Devon's stories and stunning coastline
Explore Devon’s booming literary culture through a city of stories and stunning coastlines
In an invigorating day that will see you mapping the route of celebrated local crime writer Agatha Christie, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Exeter – the South of England’s only UNESCO City of Literature – before travelling on the scenic railway journey that connects Exeter with the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, on a journey that offers breathtaking views along the South Devon coast. Once in Torquay, you’ll be able to explore more of the seaside town that the world’s best selling author called home!
Morning
Exeter City of Literature
To start your day in Exeter, grab a coffee and pastry from one of Exeter’s many fantastic independent cafes in the city centre like Alma, Devon Coffee, or The Tiny Tasting Room.
Head to McCoys Arcade to browse independent bookshop, Bookbag – full of thoughtfully curated shelves that have served as a staple of Exeter’s bookish culture since 2020. Nearby, you can visit the quirky and beloved second hand bookshop Book-cycle which is best known for its iconic timber framed exterior.
Make your way to Exeter St Davids Train Station for onward travel to Torquay at a station rich with literary heritage. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the Penguin Books Vending Machine.
Whilst waiting for a train at this very station in 1934 – following a visit to Agatha Christie – founder of Penguin Sir Allen Lane came up with the idea of the paperback. The Penguin Books Vending Machine was installed in 2023 to honour the station’s unique contribution to publishing.
Before departing, make sure to visit the beautiful artwork on the passenger footbridge that depicts 18 scenes of notable Devon writing from the past and present, including Michael Morpurgo’s Warhorse and Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie.
Travel Recommendations
Walk in Exeter City Centre, travel to Torquay via GWR rail connections from Exeter Central or Exeter St Davids Train Station. |
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Morning highlights
Alma Coffee Shop |
Visit | Map |
The Tiny Tasting Room |
Visit | Map |
Devon Coffee |
Visit | Map |
Bookbag Independent Bookshop |
Visit | Map |
Book Cycle Exeter |
Visit | Map |
Exeter St Davids Train Station (Home to the Penguin Books Vending Machine and the GWR Literary Artwork) |
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Exeter St Davids Literary Artwork |
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Penguin Books Vending Machine |
Visit |
Afternoon
English Riviera
Travelling on the scenic railway journey that connects Exeter with the English Riviera resorts, the English Riviera Line, also known as the Riviera Line, offers breathtaking views along the South Devon coast. The line, operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), was built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and you are passing through picturesque towns like Dawlish and Teignmouth before reaching the English Riviera and its three train stations from the Victorian era; Torre, Torquay, and Paignton. Before you get off at Torquay, you may have had a chance to look at the English Riviera Map.
A stone’s throw from the train station is Tor Bay facing east into the English Channel, with glorious beaches hosting vast underwater grass meadows known as seagrass beds. Take a moment on the beach with a book of your choice. Maybe a book by the Queen of Crime?
Stroll from Torre Abbey Sands across Torre Abbey Meadows and visit Torre Abbey. Explore the fascinating Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden. Inspired by Torquay’s most famous resident, the garden celebrates Christie’s remarkable knowledge of pharmacy and the role of poison in her crime novels. Discover an intriguing collection of plants, from beautiful flowers to species linked to deadly substances such as cyanide, morphine and ricin.
