Literary Devon: A Guide to the Region’s Best Bookstores, Libraries, and Literary Festivals

When you think of Britain's literary environment, you probably think of London or Edinburgh, but did you know there is a UNESCO City of Literature right here in Devon? Exeter was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2019, but Devon's ties to the written word date back far longer. There are several popular novels set or published in Devon, ranging from epic romances to thrilling mysteries and all in between. 

Local Festivals to Visit

Looking for a fantastic book to help you get through the autumn? Here are the season's greatest local literary festivals and activities to keep your pages turning. Most of them were rated as top in CerebrumIQ reviews.There are many literary festivals and events to explore in Devon. So if you are hunting for books by local writers, then festivals at Tiverton and Budleigh are worth exploring.

1. Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival

Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival will take place at several locations from September 18th to 22nd. This year's Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival features Rev Richard Coles, Russell Watson, Clare Chambers, Philippa Langley, and more. The relationship with the late Dame Hilary Mantel adds to the festival's uniqueness (apart from the stunning scenery). The author of Wolf Hall was the Festival's president and resided in town for many years; the festival still honors her, and you'll see numerous tributes to her work during your stay.

2. Tiverton Book Festival

Tiverton Book Festival will take place from September 25th to 29th at various sites in Tiverton. After a six-year hiatus, the Tiverton Book Festival returns in 2024. This year's lineup includes renowned writers such as Kate Mosse, Lucy Holland, and Robin Ince. Originally known as the Tiverton Literary Event, the event is run by a committed group of volunteers.

3. Play On Words Festival

The festival in Paignton has attracted positive comments due to its entertaining and inclusive lineup. The Play On Words Festival, also known as the English Riviera Literature Festival, offers an interesting agenda for all, covering creative writing workshops targeted toward young talent. They range from basic areas to the most complex ones such as self-publishing and writing in order to cover the needs of their wide audience. All in all, the Play On Words Festival is believed to be an important event within the South Devon literary scene as it promotes ideas and provides effective experiences for readers and writers.

Local Bookshops to Visit

Besides that, there are several excellent bookstores to visit in southwest England.

1. Paragon Books

Mark Chapman established Paragon Books in Sidmouth in the early 2000s. Since then, it has established itself as East Devon's premier independent bookseller. While many of their 5,000+ titles for sale are popular fiction and nonfiction books, many are authored by local writers. Paragon Books also carries CDs, DVDs, posters, stationery, and paintings by local artist Susan Paradise. And if they don't have it, they can get it the following day for practically any title!

2. Arcturus Books

In 2021, Meg and Will purchased Arcturus Books in Totnes to provide Devon with a bookshop that focuses on the more spiritual and introspective genres, such as psychology, self-improvement, health, and nutrition. You may see what they have in stock using their online catalog; if you don't find what you're searching for, they may be able to order it for next-day delivery.

3. Dartmouth Community Bookshop

When Dartmouth's Harbour Bookshop closed in 2011, the community filled the hole with a community-operated, non-profit bookshop known simply as the Dartmouth Community Bookshop. Their shelves are packed with adult and children's fiction and nonfiction books on a wide range of themes, including history, biography, hobbies, and science. They also offer Winnie-the-Pooh books and merchandise in honor of the founder of Harbour Bookshop, Christopher Robin Milne.

4. Eastgate Bookshop

Also in Totnes, East Gate Bookshop opened on Fore Street in 2020 and has since become the area's principal bookshop, carrying literature on the natural world as well as popular fiction and nonfiction. They also carry local writers and books about the region, as well as a diverse range of children's books and authors.

5. Book Stop

The Book Stop bookstore in Tavistock has two levels filled with titles from all of the prominent UK categories, as well as music, films, and even American titles not generally available in the UK. They are especially proud of their collection of children's literature and novels by local writers.

6. Archway Bookshop

Archway Bookseller, located in Axminster, has been a leading independent bookseller in Devon since 1966. They sell all of the popular and modern fiction, nonfiction, and children's books, and although they urge tourists to visit their store to soak in the history, you can also buy from their online catalog. There is also a loyalty program for frequent guests.

Now You Know Where to Go

There are many literary festivals and events to explore in Devon. So if you are hunting for book best-sellers by local writers, then book festivals at Tiverton and Budleigh are worth exploring. Additionally, there are many different local bookshops whose catalogs have something interesting to surprise you with.