Free Entry, Free Downloads, Free Books: World Book Day

Vicky Parry

27th Feb 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes

World Book Day is far from just a day to dress your kids up as their favourite character from literature. It is a week long celebration of literature and there are free events and incredible opportunities across the UK to celebrate. The official World Book Day is 6th March 2025, with events taking place around that date.

Find everything you need to prepare for your World Book Day celebrations in education settings and at home on the Celebrate World Book Day page, including fun activities, resources, display and celebration materials.

There are also some fabulous competitions, including the ever-popular Design a National Book Token competition in partnership with National Book Tokens, and a chance to win a school trip to Harry Potter in the West End!

Free Entry to To Events and Attractions

To encourage children to get into the spirit of World Book Day 2025, there are plenty of opportunities for free and discounted events and activities around the country.

Free Storytime at Kents Cavern, Torquay

For the weekends of 1st-2nd March and 8th-9th March, children can enjoy a FREE storytime session at Kents Cavern. Stories told in the caves – how atmospheric! There’s also an alphabet trail, craft activities and a make-your-own session for a book-themed keepsake. Details here.

Free Storytelling Session at Coleton Fishacre House

Head to Coleton Fishacre House in Devon for a day out this Saturday 1st March and you’ll find included in your admission price a storytelling corner to enjoy. Cosy with blankets, cushions, and story books, snuggle up and explore tales from children’s books written in the 1920s and 30s.

Darlington Library Bookfest – a WEEK of Free Events

Darlington Library is bringing back its popular Bookfest this World Book Day, for a week of exploration and bringing books to life through free activities across the week of 1st – 8th March. From a Lego construction party to photography workshop, storytime adventures with puppets to making bookmarks, and tons more craft and book-themed activities, it’s a great way to support your local library AND keep the kids entertained! Events are free but need to be booked – more info here.

Bedtime Stories at Midsomer Norton Library

A special event for World Book Day, come down in your PJs (if you want), and enjoy hot chocolate and biscuits during storytime from 6pm – 7.30pm. Bring your own mug if you want hot chocolate!

Big Derby World Book Day Party

Get stuck in on Saturday 8th March at Derby College – it’s free, or you can choose to donate £3. It’s a chance to spend your free National Book Token, dress up as your favourite character (if you want to), and swap your old books for new. Plenty of authors, poets and performers will be on the Roundhouse stage through the day for performances, with fun workshops happening in the Engine Shed and Carriage Shop. Check here for full details.

Hone Books Galore 2025, Ladbroke Grove

A free event in conjunction with NDCASSOCIATIONCIC, the whole community is invited! Fifteen authors will give talks, with a ‘distinguished public figure author’ making an appearance, too. Book swaps, trading, arts and crafts will all be available – head to Bay 20, 71 Marks Place, W10 6JG for all the action on Saturday 8th March.

Exchange Unwanted Free Books (And Costumes)

Families can list their unwanted books and exchange them for a free one in a UK-wide book swap. Neighbourhood app Nextdoor is marking World Book Day with the community-based initiative.

Completely free to take part in, it is aimed at ensuring everyone and particularly families, can celebrate World Book Day without costing them any additional expense within the current climate. All families need to do is list their unwanted books on Nextdoor’s ‘For Sale & Free’ feature or collect a book nearby to them.

Families can also list and shop fancy dress and costume ideas locally, without buying these items brand new.

Laura Roche, Managing Director of Nextdoor UK, says: “One of the benefits of Nextdoor is that there’s such a wide variety of items on the platform that are free, meaning all families can take part in World Book Day for little or no cost. Last year, we saw popular demand for a range of items on the platform, from books to fancy dress and toys, with families using the platform to create great costumes, find new books, and share their looks on the day.”

“We want families to join in the fun of World Book Day and make it as easy as possible to enjoy, all without worrying about the costs. The For Sale and Free feature is a really simple and cost-effective way to do this.”

Nextdoor is completely free to download. To sign up or to find out more, visit www.nextdoor.co.uk

More about World Book Day

With a programme of exciting events, brand new activities for home and school, and a fantastic line-up of £1/€1.50 books, World Book Day on 6 March 2025 is shaping up to be the best ever.

See below for an exciting list of events and resources, starting with:

The £1/€1.50 Book Selection

There’s a great line-up of £1/€1.50 books for 2025 that children can choose for free with their £1/€1.50 book token. With books for beginning, early, fluent and independent readers, there is something for everyone to enjoy.