If you're looking for an excuse to combine a walk along the Thames with a dose of literary inspiration, then the Henley Literary Festival is the perfect autumn outing.
Returning from 2 to 11 October 2026, the festival is celebrating its 20th year and promises ten days packed with talks, discussions, performances and workshops featuring some of the biggest names in literature, journalism, history, sport, food writing and entertainment.
Set in the beautiful riverside town of Henley-on-Thames, the festival has grown into one of the UK's leading literary events, attracting acclaimed authors, household names and keen readers from across the country. This year's programme includes more than 140 events, with speakers ranging from bestselling novelists and children's authors to historians, broadcasters and sporting legends.
One of the joys of the festival is its setting. Events take place in a collection of venues spread across the town, many just a short stroll from the Thames Path. The main festival venues include:
- The Marquee at Phyllis Court, a 500-seat venue overlooking the River Thames.
- The Relais Henley, a stylish riverside hotel hosting a wide range of festival events.
- Henley Town Hall, located in the heart of the town's historic market square.
- Christ Church Henley, just a short walk from Henley railway station.
The festival makes an excellent addition to a Thames Path walk. Why not spend the morning exploring the riverside, watching rowers glide past and enjoying Henley's famous waterfront before settling into an afternoon talk with one of your favourite authors?
With autumn colours beginning to appear along the river and a packed programme of events on offer, the Henley Literary Festival is a wonderful way to experience the Thames in a different light.
For the full programme and tickets, visit the website here: Henley Literary Festival – 2nd – 11th October 2026
