Elif Shafak and Ali Smith.

How: Edinburgh Book Festival (tickets available from 4 June)

North Cornwall Book Festival

When: 26-29 September

Where: St. Endellion, Cornwall

Highlights: Curated by bestselling author Patrick Gale, this intimate festival includes author events, live music and a craft market. Speakers include Anne Enright, Simon Armitage and Sathnam Sanghera.

How: endelienta.org.uk/north-cornwall-book-festival

Cheltenham Literary Festival

When: 4-13 October

Where: Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Highlights: One of the oldest book festivals in the world, the Cheltenham Literature Festival was founded in 1949. Over 100 debates, interviews and workshops are planned for 2024. No names have been announced for this year’s events, but last year’s speakers included Brian Cox, Jojo Moyes, Elizabeth Day, Charlie Mackesy, Sadiq Khan, Liv Little, David Mitchell, Heather Morris, Tim Peake and Clive Myrie.

How: cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature (tickets go on sale in spring)

Cliveden Literary Festival

When: 21-22 September

Where: Cliveden House in Berkshire

Highlights: Now in its eighth year, this festival is held in the beautiful grounds and surroundings of Cliveden House. No speakers have yet been announced for 2024, but last year’s speakers included Zadie Smith, Maggie O’Farrell, Mary Beard, Katherine Rundell and Emily Maitlis.

How: Cliveden Literary Festival

Wigtown Book Festival

When: 27 September – 6 October 2024

Where: Wigtown, Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland

Highlights: Scotland’s National Book Town hosts this 10-day event with live music, performances, workshops, walks as well as author events. More names will be added but speakers currently include Pam Ayres, Pen Vogler and Ali Millar.

How: wigtownbookfestival.com

Henley Literary Festival

When: 28 September to 6 October

Where: Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Highlights: Set in beautiful Henley on the banks of the River Thames, this festival is a lovely place to spend a few days. Speakers this year include David Nicholls, Lynda La Plante, Elif Shafak and Shirley Ballas.

How: henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk

Isle of Wight Literature Festival

When: 3-6 October

Where: Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire

Highlights: The beautiful Northwood House, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion, hosts book reviews, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, as well as speakers such as Tracy Borman and Susie Dent.

How: isleofwightliteraryfestival.com

Wimbledon Book Festival

When: 17-27 October

Where: Wimbledon, London

Highlights: Set in a leafy suburb of southwest London, this festival takes place twice a year (there are also events in the spring), and this autumn’s performances include Kate Humble, Kate Mosse, Clare Balding, Ingrid Persaud, Mary Berry, Zandra Rhodes and Zeinab Badawi.

How: wimbledonbookfest.org