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This autumn, University Arms unveils Seasons to Read, a new year-round literary series celebrating the joy of books and the city’s rich literary heritage.

Launching on Friday, 21 November 2025, to coincide with the Cambridge Literary Winter Festival (Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November), the series is anchored by Stay for the Story: A Reading Retreat; a two-night escape inviting guests to slow down, switch off (even surrendering their phones to the Book Butler, if they wish), and immerse themselves in the quiet luxury of reading.

Reading retreats are on the rise, with travellers increasingly seeking mindful, restorative escapes. Skyscanner reports a 70% global rise in hotel bookings using their “library” filter, while Vrbo notes that 91% of travellers are drawn to trips focused on reading, relaxation, and time with loved ones. At University Arms, we believe in the power of slowing down and reconnecting through the simple joy of reading. In support of the National Literacy Trust’s campaign, 2026: The National Year of Reading, we are proud to donate 5% of all revenue from Stay for the Story: A Reading Retreat throughout 2026 to the charity, helping to promote reading for pleasure across the UK.

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Introducing Our Literary Ambassador: Alex Clark

As part of this initiative, Alex Clark, esteemed journalist and broadcaster, joins as University Arms’ first official Literary Ambassador, curating seasonal reading lists and shaping the literary spirit of the hotel. An Honorary Patron of the Cambridge Literary Festival, Clark is one of the UK’s most respected literary voices.

“I'm thrilled to be literary ambassador for the University Arms,” comments Alex Clark, “a hotel that puts books and reading at the forefront of guests' experience. Cambridge has a wonderful and rich literary tradition and a thriving contemporary cultural scene, and I look forward to selecting the books and stories that will enhance any visit here.”

We are delighted to present Stay for the Story: A Reading Retreat, a two-night literary escape designed for book lovers to slow down, switch off, and immerse themselves in the joy of reading. Guests are invited to embrace complete digital disconnection by handing their phones to our Book Butler for the duration of their stay, allowing for an uninterrupted, restorative experience. Your package includes: - A two-night stay with breakfast each morning - A specially curated reading list and personal reading journal - A one-to-one consultation with our dedicated Book Butler - A complimentary drink in the Library during your dedicated reading sessions - Late check-out until 1:00 PM This retreat offers the perfect opportunity to step away from everyday distractions, explore carefully selected books, and enjoy the timeless pleasure of reading in the heart of Cambridge.

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The introduction of Stay for the Story: A Reading Retreat marks the next chapter in University Arms’ long-standing literary heritage. From our extensive library curated by Heywood Hill to private collections in suites named after Cambridge greats – including Virginia Woolf, Lord Byron, Isaac Newton, and A.A. Milne – literature is woven into every part of the hotel. Classic novels can be found in every room, guests can listen to Alan Bennett reading The Wind in the Willows in our public bathrooms, and our enduring partnership with the Cambridge Literary Festival has brought acclaimed authors such as Amor Towles, Douglas Stuart, and Osman Yousefzada through our doors.

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Beyond the Reading Retreat, Seasons to Read will offer a programme of literary experiences. The much-loved Book Butler returns as of 21 November, on hand to recommend titles, host literary conversations, and even hold onto guests’ phones for those seeking a true digital detox. A weekly Library Reading Hour invites guests to settle into the hotel’s cosy library for an hour of uninterrupted reading with refreshments, while a Literary Afternoon Tea will launch in January 2026, a seasonal series inspired by works of literature and curated in collaboration with Literary Ambassador, Alex Clark.