Whitby Literature Festival
Four days of books, author talks, and coastal stories.
Posted on 31st August 2026
The Whitby Literature Festival (Whitby Lit Fest) returns this autumn, bringing a four-day celebration of literature, coastal stories, workshops, and high-profile author encounters to venues across the historic seaside town.
Running from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd November 2026, the festival features a packed line-up spanning crime fiction, history, poetry, politics, food, film, and children’s literature. The programme brings together internationally acclaimed authors, TV personalities, local voices, and family-friendly events.
Actor and bestselling children's author Hugh Bonneville joins the 2026 line-up as a surprise headline guest. Best known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Paddington, Bonneville takes to the stage at Whitby Pavilion (Northern Lights Suite) on Saturday 21st November at 1:00pm for a special family session introducing his new book, Rory Sparkes and the Spy Who Loved Tea (Tickets £11 adults, £5 children).
Programme & Featured Authors 📚✍️
Bestselling author Jess Kidd launches proceedings on Thursday 19th November with a seaside-themed mystery. Over the four days, visitors can attend talks, Q&A sessions, and book signings with a wide range of guest speakers:
- Bestselling Fiction & Crime: Featuring John Boyne (presenting his novel The Weight of Angels), Ann Cleeves (marking 40 years in print and her 40th novel), Joanne Harris, and crime writers Elly Griffiths and Mark Billingham.
- Stage & Screen Icons: Actor Greta Scacchi and actor/children's author Hugh Bonneville.
- Special Family Events: Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae celebrating her picture book Put Your Records On, alongside Hugh Bonneville's family storytelling session.
- Food, History & Travel: Hairy Biker Si King, Sally Coulthard, Andrew Lownie, Alistair Moffat, and Lucinda Hawksley.
- Current Affairs, Politics & Journalism: Peter Oborne, Channel 4 Chief Correspondent Alex Thomson, Louise Minchin, and Sian Williams.
- Poetry & Fiction: Zaffar Kunial, Laura Purcell, Nicky Hambleton-Jones, and many others.
Townwide Festival Venues 🏛️📍
Events take place in various cultural spaces, heritage buildings, and intimate venues across Whitby:
- Whitby Pavilion (West Cliff) – Main festival hub and large stage talks.
- Eighteen91
- Flowergate Hall
- Whitby Museum (Pannett Park)
- Whitby Library
- The Coliseum
- The Jet Black Jewel
Photo Gallery - coming soon
Plan Your Visit 📅
Practical details for booking tickets and attending festival sessions:
Admission & Tickets
TICKETS ON SALE NOWEvents are ticketed individually. Early booking is strongly recommended for headline talks and smaller-capacity venues.
Dates & Schedule
Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd November 2026
• Sessions run morning through evening across multiple venues.
Family & Children Events
Dedicated family sessions include Hugh Bonneville (£11 adults / £5 children) on Sat 21st Nov, plus Corinne Bailey Rae's picture book session.
Accessibility
Main festival hub Whitby Pavilion offers step-free access and accessible facilities. Check individual venue details on the official festival schedule for specific access arrangements.
Visitor Tip
Venues are spread throughout the town centre, Pannett Park, and West Cliff. Allow sufficient walking time between sessions, especially when heading between lower town venues and the cliff-top Pavilion.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Main Festival Hub Address:
Whitby Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3EN
🚆 By Train & Bus
Whitby Railway Station sits in the town centre, providing connections via the Esk Valley Line and Northern Rail, alongside regional bus routes (including the 840 Coastliner service from York and Malton).
🚗 Driving & Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available along West Cliff (near Whitby Pavilion), at Pavillion Drive Car Park, and at central town car parks including Endeavour Wharf and Church Street.
