The long awaited summer months are almost in reach, which gives us the perfect opportunity to get out and read in the fresh air! Whether you’re new to reading or already an avid book lover, there are plenty of scenic locations in Exeter where you can relax and get stuck in a good story!

Tip: head to Bookbag on Fore Street to pick up a new book, or pack your current read from home!

Cathedral green

Enjoy almost 1000 years of history from the Cathedral green, one of the most popular areas for people to sit and relax during the summer. If you forget your blanket, take a seat at Eat on the Green where you can relax and order locally-sourced breakfast, lunch or refreshing drink! Or close by there’s The Cheeky Vegan for some delicious vegan treats as well as a wide selection of drinks to enjoy whilst you read away!

Don’t forget to stop by the Devon and Exeter Institution, a fascinating independent library which features a historical book collection plus maps, prints, drawings and fine art.

Exeter quay

The quay has many picture-perfect spots where you can continue your literary adventure. Listen to the birds chirp and river flow around you, whilst you enjoy the sunshine and lose yourself in a story.

There are a number of different cafés and pubs on the quay if you want to stop for a quick drink or a bite to eat. Visit On The Waterfront and dig into their local-favourite dustbin lid pizzas. Book a table at Rockfish, for the freshest, locally-sourced seafood.

Gardens and attractions

Another great place to sit and read is Northernhay Gardens, which is located right in the heart of Exeter. Perfectly placed next to Exeter Library, Northernhay is also a just a short walk away from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery which is also another quiet place to read! Don't forget to explore our award-winning museum and stop by the much-loved café, which serves scrumptious local food and drink.

Coffee shops

Take a seat at The Glorious Art House on Fore Street (close to Bookbag!), a vibrant independent café right in the heart of Exeter’s West Quarter. If the weather is on your side, sit outside with your book and coffee in the courtyard!

Grow Coffee House is nestled within South Street on the way to Exeter quayside, a fabulous café to stop off at, order a sweet treat and read another chapter of your book...

Exeter St David's

Take a little piece of Exeter back with you - pick a book from the brand-new Penguin Books vending machine for your train journey home. Find out more about the fantastic initiative here.

Photo: Yudi Wu

Related

Bookbag
Bookseller
External shot of Bookbag

Bookbag is Exeter's new(ish) independent bookshop. They stock a select range of local/global fiction and non-fiction, art, nature, zines, and children's books. Book ordering, subscription service, and a range of events including open-mic poetry.

Eat on the Green
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Champagne on Cathedral Green

Eat on the Green is an independent restaurant in the heart of Exeter, owned and managed by a team who are passionate about creating great food using local, free range produce bought directly from the farmers and brought to you with excellent table service. The restaurant is in a Sixteenth Century building overlooking Exeter’s historic Cathedral Green.

The Cheeky Vegan
Vegan
Be'f burger

Serving 100% vegan food, coffee and milkshakes!

Exeter Quayside
Historic Site
Monolith at Exeter Quayside. Copyright: DOminic Lowther

Exeter's Historic Quayside is the most attractive area in the city, popular with locals & visitors for its fascinating history, pubs & restaurants.

On The Waterfront
Restaurant
On the Waterfront, Exeter - taken from across the Quay

Perched on the edge of the historic Exeter Quayside, we are housed on the ground floor of a magnificent 19th century warehouse. This building and many like it nearby served the booming woollen industry of the mid 19th century.

Rockfish Exeter
Seafood
External  image of Rockfish restaurant

Amongst the treats at this consistently award-winning restaurant are sustainably sourced and locally landed seafood, often cooked within hours of being caught. From your table by the Quayside enjoy simple, relaxed, ingredient-driven quality food for the whole family.

Exeter Library
Arts & Heritage
Exeter Library Building

Exeter Library is the largest Library in Devon and is looked after by the charity Libraries Unlimited. We believe in the unlimited potential of library services across the UK to make a positive difference to people's lives and communities through a shared love of reading and access to a wide array of information and facilities.

The Glorious Art House
Café
The Orange Room at the Glorious Art House

A vibrant and friendly art café in the heart of Exeter’s independent West Quarter, serving a variety of hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, snacks and light lunches. Gallery and workshops upstairs. Space available to hire.

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery - RAMM
Museum
Royal Albert Memorial Museum Queen Street Exeter

Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. The displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.

Northernhay Gardens
Garden
War statue in Exeter Nothernhay Gardens

The site of Northernhay Gardens was quarried in Roman times for stone from which to build the adjacent city walls.

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