Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival Weekend Break Packages 2025
The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is back at the Old Swan Hotel, running from Thursday 17 July to Sunday 20 July 2025!
Experience every thrilling moment 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 2025 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!
Now Available: Classic Weekend Break Packages
Booking with us ensures your complete Festival experience, including all the perks listed below and full access to all 20 main stage events.
Classic Weekend Break Package includes:
- Three nights’ hotel accommodation (subject to availability at booking), arriving Thursday 17 July 2025 and departing Sunday 20 July 2025.
- Breakfast each morning (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) at your hotel.
- Two-course lunch at The Old Swan Hotel on Friday and Saturday.
- Tea or coffee on Friday and Saturday.
- Full weekend site access, including bars, the Festival bookshop and book signings.
- A Theakston Old Peculier Crime Festival goody bag.
- A Classic Weekend Rover Ticket – granting access and a seat to all 20 events on the main Festival Stage across the weekend.
Included Festival Events:
- Thursday: Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Awards Ceremony and afterparty (8:00 pm)
- Friday: All 7 main stage events (starting from 9:00 am, last event starting at 8:30 pm)
- Saturday: All 9 main stage events (starting from 9:00 am, last event starting at 10:15 pm)
- Sunday: All 3 main stage events (starting from 9:00 am, last event starting at 12:00 pm)
View Accommodation Options
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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
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:
Standard Twin rooms: from £809.00 for 1 guest or £1,279.00 for 2 guests sharing
Executive Twin rooms: from £899.00 for 1 guest or £1,349.00 for 2 guests sharing
Please note that all rooms with double beds are now sold out.
Best for: Peaceful views and relaxed diningEnjoy 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: 24 minutes
Taxi distance to Festival: 7 minutes
Rates:
Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £869.00 for 1 guest or £1,299.00 for 2 guests sharing
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
Rates:
Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £859.00 for 1 guest or £1,229.00 for 2 guests sharing
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: 6 minutes
Rates:
Cosy Double room: from £999.00 for 1 guest
Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £1,039.00 for 1 guest or £1,439.00 for 2 guests sharing
Four Poster rooms: from £1,099.00 for 1 guest or £1,499.00 for 2 guests sharing
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 £949.00 for 1 guest or £1,349.00 for 2 guests sharing
Executive Double/Twin rooms: from £999.00 for 1 guest or £1,399.00 for 2 guests sharing
Junior Suite: from £1,099.00 for 1 guest or £1,499.00 for 2 guests sharing
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
Rates:
Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £989.00 for 1 guest or £1,379.00 for 2 guests sharing
Executive Double/Twin rooms: from £1,099.00 for 1 guest or £1,509.00 for 2 guests sharing
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: 7 minutes
Rates:
Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £949.00 for 1 guest or £1,409.00 for 2 guests sharing
Superior King rooms: from £1,049.00 for 1 guest or £1,499.00 for 2 guests sharing
Superior Deluxe King rooms: from £1,139.00 for 1 guest or £1,579.00 for 2 guests sharing
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/Twin rooms: from £1,169.00 for 1 guest or £1,579.00 for 2 guests sharing
Junior Suite: from £1,379.00 for 1 guest or £1,779.00 for 2 guests sharing
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:
Single rooms: from £889.00 for 1 guest
Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £979.00 for 1 guest or £1,379.00 for 2 guests sharing
Executive Double/Twin rooms: from £1,179.00 for 1 guest or £1,579.00 for 2 guests sharing
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:
Cosy Double room: £899.00 for 1 guest
Standard Double/Twin rooms: from £919.00 for 1 guest or £1,369.00 for 2 guests sharing
Executive Double/Twin rooms: from £989.00 for 1 guest or £1,439.00 for 2 guests sharing
Family Room: from £1,059.00 for 1 guest or £1,519.00 for 2 guests sharing – ask for family rates
Suite: from £1,099.00 for 1 guest or £1,499.00 for 2 guests sharing
How to Book
For booking and more details, contact the Festivals Office:
- Phone: +44 (0)1423 562303, available Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm
- Email: crime@harrogate-festival.org.uk (enquiries only, bookings must be made by telephone)
A non-refundable deposit of £120.00 per person is required at the time of booking.
Provisional bookings are not accepted.
From 14 February 2025, full payment is required for all bookings, including final balance due for all bookings made prior to that day.
Additional nights and special accommodations are available upon request.
Tailored packages for 1, 2, 4 or more nights available upon request.
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