This Literary Weekend Is A Book Lover’s Dream
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3 hours ago
The BBC’s beloved book club Between The Covers is heading to a country hotel in Surrey
Sara Cox’s BBC book club Between The Covers launched as part of the BBC’s ‘Culture in Quarantine’ initiative, which brought arts to the nation as we were flitting between freedom and lockdown in the Covid pandemic. Fast forward to 2025 and eight series have aired, welcoming guests spanning everyone from Richard Osman and Elizabeth Day to Geri Halliwell-Horner and the internet’s resident librarian Jack Edwards.
But in August, the BBC sadly cancelled Between The Covers, much to the dismay of fans. The story isn’t over, though: the series’ executive producer Amanda Ross is stepping away from the camera and journeying to Surrey’s Pennyhill Park to host an in-person book club. Here’s how to make sure you are there.
Between The Covers’ Is Launching A Live Literary Weekend
What do Saturday Kitchen, Richard and Judy and Between The Covers have in common? TV exec Amanda Ross played an instrumental role in creating and maintaining all of them. And if you love the cosy vibe all three exude, you will love this literary weekend. Following a stage tour of Between The Covers, the beloved (though now cancelled) TV series is launching its very first immersive book club in partnership with Exclusive Collection, a B Corp accredited family-owned collection of country house hotels which counts South Lodge, Antsy Hall, Lainston House and more among its lovely members.
‘We’re thrilled to bring Between The Covers to life in such a great location and with a company who share our outlook for learning, fun and great food and drink,’ Amanda says. ‘We’ve a stellar line up for our first event and more in the bank for early 2026.’
David Nicholls is the bestselling author of One Day and You Are Here. (© Paul Stuart)
The Books & Authors
Joining Amanda Ross on the Between The Covers sofa for this lovely live experience are Ruth Jones, Stephen Mangan and none other than David Nicholls, who will join forces to form a fantasy book group with the guests. David is one of Britain’s most acclaimed authors, having penned Starter for Ten, The Understudy, Sweet Sorrow, Us and most recently You Are Here – and of course the beloved One Day which recently made its way to Netflix.
David has known Amanda for two decades, with the TV producer selecting his debut novel Starter for Ten for Richard and Judy’s book club, sending it straight to the bestseller charts and essentially launching his career. This good karma came back around when Amanda wanted to launch Between the Covers: David agreed to be interviewed for the first episode, with his novel Sweet Sorrow the pick of the week.
Having starred in series 5 of Between The Covers, Gavin & Stacey creator and star Ruth Jones has distinguished herself with her beloved cosy novels in recent years, including Us Three and Love Untold, both instant bestsellers. She will next star in Austen costume drama The Other Bennet Sister and new Harlan Coben adaptation Run Away.
Best known for starring in The Split and presenting The Fortune Hotel and Sky Arts’ Artist of the Year franchise, Mangan has previously judged the Costa Book of the Year prize as well as penning seven bestselling children’s books; he appeared on Between The Covers in both series 5 and series 8.
Amanda, Ruth, Stephen and David will be discussing The Names, Florence Knapp’s debut novel. A unique Sliding Doors style story, The Names explores the weight of seemingly small decisions through Cora and her son. Best of all, Knapp will also join the afternoon panel to give guests a unique insight into her inspiration and writing journey.
Between The Covers Live will be hosted at Pennyhill Park in Surrey.
When & Where?
For Between The Covers Live we will be heading to Pennyhill Park, an ivy-glad 19th century manor house boasting 124 tastefully designed rooms and suites, hidden amid 120 acres of parkland in Bagshot, Surrey. On site, two indulgent restaurants await: relaxed venue Hillfield which utilises Surrey’s finest produce across a British menu; and the Michelin starred Latymer helmed by Chef Steve Smith, hidden in the oldest part of the house with wood panelling, beams on the ceiling and plush interiors.
As well as rubbing shoulders with the literary celebrity guests and fellow book lovers, guests will be able to enjoy Pennyhill Park’s award-winning 45,000 sqft spa facilities. Think swim, sauna, hydrotherapy and massage before flopping on a lounger with your current read.
Guests will arrive from midday on Friday 3 October 2025, ready to tuck into a tasty, laidback lunch. Then it’s onto a lovely afternoon of bookish conversation, laughter, insight and honest opinion, with breaks for mingling, book signing and to enjoy refreshments.
In the evening, guests will enjoy drinks and dinner with the panel, plus more bookish conversation. In a tongue-in-cheek twist, guests are encouraged to BYOB – bring your own book – to prompt new conversations with guests and the celebrity hosts. And if that prompts new additions to your TBR, an on-site Waterstones pop-up book shop will answer your wishes.
The next morning, indulge in a long lie-in and pop into the spa before heading home with all your new books, recommendations and connections in tow.
‘Award winning books, celebrities, Amanda’s fun demeanour, great food and drink and a long lie in between the covers – the essence, in our eyes, for a brilliant experience and exciting partnership with the Between The Covers team!’ says Exclusive Collection’s MD Danny Pecorelli.
Address: Pennyhill Park, London Rd, Bagshot GU19 5EU
Pennyhill Park’s tranquil outdoor pool. (© Amy Murrell)
How To Book
The full Between The Covers Live experience is priced at £800, including lunch on arrival, drinks and dinner with the panellists, spa access, an overnight stay and breakfast the next morning – or £950 for two sharing a room.
If you only want to visit for the day, the experience is priced at £320 pp, including lunch, dinner and drinks.
