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Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026 Weekend Break Packages

Experience every thrilling moment with our exclusive Weekend Break packages.

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is back at the iconic Old Swan Hotel, running from Thursday 23 July to Sunday 26 July 2026

For one long, sultry summer weekend, Harrogate turns up the heat as the world’s hottest celebration of crime writing takes over town. Like a gripping crime novel, once experienced, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will leave you hooked, eagerly awaiting the next thrilling twist.

From unmissable Main Stage events to new titles launched at pop‑up sessions, the excitement of the late‑night quiz, the suspense of the awards winners, and the buzz of the legendary Theakston’s Bar, Harrogate is more than just a Festival.

Join a community of readers and writers, where you can meet your favourite author at the bar, uncover insider tips from industry experts, and celebrate crime fiction with fans from all horizons. It’s the friendliest of Festivals, the one place where readers, authors and the industry come together. Really, it would be a crime to miss it!

With our Classic Weekend Break Package, you don’t need to worry about a thing. Forget the stress of last-minute hotel changes, securing tickets to over 20 main stage events or even planning your meals, we’ve taken care of it all.

The outside of The Old Swan hotel during the Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival. There is a chalk outline of a body on the concrete floor like what you would find at a crime scene.

Your package includes:

  • A Classic Weekend Rover Ticket: guaranteed seat at every event on the main Festival Stage across the weekend.
  • 3-nights’ accommodation: at a hotel of your choice (subject to availability), arriving Thursday 23 July 2026 and departing Sunday 26 July 2026.
  • Breakfast each morning (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) at your hotel.
  • 2-course lunch at the Old Swan Hotel on Friday and Saturday.
  • A Theakston Old Peculier Crime Festival goody bag to take home.

How to book

By booking everything with us, you’ll be free to think of all the fun things, like what to pack, how much space to leave in your suitcase for all the books you’ll be bringing back and simply looking forward to an unforgettable weekend in Harrogate.

Please call one of the Festival team to enquire or book your accommodation package here in Harrogate

  • Phone: +44 (0)1423 562303, available Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm
  • Email: [email protected] (enquiries only, bookings must be made by telephone)

A non refundable deposit of £175.00 per person is required at time of booking, with final balance due by 27 February 2026. Payment in installement is available upon request.

Additional nights and tailored packages for 1, 2, 4 or more nights available upon request.

Festival Events

The following Festival events are included:

  • Thursday: Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Awards Ceremony and afterparty (8:00 pm)
  • Friday: All main stage events (starting from 9:00 am, last event starting at 10.00 pm)
  • Saturday: All main stage events (starting from 9:00 am, last event starting at 10:15 pm)
  • Sunday: All main stage events (starting from 9:00 am, last event starting at 12:00 pm)

Prices exclude Author Dinners, Creative Thursday, and any additional Festival Partners’ events. These will be available for purchase in early spring 2026.

People modelling the Theakston Crime festival tote bags.

View Accommodation Options

  • Best for: Central location

    With over 300 years of history, the Crown Hotel offers a contemporary ambiance near Harrogate’s finest attractions.

    Car Park: Parking at £15 per night, limited; additional options nearby.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 10 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 5 minutes

    Rates:
    Single rooms: from £915.00 for one person.
    Small Double rooms: from £945.00 for one person.
    Standard Double/Twin rooms:from £965.00 for one person or £1,435.00 for two people sharing.
    Superior Double/Twin rooms: from £1,045.00 for one person or £1,495.00 for two people sharing.
    Suite: from £1,145.00 for one person or £1,595.00 for two people sharing.

    The Crown Hotel collage showcases the outside which is a grand brick building. The inside features a modern white and gold double bed and there is also an image of a bar with a marble worktop.

  • Best for: Peaceful views and relaxed dining
    Enjoy serene Stray views and the Ambers restaurant at Cedar Court, newly updated for a cozy yet elegant retreat.

    Car Park: Parking at £10 per night, limited.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 12 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 20 minutes
    Taxi distance to Festival: 7 minutes

    Rates:
    Standard Double/Twin rooms: Rates from £855.00 for one guest or £1,315.00 for two guests sharing.

    This is a collage of the Cedar Court Hotel which is a yellow stone brick building with lots of green space outside. The lawns are freshly mowed and there is a large tree. The inside of the hotel room has a double bed and a coffee table with an arm chair. There is a bar in the hotel.

  • Best for: A contemporary stay

    Recently refurbished, the White Hart combines Victorian splendor with modern luxury in the heart of the Montpellier Quarter. Don’t miss The Fat Badger, a popular pub on site.

    Car Park: Parking on a first-come, first-served basis at £15 per night; other parking options nearby.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 10 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 5 minutes

    Rates:
    Cosy Double room: from £1,045.00 for 1 guest
    Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £1,085.00 for 1 guest or £1,505.00 for 2 guests sharing
    Superior Four Poster Double rooms: from £1,145.00 for 1 guest or £1,565.00 for 2 guests sharing

    A collage of photos showcasing the outside of the White Hart Hotel which is a modern stone building surrounded by greenery including large trees. The inside of the hotel room showcases a white double bed. The inside of the hotel bar has dark wooden panels and many bar stools.

  • Best for: A classic Harrogate experience

    With scenic views and a central location, the Yorkshire Hotel is perfect for a weekend in Harrogate’s charming town center.

    Car Park: Limited parking at £15 per night; nearby parking available.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 5 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 10 minutes

    Rates:
    Standard Double/Twin rooms:     from £995.00 for 1 guest or £1,415.00 for 2 guests sharing
    Executive Double/Twin rooms: from £1,045.00 for 1 guest or £1,465.00 for 2 guests sharin

    A collage of the outside of the hotel which is a large brick building with a car park. The inside of the hotel room features a plush carpet and a white double bed with a wall mounted TV. The inside of the hotel bar has a laminate flooring with many modern bar stools.

  • Best for: Classic charm & elegance

    Set in 8 acres, the Majestic Hotel offers Victorian heritage and true Yorkshire hospitality, perfect for those looking to add a touch of sophistication.

    Car Park: Parking at £15 per night.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 15 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 5 minutes

    Rates:
    Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £1,005.00 for 1 guest or £1,485.00 for 2 guests sharing
    Superior Double/Twin rooms: from £1,105.00 for 1 guest or £1,565.00 for 2 guests sharing

    The outside of the Majestic Hotel which is a grand red brick building with a turquoise dome roof in the centre. The inside of the hotel room showcases a white double bed. The inside of the reception area is modern with chesterfield armchairs and checkered marble flooring.

  • Best for: Luxury at the heart of Harrogate

    Victorian charm meets modern sophistication at this luxurious hotel, known for its excellent views and inviting social spaces.

    Car Park: Parking at £15 per night, limited; nearby parking available.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 5 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 10 minutes

     Rates:
    Standard Double: from £1,205.00 for 1 guest or £1,635.00 for 2 guests sharing

    The outside of the Hotel Du Vin which is a grand brick building featuring a car park outside it. The inside of the room features a modern white bed with a brown leather bedframe. The inside of the hotel reception has vintage leather furniture and a spiral staircase.

  • Best for: Newly polished, central stay

    Located centrally and recently refurbished, The Harrogate Inn offers style and comfort, perfect for enjoying Harrogate’s attractions.

    Car Park: Parking at £10 per night, limited.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 10 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 5 minutes

    Rates:
    Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £1,025.00 for 1 guest or £1,445.00 for 2 guests sharing
    Superior Double/Twin rooms: from £1,225.00 for 1 guest or £1,645.00 for 2 guests sharing

    A collage showcasing the outside of the Harrogate Inn which is a grand brick building with a garden terrace. There are tables and chairs with parasols above them. The photo of inside the rooms features a modern white and grey double bed. There is also a photo of the bar area which is very whimsical and has a giant spherical skylight above the bar.

  • SOLD OUT

    Best for: Being the Home of Crime!
    As the heart of the festival, the Old Swan Hotel offers you direct access to all live events and pop-up spaces throughout the weekend. Nestled in Harrogate, this historic hotel combines elegance with comfort and surrounds you with lush garden views.

    Car Park: No parking available onsite, but on-street and public parking are nearby.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 14 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: Onsite

    This is a collage of photos of the Old Swan Hotel which ia a stone building with a white porch. The inside of the hotel rom has a double bed and bedside tables with lamps. The inside of the reception area has whimsical sofas with very high backs.

  • Best for: Proximity to the action
    Dating back to Harrogate’s spa era, this historic hotel retains its Victorian charm and offers modern amenities with ample free parking.

    Car Park: Free onsite parking
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 13 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 5 minutes

    Rates:
    Superior Double/Twin rooms: from £935.00 for 1 guest or £1,405.00 for 2 guests sharing

    This is a collage of photos showcasing the outside of the Cairn Hotel which is an old stone building surrounded by flowering trees. The hotel room has a double bed with a bedside table, arm chair and table. There is an image of a grand staircase inside with an arch shaped stained glass window.

  • Best for: Great value and a hearty breakfast

    Located across from the Convention Centre, this centrally-located hotel offers a welcoming stay with free parking.

    Car Park: Free small onsite car park, limited space; other parking options nearby.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 9 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 10 minutes

    Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £905.00 for 1 guest or £1,305.00 for 2 guests sharing

    A collage of the outside of the Camberley hotel which is a stone building surrounded by red and yellow flowers. The inside of the hotel room has a double bed with a large bay window. The inside of the hotel lobby has an antique style with chesterfield leather sofas and mosaic tile flooring.

  • Best for: Modern amenities

    With stunning views and spacious rooms, this modern hotel is ideal for a comfortable stay close to the festival.

    Car Park: Parking at £15 per night.
    Check-in: 3:00 pm
    Check-out: by 11:00 pm
    Walking distance to bus/train station: 9 minutes
    Walking distance to Festival site: 10 minutes

    Standard Twin rooms: from £1,015.00 for 1 guest or £1,425.00 for 2 guests sharing
    Standard Double rooms: from £1,035.00 for 1 guest or £1,445.00 for 2 guests sharing
    Superior Double rooms: from £1,125.00 for 1 guest or £1,555.00 for 2 guests sharing

     

    A collage showcasing the outside of the Crowne Plaza hotel which is a modern building with many large glass panel windows. The inside of the hotel room is modern with a white double bed. The inside of the hotel reception features bright turquoise leather chairs and the reception desk matches this.

Explore more

People sitting in the park at the Crime Festival.

Crime Ticket Information

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival returns to the Old Swan Hotel on Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July 2026

Find out more
An image of the busy crowd at the Theakston Crime FAQs.

FAQs

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is an immersive and busy experience; with events on the hour, nearly every hour and book signings in between there’s a lot going on.

Find out more

See what’s on

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