Devon's home of stories

Arriving via train will immediately immerse you in the unique bookish history Exeter boasts as the South of England’s only UNESCO City of Literature. You’ll be greeted by 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.

When stepping out of the station, don’t forget to visit the uniquely bookish Penguin Books Vending Machine. Exeter UNESCO City of Literature brought the machine to the city in 2023 by following in the footsteps of the powerhouse publisher Penguin – whilst waiting for a train at this very station in 1934, founder of Penguin Sir Allen Lane devised a low-cost and accessible form of book after struggling to find something to read, thus the paperback was born. Readers can discover a mix of classics, Devon writers, and diverse fiction favourites in this convenient and eyecatching book dispenser that continues to wow visitors to the station every day.

Continue on the train to Exeter Central or walk via St Davids Hill to the city centre. Explore Exeter’s unique Roman beginnings alongside contemporary exhibitions at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. For more of Exeter’s bookish legacy, head to Exeter Cathedral to witness more than 1000 years of Exeter’s literary-related history at the Treasures Exhibition which houses ‘The Exeter Book’ – the oldest book of English literature in the world. A stone’s throw from Exeter Cathedral is The Devon and Exeter Institution, Devon’s oldest independent library still in its original building. Founded in 1813, the beautiful Georgian library played host to the first ever professional female librarian in England, Eliza Squance.

Take a Red Coats Guided Tour to learn about the city from one of its many impassioned locals that cover everything from medieval Exeter to ghostly legends.

For a taste of Exeter’s vibrant independent shopping scene, head to McCoys Arcade to see secondhand typewriters from Francis Kay Vintage, wonderful vegan lunches at Sacred Grounds, and Exeter’s independent bookshop, Bookbag – be sure to pop to browse their thoughtfully curated selection or to attend an after-hours book launch or author talk!

Head towards Exeter’s scenic quayside to experience a book club with a difference at Topsham Brewery & Taproom. Hosted by Exeter City of Literature twice a month, Silent Book Club is a bring-your-own-book book club that sees readers from all walks of life come together for an hour of communal quiet reading. Afterwards readers stay and chat about what they’re just read and share recommendations over locally brewed beers and cider in the private upstairs area of the taproom.

Follow this up with dinner by the picturesque Piazza Terracina with Devon-born eateries boasting westcountry flare and local produce like Portal Pizza, Crave, or Rockfish.

To start your day, grab a coffee and pastry from one of Exeter’s many fantastic independent cafes on the quayside like Sundays or Boatyard Cafe and Bakery, or for a more central selection visit Alma or The Tiny Tasting Room.

Take the train to Newton Abbot from Exeter Central or Exeter St Davids, and then take the 193 bus to the Moorland Hotel. The Moorland Hotel is where Agatha Christie’s illustrious writing career began, as it is where she wrote her very first novel The Mysterious Affair at Styles during a two week writing retreat.

Bring a picnic to enjoy on the moors, or head to the Tinpickle And Rhum gastropub to prepare for your bookish hike on Haytor and Houndtor.

A short walk from Tinpickle and Rhum is the National Park Visitor Centre, a gateway to the natural beauty of Haytor and Houndtor, and the inspiration for many books inspired by the moorland landscape such as Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, Laurie R. King’s Dart, and Tom Cox’s Villager.

An entire afternoon can be spent basking in the beauty of Houndtor and Haytor, with a mystical quality to the moors that has inspired local folklore staples like the mischievous ‘hairy hands’ or the earliest known edition of the beloved fairytale The Three Little Pigs which originally featured a trio of little pixies and a fox.

Complete your hike of Dartmoor and then retrace your bus and train routes back to Exeter city centre for an evening of culture.

Round out your time in Exeter by visiting Exeter Phoenix, a vibrant arts centre hosting nightly concerts, film screenings, poetry nights, and performances. For more evening cultural offers, visit Exeter Northcott or Barnfield Theatre, for largescale and touring standup, theatre, and cabaret shows.

Seconds away from Exeter Phoenix is Gandy Street, a quirky cobbled street lined with independent shops and bars – pop into the folklore filled Pixy’s or The Mermaid for locally crafted drinks, and monthly writing group meet ups and open mic nights.

Finish with an iconic Exeter staple of pizza at the Old Fire House, or visit the restaurant at the hotel Sylvia Plath frequented during her time in Exeter at Dottie’s in Hotel Indigo.