When is the London Festival of Writing?
The Festival will run on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th June 2027.
Where exactly is the London Festival of Writing?
When navigating to the London Festival of Writing, please ensure that you are travelling to the correct venue on Prescot Street rather than any other Leonardo Hotels located nearby.
I have access needs. Can these be accommodated?
The venue is equipped with step-free access to the building and to all rooms used for the Festival. There is a wheelchair-friendly lift that is designated specifically for festival attendees (general hotel guests are not permitted to use it) and we will be advising all attendees to allow those with accessibility needs to use the lift first.
Is there parking on-site?
There is on-street parking available outside Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge (parking meter charges apply). The nearest car park is the Minories car park located on 1 Shorter Street E1 8LP, which has 401 car park spaces. Please telephone 020 7481 3153 for details of current parking charges, or visit
http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/ for more parking locations.
What public transport can I get there?
The closest stations are Tower Hill Underground Station, Tower Gateway DLR Station and Fenchurch Street Rail. It’s about a five-ten minute walk from each of these stations to the venue.
I’m unfamiliar with the area – what do I need to know?
The area around the venue is considered safe and well-lit at night, though standard precautions for travel in any city are advised when travelling. There are plenty of hotels located a short walk away if you’re staying the night, or you can stay at the venue itself.
When navigating to the London Festival of Writing, please ensure that you are travelling to the correct venue on Prescot Street rather than any other Leonardo Hotel located nearby.
Can you recommend accommodation nearby?
Please remember, it’s your responsibility to arrange accommodation if needed. Any accommodation issues should be addressed directly with the hotel, as we are not responsible for any problems. You can generally find cheaper rates on third-party booking sites, though be aware this may give you less control over your reservation if anything doesn't go to plan.
If you prefer a different hotel, there are numerous options nearby. We recommend that attendees do their own research before booking accommodation for the event.
How can I book my hotel room at a discounted rate?
After purchasing your ticket and logging into the event website, you will find a My Festival page (linked in the navigation bar). On this page, you will find the discount code for the venue, which will give you 16% off the current best available rate.
You will need to book online through the hotel’s booking platform in order to apply your discount code. You will be unable to apply the discount code if you book through a third party platform, or if you place your booking over the phone via the Leonardo Hotels central helpdesk.
We recommend searching third-party sites such as booking.com, as sometimes the rates offered on these sites are cheaper than booking directly with the hotel, even with the 16% discount.
We are unable to assist with any accommodation or booking queries, so please contact the venue in the first instance if you require support.
When should I plan to arrive at the London Festival of Writing?
We always recommend giving yourself plenty of time to arrive in case of any delays. For Saturday arrivals, registration is from 8.30am to 9.45am, with the opening keynote beginning at 9.45am. Registration on Sunday is from 9.00am to 9.30am.
From the hotel main entrance, please follow the signs downstairs to the registration desks on Floor B2 (there is a lift for those with accessibility needs). You’ll be greeted by Jericho Writers staff who will issue you a name badge and give you a programme.
We politely ask attendees who arrive early to wait in the seating area beyond the hotel lobby until registration has opened to allow us time to set up.
Can I arrive late? (for example, my train only arrives in London at 10am)
Yes, of course, but please arrive at sessions quietly and respectfully. Please let us know you've arrived by visiting the Festival reception (downstairs from the main hotel entrance) at your earliest convenience so we check you in and provide you with a name badge.
What can I do with my luggage?
If you are staying at the hotel, you are encouraged to check in early so that you can drop your luggage in your room. If this is not possible, there will be an un-manned cloakroom that can store your bags until your room is available. If you are staying at a hotel nearby overnight it is ideal to drop off your luggage where you are staying prior to the festival, but again you are welcome to use the un-manned cloakroom if that is not possible. All luggage is left at your own risk and we cannot be held liable for any missing or damaged possessions.
Will there be merch/a bookshop?
Yes! We will also arrange a bookshop for sales of books written and published by our Premium Members, and will send out more information about this closer to the event.
What do I need to bring with me?
Something to take notes on, a bottle for water, and perhaps some snacks if you know you need extra sustenance during the day! While the cost of lunch, tea, coffee, snacks and (for Saturday or Weekend ticket holders) the Gala Dinner are all covered by your ticket, you will need to bring money if you would like to buy anything from the hotel bar through the day.