Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026
The world's most celebrated crime writing festival returns to Harrogate. Join big names like David Baldacci, Nadine Matheson, and others for a weekend of mystery, thrillers, and literary celebration at the Old Swan Hotel.
About the Venue
Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate
The Old Swan Hotel is one of Harrogate's most storied and elegant landmarks, a Victorian country house hotel that has played host to royalty, celebrities, and literary giants throughout its history. It is perhaps best known as the location where Agatha Christie was discovered in December 1926 following her famous eleven-day disappearance — a mystery that gripped the nation and has never been fully explained. Today the hotel is the spiritual home of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the UK's largest festival dedicated to crime fiction, which takes over Harrogate every July. Its grand ballrooms, beautifully restored interiors, and tranquil gardens make it a favourite for weddings, conferences, and cultural events of all kinds.
View full venue page →About the Venue
Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate
The Old Swan Hotel is one of Harrogate's most storied and elegant landmarks, a Victorian country house hotel that has played host to royalty, celebrities, and literary giants throughout its history. It is perhaps best known as the location where Agatha Christie was discovered in December 1926 following her famous eleven-day disappearance — a mystery that gripped the nation and has never been fully explained. Today the hotel is the spiritual home of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, the UK's largest festival dedicated to crime fiction, which takes over Harrogate every July. Its grand ballrooms, beautifully restored interiors, and tranquil gardens make it a favourite for weddings, conferences, and cultural events of all kinds.
View full venue page →About Harrogate
Harrogate is one of England's most elegant spa towns, famous for its Victorian gardens, grand hotels, and annual events including the Great Yorkshire Show and the Theakston Crime Writing Festival.
- North Yorkshire
- ~76,000 residents
- Historic spa town
- Home to major festivals
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