The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival returns to the Old Swan Hotel on Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 July 2024!
Don’t miss a minute of the drama with our exclusive Weekend Break packages.
For one long, sultry summer weekend, the temperature in Harrogate rises whatever the weather as the world’s hottest celebration of crime writing swings into town. Once tasted, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival leaves you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next exciting chapter.
The 2024 Festival guarantees thrills, and perhaps a few spills at the hotel bar, at the gathering of the crime writing industry’s self-appointed Annual General Meeting, with a difference! Grab a pint of Yorkshire’s finest ale, relax in the hotel gardens, and dip into an intoxicating mix of comedy, cabaret, heated debate, and scintillating socialising. Missing out would be a most murderous misdemeanour.
It’s the friendliest Festival with its feet firmly on Yorkshire ground. Hang out with your heroes, get an exclusive insight into the next big thing, and rub shoulders with the UK’s leading agents, editors and publishers. Be inspired and join in the drama at Agatha Christie’s old haunt: the luxurious Old Swan Hotel. It would be a crime to miss it!
At this stage we are releasing:
Classic Weekend Break Packages
The confidence of booking your Weekend Break Package with the HIF team, includes all the benefits listed and access to the Festival main stage.
A Classic Weekend Package includes:
- Three nights accommodation at your preferred hotel (subject to availability at time of booking), arriving Thursday 18 July 2024, and departing Sunday 21 July 2024.
- Breakfast at your hotel on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning.
- Two course lunch at The Old Swan Hotel on Friday and Saturday.
- One tea or coffee per person on Friday and Saturday.
- Access to the site for the entire weekend, including bars, bookshop, and signings.
- First opportunity to access tickets to exclusive on-site publisher events.
- A Theakston Old Peculier Crime Festival goody bag to take home.
- A Classic Rover Ticket – allowing you access to 21 events in the Live Event Tent throughout the weekend.
Events included are as follows:
Thursday: The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Awards Ceremony and after party (event starts at 8pm)
Friday: All 8 events on the main stage (first event starts at 9.00am and last event starts at 10.00pm)
Saturday: All 9 events on the main stage (first event starts at 9.00am and last event starts at 10.00pm)
Sunday: All 3 events on the main stage (first event starts at 9.00am and last event starts at 12.00pm)
Best for: Being in the heart of town
With a history spanning over 300 years, the Crown Hotel Harrogate is experienced in looking after guests. With a contemporary environment which complements its historic architecture, The Crown Hotel pays homage to its heritage as a great town centre property.
Situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from the Harrogate International Centre, Turkish Baths, Betty’s Tea Rooms and the picturesque town centre with its antique stores, Victorian arcades and boutique shops, The Crown Hotel Harrogate is the perfect location for a weekend away.
Located just 5 minutes’ walk away from the Old Swan Hotel and 10 minutes’ walk from the train and bus station.
The Crown Hotel has a limited car park that is chargeable and operates on a first come, first served basis to be paid directly to the hotel. On-street parking and chargeable public car park are also located within a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Our rates:
- Standard Double/Twin rooms from £859.00 for single occupancy or £1,309.00 for two guests sharing.
- Suite from £999.00 for single occupancy or £1,449.00 for two guests sharing.
The Majestic Hotel exudes sophistication and basks in Victorian heritage. Nestled within 8 acres of grounds and just a short walk from boutiques and antique shops, The Majestic is renowned for true Yorkshire hospitality.
Located just 5 minutes’ walk away from the Old Swan Hotel and 15 minutes’ walk from the train and bus station.
There is ample parking that is chargeable and to be paid directly to the hotel.
Our rates:
- Standard Double/Twin room from £909.00 for single occupancy or £1,349.00 for two guests sharing
The Crowne Plaza Harrogate is ideally located just a stone’s throw from the town centre and adjoins the famous Harrogate International Conference Centre. Many rooms have stunning views which showcase our famous Yorkshire Spa town and the rolling Yorkshire dales.
Contemporary and welcoming, the Classics Bar and Restaurant 701 offer a variety of traditional and international dishes.
Located just a 10-minute walk from The Old Swan Hotel and a 10 minute walk from the train and bus station.
The Crowne Plaza boasts ample parking capacity (daily parking charge applies) and air-conditioned rooms – perfect for a warm weekend in July.
Our rates:
- Standard Double/Twin rooms from £939.00 for single occupancy or £1,309.00 for two guests sharing.
- Superior Double rooms from £1,069.00 for single occupancy or £1,469.00 for two guests sharing.
Best for: Excellent value
The Camberley is in the heart of Harrogate, opposite the Convention Centre and welcomes guests with a convenient, relaxing and effortless stay.
It is 5 minutes’ walk from over 100 restaurants. Harrogate Train Station is about 0.5 miles away, and you can reach the bus station on foot in about 5 minutes.
Located just 10 minutes’ walk away from the Old Swan Hotel and 10 minutes’ walk from the train and bus station.
The Camberley has a small and free car park located at the rear. On-street parking and chargeable public car park are also located within a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
The Yorkshire Hotel sits opposite the Stray offering both spectacular views, and an excellent shopping opportunity in the centre of Harrogate.
Located just a 10 minute walk from the Old Swan Hotel and 5 minutes’ walk from the train and bus station.
The Yorkshire Hotel has a limited car park that is chargeable and operates on a first come, first served basis, which is to be paid directly to the hotel. On-street parking and public car parks are also located within a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Our rates:
- Standard Double/Twin rooms from £899.00 for single occupancy or £1,299.00 for two guests sharing.
- Junior Suite from £1,049.00 for single occupancy or £1,449.00 for two guests sharing.
Experience the allure of Victorian charm infused with modern luxury at Hotel du Vin Harrogate.
With stunning Stray views, contemporary rooms and fantastic social space, Hotel du Vin is a popular Festival hotel.
Located just 10 minutes’ walk away from the Old Swan Hotel and 5 minutes’ walk from the train and bus station.
There is limited parking available that is chargeable and to be paid for directly at the hotel.
Our rates:
- Standard Double rooms from £1,149.00 for single occupancy or £1,529.00 for two guests sharing.
Best for: Being the Home of Crime!
The Old Swan Hotel is the site of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Festival Weekend. As the hub of the Festival, you’ll be at the centre of the action – with live events, digital spaces, and more right at your feet.
An elegant and romantic hotel in the heart of Harrogate, offering a variety of characterful accommodation, with traditionally-styled bedrooms overlooking the town or the hotel gardens.
Located just 15 minutes’ walk from the train and bus station.
There is currently no parking available at the Old Swan Hotel for 2024. However, there is plenty of on-street parking and public car parks located just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Best for: Being close to the action
The historic Cairn Hotel was built during Harrogate’s period as a Spa Town when people came from far and wide to take the waters. Carefully modernised, grand original features still welcome you to this charming Victorian hotel.
Located only a 5-minute walk from both the centre of town and the Old Swan Hotel and only 15 minutes’ walk from the train and bus station.
The Cairn Hotel offers free parking in its large car park.
Best for: A true Harrogate experience
Following a recent extensive refurbishment, The White Hart combines Victorian grandeur with contemporary comfort. Situated within the iconic Montpellier Quarter, The White Hart Hotel is at the centre of Harrogate’s historic hub (right by the Royal Pump Room, Valley Gardens and Bettys), and is home to The Fat Badger, a sumptuous pub and Harrogate household name. The White Hart Hotel delivers the true meaning of Yorkshire hospitality.
Located just 5 minutes’ walk away from the Old Swan Hotel and 10 minutes’ walk from the train and bus station.
The White Hart Hotel has a large car park that is chargeable and to be paid directly to the hotel.
* Price excludes Author Dinners, Creative Thursday, and any additional publisher events.
HOW TO BOOK:
Please contact the Festivals Office to book for for more information.
Telephone: +44 (0)1423 562303
Email: info@harrogate-festival.org.uk
Payment in full is required at time of booking and provisional bookings are not possible.
If you wish to add extra nights to your reservations on a bed and breakfast basis we will be happy to quote you upon request.
If you have any specific access requirements, please do make sure to let us know at time of booking.