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UNESCO City of Literature

Exeter became the only UK destination in 2019 to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status, and is now one of 66 cities internationally that have been added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Exeter was recognised for its 1,000 year unbroken history of making books and popularising reading since the early 13th century. Today there are some fantastic literary hubs across the city, such as the Quay Words project, housed at Exeter’s Custom House and supported by Literature Works, where writers and performers are encouraged to try their hand at all kinds of writing or to experience and learn from others' work. Find out more about our UNESCO City of Literature status on our City of Literature blog post, or visit the Exeter City of Literature website.

Uncover Exeter's literary heritage and culture with the Exeter Literary Map. The map was designed by a local illustrator, to showcase the city’s famous literary figures, picturesque reading spots, independent bookshops, and literary landmarks.

See the list below for literary, poetry and spoken word events in Exeter.

Exeter Literary Itinerary

There's a good reason why Exeter was awarded UNESCO City of Literature status in 2019. Follow our literary itinerary to see the key places of interest.
Exeter Literary Map

Uncover Exeter's literary heritage and culture with the Exeter Literary Map, featuring famous figures, picturesque reading spots, independent bookshops, and literary landmarks.
Guest blog: Introducing Exeter St David's book vending machine

A Penguin Books vending machine has been installed at Exeter St Davids train station!
Exeter as a UNESCO City of Literature

2024 is the 5th anniversary of Exeter receiving its UNESCO recognition as a City of Literature, becoming part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Literary Exeter by Train

Exeter is a UNESCO City of Literature and its literary history is reflected in fascinating attractions around the city and beyond, easily reachable from Exeter by rail with GWR.

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Silent Book Club

Exeter

Cost: Free to attend (bring your own book!) | No booking required
Silent Book Club in Exeter happens twice a month at Topsham Brewery — on the first Wednesday and third Monday of every month — and on the last Thursday of the month at 12 Bar Music &…
Exeter Playwrights Cafe

Exeter

Are you a writer for performance based in or around Exeter? Join us on the first Thursday (7-9om) of each month for the Exeter Playwrights Cafe.
These informal sessions are a space where you can share extracts of your work, receive feedback,…
Ijeoma Uchegbu: The Wondrous Chemistry Of Everyday Life

Budleigh Salterton

What can chemistry reveal about what it means to be human?
Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbus book, Chain Reaction , is a vivid and deeply personal journey into the chemistry underpinning everything we touch, consume and inhabit.
She brings to life…
Lightbear Lane Lit Lab November

Exeter

Welcome to Lightbear Lane Lit Lab: a space for literary and cultural pursuits and interests, to share ideas and help them grow.
We are inviting our Lightbear Lane subscribers and supporters to join us on the second Wednesday of the month for our…
Cathy Rentzenbrink: The Agatha Christie Cure

Budleigh Salterton

Can a book change the course of your life?
One Christmas, Festival President Cathy Rentzenbrink, drained by life's upheavals, turned to her first literary love, Agatha Christie, for comfort and finds something deeper. Revisiting the novels and the…
Juliet Pickering: Workshop: From Page To Published!

Budleigh Salterton

How to take your book to and through publication.
In this friendly, engaging session, Juliet Pickering - agent and director at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency - guides you through finishing your story (fiction or nonfiction), submitting to agents…

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Things To Do Attractions, Activities, Sport, Entertainment & Nightlife, Tours & Sightseeing, Group Visits, Visit Topsham, Visit South Devon,	What's On Exeter Farmers Market, Festivals, Exhibitions, Concerts & Gigs, Theatre & Performing Arts, Film, Seasonal, Live Music Venues, Family Events, Youth Events, Submit Event,	Places to Stay Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, Boutique Hotels, Self Catering, Serviced Apartments , Caravan & Holiday Parks, Camping and Glamping, Pubs & Inns, Campus & Hostels, Pet Friendly, Places to Stay in Topsham,
Food & Drink Exeter Food & Drink Trail, Restaurants, Pubs & Bars, Cafes & Tearooms, Afternoon Tea, Local Produce , Markets & Events,	Shopping Shopping Quarters, Independent, Markets, ExeAccess,	Inspire Me Itineraries, Top Ideas, Visit Exeter Blog,
Conferences	Tourist Info & Maps Blog, Members Area, Maps & Guides, Travel Information, Email Sign-Up, Special Offers, Accessibility, Advertise With Us,	Home

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UNESCO City of Literature
Exeter became the only UK destination in 2019 to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status, recognised for its 1,000 year unbroken history of making books and popularising reading since the early 13th century.