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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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Book Launch: When The Sky Falls

Fore Street, Exeter

'A burst of brilliance' – Cal Flyn'Made me look at the night sky in a completely different way.' – Will MillardWhen the Sky Falls is a global cultural history of shooting stars spanning from the prehistoric to the present day, and exploring beliefs,…
Writers’ Hub

Budleigh Salterton

Hosted by Word Kitchen - cooking up connection and community through literature and spoken word
Back again after the success of last year, the Writers Hub offers a marquee exclusively devoted to south west writers, wherever they are on their…
John Crace: How Does This Government Thing Work Again?

Budleigh Salterton

Does satire help us navigate a political world that often feels stranger than fiction?
Prepare for an evening of razor-sharp wit as celebrated Guardian political columnist John Crace takes to the festival stage to discuss his latest work, Bonfire…
Amy Jeffs: Arthur - A New Life

Budleigh Salterton

How do myths survive and why do we keep remaking them?
Sunday Times bestselling author Amy Jeffs brings us a reimagining of the legendary king through early medieval and early modern sources, moving through forests, citadels and the Otherworld…
The Writers Circle: Peer Support for Writers of All Kinds

Exeter

The Writers Circle: Peer Support for Writers of All Kinds
Looking for friendly, constructive feedback on your writing? Or just want to connect with fellow writers over a cuppa? Join us for The Writers Circle; a relaxed, peer-to-peer feedback group…
Word Kitchen Autumn Open Mic for Prose Writers and Poets

Exeter

Our open mics return to Exeter Phoenix with a theme of Autumn Leaves.
Writers can interpret this literally as a prompt for writing about the season, the shift in the light, nature's changing colours, and patterns, or metaphorically. It can be an…

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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

Don't Miss

Autumn in Exeter
Autumn in Exeter is packed with seasonal fun, from spooky Halloween trails and October Half Term activities to spectacular Bonfire Night celebrations. Discover what’s on and plan your perfect autumn day out.
Christmas in Exeter
Experience the magic of Christmas in Exeter. Our historic city is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season. The festivities start on the 13th November with Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market opening and the Christmas lights being turned on.
Exeter Green Circle
Discover Exeter’s urban nature trail: the Green Circle, a 12-mile circular walking route that connects diverse neighbourhoods, leafy suburbs, and hidden heritage
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.