This years Borders Book Festival is held from 11-14 June 2026, in the gorgeous town of Melrose, with historic Melrose Abbey and the iconic silhouette of the Eildon hills as its picturesque backdrop.  

Hosted within the gardens and orchard of The National Trust for Scotland’s Harmony House, The Borders Book Festival is widely regarded one of the UK’s top literature and arts festivals. Over 100 events unfold over four days, bringing together high-profile writers, historians, commentators, comedians, musicians and sporting personalities.

Alongside the main programme, the Family Festival runs throughout the weekend, offering creative workshops, storytelling sessions and plenty of fun for younger book lovers. The festival also hosts a range of health and wellbeing sessions to take part in to slow down, reflect and recharge. 

The festival site itself is free to explore, with the popular Food and Drink village to indulge in local artisan food, Craft Marketplace to find unique gifts, a bustling bookshop to fill your bookshelves and live music by local artists and musicians to set the tone. It’s a celebration of stories, ideas, creativity and community. 

This year we’ve teamed up with the festival to offer one winner the chance to win the ultimate book lover’s weekend getaway in the Scottish Borders, find out more here.