Exeter Literary Itinerary

From the moment you arrive, Exeter's literary heritage and culture fills the air and is just waiting to be explored. Taking in literary landmarks such as the RAMM, Exeter Cathedral and Custom House, there's good reason why in 2019 Exeter was awarded UNESCO City of Literature status.

To help guide you around there's the Exeter Literary Map and we've put together a literary itinerary so you don't miss out the key places of interest.

Exeter St David’s train station

Your journey begins at Exeter St David's train station where, in 1934, Allen Lane was inspired to create Penguin Books paperbacks after he couldn’t find anything to read while he was waiting for a train following a visit with world-famous crime writer Agatha Christie.

90 years later and you can now pick up a book for your travels from the Penguin Books vending machine at that same historic location!

Gandy Street

A short walk up from the train station and tucked away off the main road you'll discover the cobbled Gandy Street, home to Exeter Phoenix, the city's creative hub and a multi-arts venue where you'll find comedy, music, theatre, art, and much more!

RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum)

Just a short stroll around the corner and you'll find the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, or RAMM for short. Opened in 1868 with a free library and reading room, this iconic Exeter building is home to fascinating collections and many cultural activities. Taking you back in time to when Romans founded the city and through to modern day, 16 display galleries take visitors on a voyage of discovery. RAMM is open daily (except Monday) and is free to enter.

Exeter Cathedral Library

Home of the Exeter Book*, the largest surviving Anglo-Saxon poetry anthology and a UNESCO artefact of global cultural significance, Exeter Cathedral is one of Europe’s most magnificent cathedrals. The Library is also home to the Exon Domesday, Shakespeare's Second Folio, and many medieval manuscripts.

*Please note, for preservation the Exeter Book is kept off display and access is only available during arranged sessions throughout the year. You can find out more here.

In slightly more modern times, writer Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) wrote the vampire story Margery of Quether which is believed to have inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. Stoker repaid the inspiration by having the character of Jonathan Harker leave for Transylvania from an office on Cathedral Close.

Devon and Exeter Institution

A stone's throw from Exeter Cathedral and you'll discover The Devon and Exeter Institution, a thriving independent historical library and education charity established in 1813. This premier institution is hugely significant in that it was home to the first female librarian at an independent library.

The Library and collections lie at the heart of the Institution and provide inspiration and a place for research and reading, educational activities, cultural events and lectures throughout the year. Still open to the public, free tours take place every Wednesday 1pm to 4pm.

Independent book shops

As you continue your journey from the city centre to the historic quayside it's worth making a stop at Exeter's independent book shops. The first one on your travels is Bookbag, found in McCoys Arcade which itself is a rather cool indie shopping spot that's worth visiting. A much loved addition to the Exeter community, as well as stocking a select range of fiction and non-fiction books they also host an array of literary events including readings and music pairings.

If it's a good old-fashioned book shop you're after then step foot inside Book-Cycle, part of a UK-based charity that collects and recycles books for free. It's an Aladdin's cave of literature and you never know what you'll find! It's also a great spot for picking up a read and finding a quiet spot along the nearby river.

Custom House

One of the most historic buildings on the waterfront, the Custom House Visitor Centre houses lively displays, illustrations and artefacts which bring the history and development of Exeter’s Quayside to life. Since 2019, the centre has been a literature hub for Quay Words, with an exciting programme that explores stories and writing. The Custom House is also the starting point for the ‘Exeter Historic Quay’ tour by Exeter’s Red Coat Guides.

Exeter Library

Back into the city and Exeter Library is a thriving community hub that is home to over 150,000 items and over 1km of shelves. Away from all the books and the library is a buzzing cultural spot, hosting live music, theatre, workshops, and community celebrations. If the weather is kind then the neighbouring Rougemont Gardens offer a perfect picnic spot and quiet place to spend some quality reading time.

Turk's Head

All this exploring is thirsty work so you've earned a trip to the Turk's Head. Stepping inside this city centre favourite is akin to stepping back in time, and for good reason as this was Charles Dickens favourite watering hole. Where this literary great once sat is now known as Dickens' Corner and was from where he observed a patron who would become Fat Boy in The Pickwick Papers.

Discover more about Exeter City of Literature and find out what events are taking place across Exeter.