Literary Exeter by Train

In Exeter, literature is an important part of our culture, which is why the city became the only UK destination in 2019 to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status, joining a global network of 42 cities that specialise in Literature. 

Exeter's literary history is reflected in its fascinating attractions around the city and beyond, easily reachable from Exeter Central and Exeter St David’s Station by rail with GWR.

Day 1

Hop off the train at Exeter Central station and take a short stroll towards Exeter City Centre. Take in the sights of the Cathedral Green and make your way to the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, where you can explore the modern library and archive facility, located in the West Wing of Bishop’s Palace, including thousands of books and documents ranging from the 10^th-21^st centuries.

Exeter Cathedral is home to the Exeter Book, a 10th-century anthology of Anglo-Saxon poetry and riddles - the largest known collection of Old English literature still in existence. Don't miss The Riddle Sculpture on Exeter's High Street, designed by Michael Fairfax and installed in 2005, which uses riddles from the Exeter Book!

Next explore the Devon and Exeter Institution’s two unique libraries that store historical book collections plus books on Devon’s history and historical figures. The Devon and Exeter Institution can lay claim to having the earliest known professional woman librarian - Eliza Squance beat 20 male applicants to the job in 1849!

Time for lunch, and you don't have to go far to experience luxury fine dining at The Ivy Exeter, located on the opposite side of Cathedral Green. Dig into modern, seasonal British dishes – this restaurant will not disappoint with their sophisticated yet friendly service.

After lunch, head to Exeter Library, home to over 60,000 books, CDs and DVDs. In 2019, Exeter's library received more than half a million visits, making it one of the busiest buildings in the city plus the 18th most visited public library in Great Britain! Whilst here, pick up a copy of the Exeter & Devon Literary Map, which highlights the wealth of literary culture in and around Exeter. The map includes 28 literary landmarks, 37 independent bookshops, 30 literary figures, and 15 reading spots from around Devon as chosen by members of the public, and 9 ‘inspired by Devon’ features!

A trip to Exeter isn’t complete without a trip to our fabulous Quayside! On your way down, be sure to Visit Exeter's independent bookshop Bookbag on Fore Street and Crankhouse Coffee, on West Street - a perfect place to press pause, read a good book and take in all the aromas.

Explore the Exeter Custom House, home to a number of Quay Words Writers-In-Residence, and learn some fascinating facts about the history of the area. Stop by the Writers Room – the free, bookable room equipped for writers who are in need of an inspirational space to let their ideas flow.

After you explore Exeter Quay, visit Rockfish for dinner, an award-winning restaurant committed to serving the freshest, most-sustainable fish. Really enjoyed the chips? Great news, they’re unlimited!

Day 2

Enjoy breakfast at The Turk’s Head on Exeter’s High Street. This historic pub is one of the region’s oldest and is believed to have been Charles Dicken’s favourite!

Catch a train from Exeter St David’s station to Starcross. Before you leave St David's, pick up a paperback to read on the train, from the Penguin Books vending machine! Look out for the memorial plaque commemorating Sir Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books. It was here that on his way home from a meeting with Agatha Christie, Sir Allen Lane was inspired to create the paperback imprint while waiting for his train and realising he didn’t have anything to read for his journey. 

Leave the train at Starcross and walk to Powderham Castle (approximately 1.5 miles), home to the Courtenay family, who were consumers and collectors of books as far back as the 1400s, at a time when even the Royal Family had not yet established a library. The family commissioned the Courtenay Cartulary, which contains one of the earliest histories of Devon and traces the building of castles, abbeys, and Exeter Cathedral.

Head back to Starcross, and continue on the train along the Riviera Line, one of the most scenic rail journeys in the country. You'll travel alongside the River Exe Estuary, and onwards past the sea wall at Dawlish, where you'll get stunning coastal views.

Travel on to Torquay, to experience the corner of our region where Agatha Christie lived and wrote her famous detective novels. Take time to visit the sandy beaches and the Pavilion where the “Queen of Crime” spent a lot of her time, or follow the Agatha Christie Literary Trail - find out more on the English Riviera website.

Day 3

From Exeter St David's Station, climb onboard the Dartmoor Line, linking Exeter and Okehampton, where you'll continue your literary adventure on Dartmoor!

Did you know, Dartmoor resident Michael Morpurgo, set War Horse on a Dartmoor Farm? Now the War Horse Valley Country Farm Park, you can find a small Morpurgo museum here. Other novels set on Dartmoor include Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles! For those looking for more adventure, explore Belstone to find the Ted Hughes' Memorial Stone. If you fancy a hike, explore the River Dart that inspired Alice Oswald's Dart. 

Once you return to Exeter St David's, unwind with a novel and reflect on your day, as you relax on the Quay, with a scrumptious pizza from On the Waterfront.

Find out more about literature in Exeter at www.exetercityofliterature.com.