friends driving a Zipcar in the UK
friends driving a Zipcar in the UK


Book Clubs, Fairs & Literary Events in London



Reading is typically a solitary activity, but it doesn’t need to be. If you’d prefer to socialise and explore your passion for literature with others, then London’s book clubs, festivals, and fairs are ideal. From a wine and dine book club to annual fairs hosting top authors, we’ve put together some of the best literary events in London.


Book Clubs


Finding a book club may seem difficult at first, and you might rely on word of mouth to find the right fit. But fear not, as there are hundreds of local book clubs listed on events website Eventbrite. Or how about the social media app meetup that brings people together in real life. Find a group that suits you with our list of favourites across the Capital.

 

 

London Wine and Dine Book Club

London Wine and Dine Book Club

London Wine and Dine Book Club

Wine, food, and great literature - what more could you want? The London Wine And Dine Book Club meets twice a month to discuss an array of captivating fiction and non-fiction novels. Expect a breadth of titles from the Rev Richard Coles’ ‘Madness of Grief’ to Salman Rushdie’s ‘Midnight’s Children.’ Featuring a new restaurant and book every meeting, the organisers know how to keep things interesting. Over a thousand members frequent the group’s get-togethers, so you won’t be short of new people to chat with.

Fantasy Book Club

Fantasy Book Club

Fantasy Book Club

Focusing on fantasy tales from the 1960s onwards, London’s Fantasy Book Club loves to delve into worlds of the unknown. Geared towards fans of alternate history, dystopian fantasy, new-wave fantasy, and horror, the club tends to steer away from high-fantasy materials. Instead, you’re certain to encounter incredible new pieces of literature, each with a unique take on the genre. Discuss the issues, themes, and narratives of fantasy books on the 3rd of every month with like-minded enthusiasts.

South London Walking Book Club

South London Walking Book Club

South London Walking Book Club


The South London Walking Book Club isn’t your average book club. Instead of sitting around a table with a cup of coffee, why not discuss your favourite books on the move? Members meet monthly to chat about the group’s chosen novel and take a leisurely outdoor stroll. There’s no better way to indulge your love for literature and explore London than with this club.

Wimbledon Book Club

Wimbledon Book Club

Wimbledon Book Club

While it might be best known for tennis, Wimbledon is also the home to one of London’s best book clubs. Formed by a group in their 20s, 30s, and those “young at heart”, this friendly crowd meets regularly to discuss contemporary paperbacks. As an adventurous bunch of readers, the selection of topics means you won’t be bound to one genre. The group likes to move from romantic fiction to literary classics, current affairs, or even science fiction on a regular basis. Everyone’s welcome at the Wimbledon Book Club - the ball’s in your court.

 

Book Fairs & Festivals


With close to 350 literary festivals across the UK each year - many in the Capital - and many more book fairs, there’s no shortage of events for literature lovers. Some events, like the London Book Fair, are catered for publishing professionals, meaning they aren't open to the general public. However, many of the top London book events are open to all.

 

 

Bloomsbury Book Fair

Bloomsbury Book Fair

Bloomsbury Book Fair

The famous Bloomsbury Book Fair is any collector’s dream. It boasts some of the UK’s top specialist dealers, selling an assortment of rare, secondhand, and antiquarian books. From rare first editions of bestselling novels to vintage volumes that trace back hundreds of years, there’s plenty to choose from at the Capital’s largest book fair. Enjoy a spectacular day of book browsing in the heart of literary London.

 

Where? Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, Coram St WC1N 1HT.

When? Typically 9:30am to 3pm, monthly. Check their website for upcoming dates.

Price? £3 all day.

Chiswick Book Festival

Chiswick Book Festival

Chiswick Book Festival

First things first, it’s ‘chis-zikh’ not ‘chis-wick,’ probably best to make sure of that before heading to one of the UK’s most prestigious literary events. This London literature festival brings together a community of book lovers and gives back to local causes and charities. Why Chiswick? The area is considered by many to be London’s most notable literary location. It has historical ties to acclaimed authors who have either written about or lived in Chiswick. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Anthony Burgess, E.M. Forster, and Nancy Mitford with the ‘Chiswick Writer’s Trail.’ The festival itself hosts a variety of famous authors each year - be sure to check out their website for more information on who’s talking at this year’s event.

 

Where? Venues across Chiswick.

When? Annual, usually around September time.

Price? Varies per event.

London Literature Festival

London Literature Festival

London Literature Festival

Every year in October, attendees of the acclaimed London Literature Festival pack into the Southbank Centre for a week of standout presentations. Frequently visited by some of the world’s top authors, the festival also hosts talks by former Booker Prize and Nobel Peace Prize For Literature winners, no less. Such as that of Abdulrazak Gurnah, who spoke at the festival in 2022. With international poets and novelists spotting at every turn, this author event is ideal for book lovers or eager writers hoping to pick the brains of an expert. 

 

Where? Southbank Centre.

When? Annually in October.

Price? Usually around £10. Tickets for keynote speakers may be closer to £35.

Henley Literature Festival

Henley Literature Festival

Henley Literature Festival

Further afield, Londoners will find one of the UK’s biggest and best book events - The Henley Literature Festival. Past speakers include legendary reporter David Dimbleby, Mary Berry, John Major, and Julia Donaldson - creator of the children’s classics, ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘Stick Man.’ Speaking of children’s books, Henley also hosts a children’s festival every year. The event allows kids to dress up, meet their favourite authors, and get their hands on free books. The Henley literature festival is about 37 miles out of London, so why not book a Zipcar to help you get there? No congestion charges, no fuel, and no insurance to worry about - we handle everything for you.

 

Where? Henley.

When? Annually, usually around October.

Price? Varies per speaker. Some events are free, others cost between £10 to £25. Keynote speakers cost around £30.

Other Literary Events


Whether you’re looking to develop your craft as a writer or explore your passion for books in a unique way, then London is the place to be. Beyond book clubs, fairs, and festivals, the following are any bookworm’s dream.

 

 

 

London Writer’s Cafe

London Writer’s Cafe

London Writer’s Cafe

This one’s for the writers out there. The group brings writers together and builds a supportive cohort by offering encouragement, advice, and support. There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by a group of writer peers when you’re ready to tackle a novel of your own. What’s more, there are numerous workshops that will build your skills and help you become a better writer. Whether you’re new to the craft or you’ve been writing for years, the London Writer’s Cafe is the perfect community for any aspiring novelist.

London Literary Tours

London Literary Tours

London Literary Tours

Walk the streets of London and discover the intricate lives of the Capital’s most celebrated and renowned authors. London Literary Tours - run by self-proclaimed book lovers Mike and Cindy - provide an experience like no other. Join the duo as they explore significant locations in each writer’s life and explain the context behind their greatest works. Discover the history behind Bond and Flemming, with their St James’s Jaunt walk. Or, voyage through Bloomsbury and encounter the famous ‘Bloomsbury Group’ of authors. You can even make a private inquiry if you’re interested in a particular author or group. The guides are keen to accommodate personal requests outside their scheduled tours.


Price? Depends on the tour. Typically £25pp-£30pp. Private tours cost £50pp.


Travelling across the Capital can be difficult at times, but with Zipcar you’re only a moment away from your next ride. There’s no congestion charges, no fuel, and no insurance to worry about - we cover that for you. Book and share a Zipcar with friends as you discover literary London, and all the events it has to offer.