Readers' Day

Spend the day in the company of some of Britain’s best-loved authors as they

share their stories, experiences, inspirations and latest projects with host Patricia Nicol.

Readers’ Day is a regular, and extremely popular feature of the main Festival and this spring we will be bringing the very best autumn reads to West Horsley Place.

The day takes the format of a mini festival in a day with six authors, including debut fiction writers and established novelists, talking about their lives, their inspirations and their latest projects. There is also an opportunity to meet the authors and have books signed.

This year, we’re pleased to give you more choice and are offering two tickets, one enabling you to bring your own lunch and one with a light lunch provided.

Both options include a Goody Bag, and the venue offers free parking on site and a coffee van with hot drinks and tasty snacks in the courtyard.

Our host for the day is author and journalist, Patricia Nicol. Patricia is a regular book reviewer for The Sunday Times, and also writes a weekly audio column, reviewing radio and podcasts. She also writes the Best Books column for the Daily Mail.

JODY COOKSLEY

The Small Museum

A chilling gothic mystery set among Victorian scientists and collectors. A newly wed young woman is thrust into a strange house of secrets. Soon she’s accused of M**der and the plot splits into coverage of her trial and the narrative of the dark events that lead to her arrest.

AMY TWIGG

Spoilt Creatures

Iris is adrift, but her life changes when she meets the mysterious and beguiling Hazel, who lives at a women's commune. The women can live how they want at the farm but when a
group of men arrive, the commune's existence is thrown into question, culminating in an act of devastating violence.

LOUISE CANDLISH

Our Holiday

Charlotte and Perry long for summers at Cliff View, their gorgeous holiday home overlooking Pine Ridge. City friends Amy and Linus have bought a property nearby,
they plan lazy weeks of sun, sea and sipping rosé. But there’s trouble in paradise... Think White Lotus meets Our House as betrayal, corruption and M**der sizzle in a seaside town.

FREYA NORTH

The Unfinished Business of Eadie Browne

Join bestselling author Freya North in conversation about her latest novel The Unfinished Business of Eadie Brown, a nostalgic, life-affirming story set in the 80s of friendship, growing up and finding yourself – even when your past won’t let you go.

LAURA DOCKRILL

I Love You, I Love You, I Love You

Based on award-winning author Laura Dockrill's own lived experience, I Love You, I Love You, I Love You is a glorious nostalgia trip back to the summer of 2000. This book is for anyone who has ever known the exquisite pain and pleasure of first love.

ABI DARE

And So I Roar

Fourteen-year-old Adunni is in Lagos, excited to finally enrol in school. Having escaped her rural village in a desperate bid to seek a better future, she's found refuge with Tia. But it's not so simple to run away from your past.

Light lunch includes a sandwich, a packet of crisps, piece of fruit and small mini bite.

There is a coffee van on-site so bring your reusable cup with you.

For refreshments we will have tap water and cordial available so bring a reuseable cup or water bottle with you.

Are you a member of a Book Club or Reading Group?

We offer 10% discount when booking for 5 or more people together. To book for a group please email [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

West Horsley Place, West Horsley Place, West Horsley, United Kingdom