Top literature festivals on the GWR network

There are loads of great book events celebrating the world’s best author’s, including some homegrown South West literary giants, just a train journey away, when you travel with Great Western Railway.

International Agatha Christie Festival

14–16 September
Crime writer, and one of the world’s biggest selling authors, Agatha Christie was born and brought up in Torquay. She wrote over 60 novels, inventing world-famous sleuths Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. South Devon will celebrate the master of suspense with a series of events including a garden party, an interactive murder mystery evening and a fete, held at the author’s beloved house Greenway.
iacf-uk.org

Jane Austen Festival

14–23 September
One of Britain’s best-loved authors gets an annual commemoration at the Georgian City of Bath, where she lived for a spell, penning some of her best work. Check out the Regency-costumed promenade and the daily readings of her final completed novel Persuasion, which is set in the South West city itself.
janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk

Bath Children’s Literature Festival

28 September – 7 October
Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival returns. It’s your chance to catch the biggest names in publishing for kids, including David Walliams, Danny Wallace and Julian Clary. You might even get your favourite book signed!
bathfestivals.org.uk

Cheltenham Literature Festival

5–14 October
This year’s literature festival in Cheltenham has a stellar line-up of authors, including David Attenborough, Caitlin Moran, Philip Pullman and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Head over to the famous spa town and explore the exceptional programme, full of pop-up events, fun for all the family and musical treats.
cheltenhamfestivals.com

London Literature Festival

18–28 October
Now in its twelfth year, the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre will host big-name authors, such as Salman Rushdie and Marilynne Robinson. Throughout the eleven-day event, there will be a celebration of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, marking the book’s first-ever translation into English by a woman, and will include a panel discussion chaired by Mary Beard.
southbankcentre.co.uk

Looe Literary Festival

15–18 November
What better way to enjoy the world, than in the proximity of fresh Cornish sea air? Every year Looe hosts a literature festival with guest speakers, workshops and children’s events. This year includes authors exploring a wide range of subjects, including life as a Cornish fisherman, the Knights Templar, the Suffragettes and loads more.
looeliteraryfestival.co.uk