Set within the enchanting woodlands of Wasing Estate in Berkshire, Well Read returns on Sunday 14 June 2026 with an inspiring programme that brings together some of the UK’s most celebrated writers, broadcasters and thinkers. Headlined by Miranda Hart, Prue Leith and Alexander Armstrong, the acclaimed literary festival offers far more than author talks, blending literature, wellbeing, nature, food and music in a restorative outdoor setting.
From conversations on resilience, healthy living and personal growth to discussions on sustainability, travel, regenerative farming and environmental activism, Well Read presents a rich programme designed to nourish both mind and body. Alongside appearances by bestselling authors and cultural commentators including Satish Kumar, Lucy Cooke, Eleanor Mills and Jonathon Porritt, visitors can enjoy forest bathing, wild swimming, yoga, breathwork, live music and family-friendly activities. Curated by Di Dugdale in partnership with Hungerford Bookshop, Well Read has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s most distinctive literary festivals, offering a transformative celebration of words, wisdom and wellness in the heart of nature.
At the centre of the festival is an extensive range of broadcasters, best-selling authors, actors and presenters, sharing their wisdom, expertise and practices around personal growth, resilience, health and wellbeing, food, and the emotional power of classical music. Notable names include:
Miranda Hart, a multi-award-winning writer, comedian and actor, best known for her much-loved and multi-award-winning TV sitcom Miranda, as well as her BAFTA-nominated role of Chummy in BBC 1’s hit show Call the Midwife. Notable acting roles include Nancy in Paul Feig’s blockbuster Spy alongside Melissa McCarthy, Barbara in Lee Mack’s Not Going Out and Miss Bates in Working Title’s Emma alongside Anya Taylor-Joy and Bill Nighy. She has published seven books including #1 Sunday Times Bestseller I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You, National Book Award for Non-Fiction winning Is it Just Me?, and most recently The Christmas Tree that Loved to Dance, a joyful short story for adults.
Prue Leith, an award-winning restaurateur, writer and broadcaster, best known for her role as a judge on the much-loved, award-winning television series The Great British Bake Off. Alongside running acclaimed restaurants and cookery schools, she has published eight novels, a memoir and 14 cookbooks, with her latest book Being Old and Learning to Love It. Also known as a judge on The American Baking Show, The Great British Menu and My Kitchen Rules, she also presents her own series, Prue Leith’s Cotswold Kitchen. Prue has long been involved in education and charitable work, with honours including a DBE, 12 honorary degrees or fellowships, the Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year award, and a Michelin star for her restaurant, Leith’s.
Alexander Armstrong, an English comedian, author, actor, TV and radio presenter, and bass-baritone singer, best known as one half of the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller, who starred in four series of The Armstrong and Miller Show. In 2020, he succeeded John Suchet as host of Classic FM’s weekday mid-morning programme. He is a regular on BBC’s Have I Got News For You and hosts the hugely popular TV quiz show Pointless. More recently, he has presented Alexander Armstrong in… for Channel 5, visiting destinations including Sri Lanka, South Korea, and Iceland. In 2024, he published his debut children’s novel Evenfall: The Golden Linnet, with the sequel Evenfall: The Tempest Stone releasing in February 2026.
Alongside further names like Eleanor Mills, Satish Kumar, Sarah Langford, Lucy Cooke, Jonathon Porritt and many more, topics will range from midlife empowerment, nature and sustainability to travel, regenerative farming, zoology, environmental activism and indigenous wisdom, truly offering something for everyone.
I’m really excited to be joining the Well Read Literary Festival at Wasing Estate this summer. It’s a beautiful place where nature frankly shows off! I am sure being surrounded by such beauty will bring a calming effect to reflect, to laugh and tell the stories that shape who we are. I am looking forward to sharing the treasures I have pocketed from the unexpected twist in my life story of dealing with long-term health issues. Despite all, I now feel able to live freer and with more meaning and joy. Here’s to having SUCH FUN with you in the forest (sounds a bit weird!)” Miranda Hart
I’m so looking forward to being part of the Well Read Literary Festival. It’s such a breathtaking place, and the perfect setting to talk openly about the challenges, taboos, and unexpected joys of growing older. I’ll be sharing stories about family, friends, love, loss – and, of course, food – and celebrating all the ways we can live life to the full at every stage. It promises to be a wonderful event in the most magnificent setting.” Prue Leith
At Wasing, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of nature, and Well Read encapsulates that belief. Returning for its second year, I’m so excited to be introducing an incredible line-up of authors and experiences that will offer our guests a rare opportunity to step away from the pace of modern life and reconnect – with self, each other, and the natural world. Set in our beautiful woodlands, this festival brings people together through literature, wellness, food, and nature, and I hope it remains a special place for inspiration and connection for many years to come.” Di Dugdale, Curator of Well Read
In addition to thought-provoking talks, attendees can participate in breathwork with Rebecca Dennis, wild swimming in the estate’s tranquil lake, take time in the healing Woodland Sauna and join forest bathing and Reishi Sound Bath sessions for deep relaxation and clarity. There will also be restorative Elemental Yoga and an uplifting dance workshopwith Olivier Award-nominated West End choreographer Lynne Page, with live music from globally renowned artist, Robert Gutierrez, performing alongside ‘Barrister for the Earth’ Monica Feria Tinta.
To celebrate the creativity in us all, TikTok sensation Li Kim Goh will hold Fold It Calm: Origami Talk and Demonstration. A lifelong origami enthusiast, illustrator, and designer, Li will share classic models and her own creations, guiding attendees through simple, relaxing techniques that help clear the mind and ease stress.
Well Read is also designed to be as fun and enriching for children as it is for adults, and Wasing are thrilled to partner with Mud & Guts, an outdoor adventure company, to offer a range of children’s activities. With their hybrid of bushcraft tutoring, natural world education and games, Mud & Guts aims to connect children with the great outdoors. Everything from den building to fire lighting to animal tracking, these activities will allow children to enjoy the thrill of adventure in a hands-on, educational, and immersive way. Adding even more excitement, award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Yuval Zommer will invite children to explore the natural world through his magical stories and colorful illustrations, sparking curiosity and imagination.
Food is also a highlight, with Well Fed serving a delicious selection of dishes, featuring Wasing beef from the estate’s on-site organic farm, alongside adaptogenic coffees from London Nootropics to nourish both body and mind.
Finally, Well Read is curated in partnership with the award-winning Hungerford Bookshop, who will also host a pop-up bookstore in the woodland yurt where ticket holders can discuss all things literary, meet authors and guest speakers for book signings following their on-stage appearances and place book orders.
Well Read is more than just a festival – it is an opportunity for personal transformation. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, relaxation or a stronger connection with nature, this event promises a rich, immersive experience that will leave you refreshed and inspired.
Well Read is at Wasing Estate, Aldermaston, Berkshire on 14 June, 2026.
Tickets are available now at www.wasing.co.uk/wellread
