York Literature Festival 2025: Our guide to the best events between 6th and 29th March
Find out everything you need to know to make a cunning plan
There are loads of fab book shops in York — some of my favourites are Criminally Good Books, The Blue House Book Shop and the plethora of really good charity shops with well stocked and eclectic book collections...
So people in York like books and as you can see from this book they love a festival, so some bright spark decided to do a Literature Festival that is full of events, talks, workshops, storytelling, book readings, songs and creative writing competitions. Think of it as Comic-Con for books but with less tight rubber costumes — which is a shame.

2025 York Literature Festival
This year York Literature Festival will be running from March 6 to 29. With over 30 events spread across the city, there’s something for everyone. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:
International Women’s Day Poetry Showcase
Date & Time: Friday, March 7, 7:00 PM
Venue: Theatre@41, 41 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PB
Details: Celebrate International Women’s Day with performances from poets like Lillian Akampurira Aujo, Isabel Galleymore, Kim Moore, and headliner Mary Jean Chan.
Pity with Andrew McMillan
Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 PM
Venue: The Crescent, 8 The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
Details: Award-winning poet Andrew McMillan discusses his debut novel, Pity, exploring themes of community and masculinity in Northern England.
Sophie Hannah—How to Be a Happy and Successful Writer
Date & Time: Thursday, March 13, 5:00 PM
Venue: St Peter’s School, Clifton, York, YO30 6AB
Details: Internationally bestselling author Sophie Hannah offers a masterclass on achieving success and happiness in writing.
Atlas, the Story of Pa Salt, with Harry Whittaker
Date & Time: Thursday, March 13, 6:00 PM
Venue: York Explore Library and Archive, Museum St, York YO1 7DS
Details: Local author Harry Whittaker discusses completing the Seven Sisters series after the passing of his mother, Lucinda Riley.
Howl Owt
Date & Time: Thursday, March 13, 7:30 PM
Venue: The Blue Boar, 5 Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
Details: An open mic night featuring local poets and writers, hosted by Chloe & Steph from Howlers Open Mic and Henry from Say Owt.
David Almond
Date & Time: Friday, March 14, 6:00 PM
Venue: Joseph Rowntree School, Haxby Rd, New Earswick, York YO32 4BZ
Details: Celebrated author David Almond discusses his latest books and shares insights into his creative process.
Fantasy Fiction: Susanna Clarke in Conversation
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 7:00 PM
Venue: St Peter’s School, Clifton, York, YO30 6AB
Details: Acclaimed author Susanna Clarke talks about her work and the enduring popularity of fantasy fiction.
For the full lineup and ticket information, visit the York Literature Festival website. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the literary world right here in York!
If you are coming to York for the York Literature Festival and need a place to stay, then just visit our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
You can download it for free from the Google Play Books Store here
This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.