Mark your calendars for June 14th, 2026, and join us as Well Read returns to our ancient woodlands at Wasing Estate, where once again we’ll transform this beautiful setting into a haven for writers, nature lovers, and wellness enthusiasts. Our unique literary festival offers a refreshing approach to literature, blending creative expression with the healing powers of nature in a stunning setting. Book your tickets here
A Festival Amidst the Trees
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of our ancient woodlands, Well Read is for those seeking knowledge and meaningful dialogue about how we live with the earth, not just on it. Our authors and guest speakers are carefully selected for their expertise in nature, wellness, nutrition and the environment, bringing compelling insights, lived experience and practical guidance.
Speakers and Authors to Inspire You
The lineup of speakers and authors at Well Read is as diverse and inspiring as the festival itself. This gathering will feature some of the brightest minds and most influential voices in the realms of lifestyle writing, ecology, and wellness, including:
- Miranda Hart – Multi-award-winning writer, comedian, and actor, best known for her much-loved TV sitcom Miranda, and author of seven books, including the #1 Sunday Times bestseller I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You.
- Prue Leith – Award-winning restaurateur, writer, and broadcaster, best known as a judge on The Great British Bake Off, with 14 cookbooks, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a DBE.
- Alexander Armstrong – Comedian, actor, author, TV and radio presenter, and bass-baritone singer, best known for The Armstrong and Miller Show, hosting Pointless and Classic FM, and author of the Evenfall children’s series.
- Lucy Cooke – A zoologist and writer whose work celebrates wildlife and biodiversity.
- Eleanor Mills – A campaigner, founder, bestselling-author of “Much More to Come: Lessons on the Mayhem and Magnificence of Midlife” and award-winning journalist and editor
- Estelle Bingham – Known as ‘The Heart Whisperer’, an internationally renowned holistic therapist, healer and metaphysical teacher.
- Sarah Langford – A barrister turned writer, offering reflections on farming, rural life, and the law.
- Satish Kumar – Peace-pilgrim, life-long activist and former monk, Satish Kumar has been inspiring global change for over 50 years. He is the author of Soil, Soul, Society.
- Henry Mance – Chief features writer at the Financial Times, and author of the book How to Love Animals and Protect the Planet. He has written for the FT on changing diets and rewilding, among other topics.
- Yuval Zommer – Award-winning illustrator and author of the ‘Big Book of…’ series, encouraging children to explore and care for our natural world
- Tommi Miers – Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and food writer, co-founder of Wahaca, MasterChef winner, and author of nine cookbooks advocating sustainable, delicious food.
- Susannah Simons – Broadcaster and arts leader, former BBC Radio 4 PM presenter, and current Director of Performing Arts at Marquee TV, supporting and promoting the performing arts.
- Adam Lind – Adventurer and author of Floating Home: Lessons from a Life Less Ordinary, sharing insights on human connection and living life fully.
- Rebecca Dennis – Author of Let it Go and And Breathe, Founder of Breathing Tree & an advocate for breathwork and mindful living
- Joshua Dugdale – Custodian of the Wasing Estate and passionate advocate for better rural practices.
- Tristan Gooley – Award-winning, international bestselling author and natural navigation expert.
- Monica Feria Tinta – Barrister and author of A Barrister for the Earth, advocating for legal rights for the natural world.
- Jonathon Porritt – Renowned environmentalist and advocate for intergenerational justice, exploring the stories and moral questions of young Just Stop Oil activists.
- Joycelyn Longdon – Award-winning environmental justice researcher and educator, specialising in justice-led conservation technologies.
- Hannah MacInnes – Broadcaster, journalist, and podcast host, known for interviewing high-profile figures and hosting major literary and climate events, with a background at BBC Newsnight.
- Jackie Higgins – Zoologist, documentary filmmaker, and author of Sentient: What Animals Reveal About Our Senses, with a decade at Oxford Scientific Films for BBC’s Natural World, National Geographic and The Discovery Channel.
- Nicola Chester – Award-winning author and columnist on rural life and nature, and author of Ghosts of the Farm and On Gallows Down.
- Lucy Lapwing – Wildlife campaigner, BBC Springwatch contributor, and author of Love is a Toad: Exploring our Relationship with Nature, celebrated for her passion for the natural world.
- Luzmira Zerpa – Venezuelan singer-songwriter blending Latin American traditions with global influences, performing at the Roundhouse, Glastonbury, and the World Music Festival.
- Thomas Daniell – Founder and CEO of Old Tree Brewery CiC and Old Tree Soil, combining creative environmental activism with social enterprise
- Tiffanie Darke – Former Editor in Chief of the Sunday Times Style magazine and Harrods, fashion journalist, activist, and author of What to Wear and Why, championing sustainable fashion and responsible luxury.
- Clover Stroud – Sunday Times bestselling author and journalist, host of the podcast Tiny Acts of Bravery, acclaimed for memoirs including The Wild One and My Wild and The Red of My Blood
- Lynne Page – Award-nominated choreographer across theatre, film, TV, music and opera.
A Feast for the Senses
In addition to the inspiring lineup of talks and panels, Well Read will offer a range of hands-on experiences designed to deepen your connection with self and nature. Attendees can enjoy:
- Wild Swim & Sauna – Refresh your body and spirit with a wild swim in the woods, followed by the soothing warmth of a sauna.
- Breathwork – Reconnect with your inner self through powerful breathwork sessions.
- Forest Bathing – Take a quiet moment to reflect and meditate in the peaceful surroundings of Wasing Estate’s ancient trees.
- Reishi Sound Bath – Let natural sound and vibration guide you into deep rest, restoring balance and harmony.
- Elemental Yoga – Move mindfully through a grounding yoga practice inspired by the elements, restoring balance, strength, and calm.
- Dance Workshop – An uplifting, joyful movement session to energise the body.
- Origami Workshop – A calming, creative session to clear the mind and ease stress.
- Children’s Bushcraft – A fun and educational experience for young explorers to learn essential wilderness skills.
- Hungerford Bookshop Pop-up – We are very excited to be curating Well Read in partnership with the Hungerford Bookshop who will also bring you a wonderful on-site book pop-up in the woodland yurt, to pause, connect to the elements, and immerse yourself in a book.
- Well Fed – Enjoy a delicious selection of dishes, featuring Wasing beef from our estate’s on-site organic farm, alongside adaptogenic coffees from London Nootropics to nourish both body and mind.
Words, Wisdom and Wellness
At the heart of Well Read is a commitment to words, wisdom, and wellbeing. The festival is a space for thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversations about how we can live more consciously and sustainably. It’s not just about books, it’s about ideas that can help shape a better, more connected future.
Whether you’re a writer, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone seeking to reconnect with the earth, this festival offers a unique opportunity to explore eco-conscious living, creative expression, and wellness practices in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
Join Us at Wasing Estate
So, whether you’re hoping to be inspired by authors and thinkers, learn new skills, or simply bask in the beauty of Wasing Estate’s woodlands, Well Read is an event not to be missed. Join us for a day that promises to leave you feeling nourished, inspired, and deeply connected to nature.
Save the date: June 14th, 2026
Book your tickets here