Cabins near UK literary festivals

The Bath Festival of music and books kicks off the literary season in May, marking the start of a summer of bunting-clad cultural celebrations. Rising stars and national treasures gather to share their latest work against a backdrop of Georgian splendour. The city is woven into the line up through literary themed walking tours, and author talks in historic venues and iconic book shops (check out the enticingly-named, Mr B’s Emporium). If you’ve got kids, head back in October for Bath Children’s Literature Festival, the largest of its kind in Europe.

A short hop from central Bath, The Workshop cabin is perched high on a hill with stunning views that stretch all the way to the Brecon Beacons on a clear day. Bring home a few goodies that you’ve picked up in town and cook them up on the BBQ before kicking back on the long veranda and losing yourself in a book. The picturesque Cotswold Way runs behind the cabin so you can stretch your legs before heading back into Bath for more excitement.

“To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure, is the most perfect refreshment.” —Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

The jewel in the crown of global literary festivals, Hay was once famously dubbed ‘Woodstock for the mind’ by Bill Clinton. All devoted book-lovers should visit at least once to experience the formidable line-ups that include Nobel prizewinners, novelists, celebrities, environmentalists, politicians and historians. The beautiful Powys setting creates a relaxed, informal atmosphere where game-changing conversations and ideas flow in the tents.

Plas Bach cabin is the perfect base if you want to throw yourself into the party atmosphere and enjoy a few Pimms. It’s an easy twenty minute stroll from Hay to this gorgeous eco cabin, surrounded by a magazine-worthy box garden. You’ll be reenacting romantic scenes from literary classics among the topiary in no time. Inside, you’ll find an appealing blend of vintage charm and modern luxury, with a spacious wet room and flat screen TV. You probably won’t need the latter with the pile of books you stagger home with.

“I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.” William Shakespeare

Rowers and regattas might spring to mind when you think of Henley, but this Oxfordshire hotspot also hosts an impressive literary festival each October. The buzzy town attracts everyone from heavyweights like John Grisham and Kate Atkinson, to well-loved personalities such as Graham Norton and Mary Berry. A popular children’s programme runs alongside the main event featuring some of the UK’s bestselling and much-loved children’s authors.

When in Henley, it’s only fitting to stay by the river, and it doesn’t get much closer to the water than a houseboat bobbing on the Thames. Ondine is a stylish oasis of calm, a mere ten minute walk from the town centre. Start each day pouring over the festival programme with a coffee on the deck and you might lose track of time as you watch swans, paddleboarders and future Olympic rowers glide by. In between author talks, explore the scenic Thames path that leads to Sonning and Marlow, or visit one of the many foodie country pubs on the doorstep.

“Not just beautiful, though–the stars are like the trees in the forest, alive and breathing. And they’re watching me.” Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

Cheltenham holds the accolade for hosting the longest-running literature festival in the world. Over ten days in October, this beautiful Regency town plays host to a jam-packed schedule of events, attracting award-winning talent from all over the world including the likes of Hilary Clinton, Salman Rushdie and Stephen King. No wonder it’s been described as a ‘literary lover's dream.’

A mere thirty minutes drive away, Buzzard’s Reach cabin is as secluded and quiet as Cheltenhem is vibrant. Perched in a Cotswold valley, you’re spoilt for cosy reading spots, from the reclining chairs on the deck to the armchair in front of the wood burner. For a change of scene, take the latest bestseller with you into the deep Japanese plunge bath. There’s less chance of soggy pages when you’re sitting up, and you can gaze at the gorgeous views out of the window in between chapters.

“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.'” Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

‘BridLit’, as it’s affectionately known, is a firm fixture in the West Dorset calendar, bringing together an eclectic cast of top authors and emerging talent over a busy week in November. You’ll get a side order of bracing sea air with your literary musings as the festival takes place in the heart of the Jurassic coast, close to the fishing village of West Bay (of Broadchurch fame). Bridport also has a superb art and antiques quarter, so bring your wallet.

The only visitors to Buck's Coppice, hidden in the depths of Dorset countryside, are a huge array of bird life, maybe deer, wild boar and if you're super lucky, visiting otters. Any sense that this is “roughing it” is dispelled by the smart, understated style of the interior and the swish kitchen space, an aspiring chef’s dream. All this looking out upon the tranquillity of the lake and the sea of greenery on your doorstep.

“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” —Gary Snyder, American poet

Take a look at our cabin reading list to see which books the Canopy & Stars team are saving for a peaceful moment.