The festival talks will take place across two outdoor stages, based in the Festival Hub on the South Lawn, and in The Chapel, located inside Chatsworth House.
Learn more about them below, including useful information such as the meeting point and time of your talk, the nearest toilet facilities, and advice on accessibility.
You can also view a map showing the location for each talk:
COMING SOON
View this year's star-studded line-up:
The Chapel, Chatsworth House
The Chapel was built between 1688 and 1693, a year before the 4th Earl of Devonshire was created 1st Duke of Devonshire. It was built in the same location as the Chapel of Bess of Hardwick's Elizabethan house and very few alterations have been made. The altarpiece was carved by Samuel Watson (1662-1715). Learn more
The Chapel will host talks by Reeta Chakrabarti (11am, 19 Sept), Daisy Fancourt (1pm, 19 Sept), Louisa Young (3pm, 19 Sept), Louise Kennedy (10.30am, 20 Sept), Nussaibah Younis (12.30pm, 20 Sept), and Louise Penny (2.30pm, 20 Sept).
Meeting point and time: Please meet at the South Steps in the Festival Hub 10 minutes before the start of your talk. The Chapel will be accessed through the Oak Room via a short flight of steps. Please view the 'Accessibility' notes below if you are a wheelchair user.
Capacity: 70 seats
Accessibility: If you are a wheelchair user or have limited mobility, please access the Chapel via the house entrance, where you will have access to a wheelchair friendly lift. Please notify a member of our team on arrival. We advise you to arrive 15-20 minutes before the start of the talk, as during busy periods there may be a short wait for the lift.
Nearest toilets: There are no toilet facilities in the house; the nearest toilets are located within the Festival Hub. There are also accessible toilets to the left of the house entrance.
Garden Stage, Festival Hub
The Garden Stage is located inside the Festival Hub, on the South Lawn in the garden.
It will host talks by Elif Shafak (10.30am, 19 Sept), Ann Cleeves (12.15pm, 19 Sept), Kate Atkinson (2.45pm, 19 Sept), Harlan Coben (4.20pm, 19 Sept), Lee Child and guests (7pm, 19 Sept), William Boyd (10am, 20 Sept), Clare Balding (11.45am, 20 Sept), Phillipa Perry (2.15pm, 20 Sept), and Cecelia Ahern (3.45pm, 20 Sept).
Meeting point and time: Please make your way to the Garden Stage at least 10 minutes before the start of your talk. Latecomers will not be admitted.
Capacity: 500 seats
Accessibility: The Garden Stage is a wheelchair accessible venue within the Festival Hub.
Nearest toilets: There are toilet facilities within the Festival Hub.
Fountain Stage, Festival Hub
The Fountain Stage is located inside the Festival Hub, on the South Lawn in the garden.
It will host talks by Jeffrey Archer (11.45am, 19 Sept), Meg Mason (1.30pm, 19 Sept), Lucy Foley (4.00pm, 19 Sept), Jessie Burton (11.15am, 20 Sept), Jennifer Saint (1.00pm 20 Sept), and Jane Harper (3.30pm, 20 Sept).
Meeting point and time: Please make your way to the Fountain Stage at least 10 minutes before the start of your talk. Latecomers will not be admitted.
Capacity: 300 seats
Accessibility: The Fountain Stage is a wheelchair accessible venue within the Festival Hub.
Nearest toilets: There are toilet facilities within the Festival Hub.
Please ensure you arrive no later than the times specified above. The Queen's Reading Room and Chatsworth House Trust reserve the right to refuse entry with no right to a refund for those arriving late.
View our frequently asked questions.
Discover more...
The Queen's Reading Room Festival 2026
19 & 20 September 2026
A literary festival like no other, uniting literature enthusiasts for a weekend dedicated to celebrating the written word.
The Queen's Reading Room Festival Afternoon Teas
19 & 20 September 2026
Add an elegant afternoon tea in the Old Duke's Glasshouse in the Chatsworth Garden to your Festival experience.
Lee Child and Special Guests
19 September 2026
From Reacher to Rehabilitation: Writing, Reading and Second Chances
Bestselling author Lee Child is joined by special guests to discuss the transformational power of literature and storytelling.
Please note: Please be aware that for technical, operational or safety reasons, some facilities may be removed or closed, or entertainment and event timetables cancelled and/or altered at any time, including at short notice. Chatsworth reserves the right to change the programme of attractions and entertainment if, at any time, it is deemed necessary or appropriate to do so, this may also include closing attractions or areas of the estate. We apologise in advance for any disappointment caused should this need arise.
