Book Readers’ Award (£500)
Highclere Castle Book Readers’ Awards 2026: Win Up to £500 for Your Favourite Book Review
If you love reading and enjoy sharing your thoughts about books, the Highclere Castle Book Readers’ Awards 2026 offers an exciting opportunity to turn your passion for literature into a rewarding experience. The annual awards, sponsored by Viking, invite book lovers to submit thoughtful reviews of books that have inspired, captivated, or moved them.
For readers hoping to strengthen their analytical and creative skills before drafting their review, exploring resources on successful writing ideas and practical creative writing course lessons can provide useful guidance on developing compelling written pieces.
About the Highclere Castle Book Readers’ Awards
The competition welcomes reviews of newly published books, classics, and non-fiction works across five categories:
- Travel – Travelogues, guidebooks, and works celebrating the spirit of exploration.
- Biographies – Books that offer remarkable insights into the lives of fascinating individuals.
- History – Historical works covering topics ranging from world events to personal and cultural histories.
- Novel – Fiction that has inspired, entertained, or left a lasting impression.
- Children’s Books – Classic and contemporary works written for younger audiences.
Each category winner will receive a £500 prize, while five runners-up will each receive £100.
Submission Guidelines
Applicants must submit a book review that meets the following requirements:
- The review must be between 500 and 700 words.
- Entrants may submit only one entry in one category.
- The review must clearly state the chosen category, as well as the title and author of the book being reviewed.
- Submissions can be handwritten or typed but must be written in English.
- Judges will consider grammar, punctuation, spelling, and the quality of the review.
- Entries must be original, and participants may be asked to discuss their chosen book.
How to submit to the Book Readers’ Award
To enter the Highclere Castle Book Readers’ Awards, send your review via email to:
competitions@highclerecastle.
Applicants should also include their address and phone number with their submission.
Deadline and Winners
The deadline for entries is Friday, 22 August 2026.
Winners will receive their awards at Highclere Castle’s History Festival at the beginning of September. The judging panel will be chaired by The Countess of Carnarvon.
For additional enquiries, interested participants can contact hgutteridge@highclerecastle.
Whether you are an avid reader or someone who simply wants to celebrate a book that has left a lasting impact, the Highclere Castle Book Readers’ Awards presents a wonderful opportunity to share your literary insights and gain recognition for your writing.
