Literary Map of
Exeter and Devon
First launched in 2023, the Literary Map of Exeter & Devon is a way for residents and visitors to uncover the region’s literary heritage and culture with a first of its kind printed map.
In 2024 we spruced up the existing maps, adding more independent bookshops and literary landmarks - the reprint also allowed us to celebrate Exeter’s 5th Anniversary as a UNESCO City of Literature.
Read on to see a digital version of the map, or pick up a physical edition across Exeter in bookshops, visitor centres, libraries and hotels.
New maps to celebrate UNESCO designation
Two new maps have been released to celebrate Exeter and the UK’s UNESCO designations, one from the UK National Commission for UNESCO and the other from Exeter UNESCO City of Literature.
The Literary Map of Devon & Exeter
Residents and visitors across Exeter and Devon can uncover the region’s literary heritage and culture with the first printed map, available at bookshops, visitor centres, libraries, and hotels.
Exeter was designated a UNESCO Creative City in 2019, a prestigious and permanent title that brings Exeter into partnership with 41 other Cities of Literature worldwide. Graphic designer and illustrator Rosetta Westbrook designed Devon’s first literary map showcasing the county’s famous literary figures, picturesque reading spots, independent bookshops, and literary landmarks.
Anna Cohn Orchard, Executive Director of Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, said:
“Our map not only shows people where to go, it also shows us where we’re from. The map highlights Devon’s incredible literary heritage and how this county has inspired writers for centuries, and it showcases the wealth of literary culture in and around Exeter today. Knowing more about the place you’re from brings people together, and we hope this map invites people to explore their communities together.”
The map from the Exeter City of Literature charity includes 31 literary landmarks, 48 independent bookshops, 30 literary figures, and 16 reading spots from around Devon as chosen by members of the public, and 9 ‘inspired by Devon’ features. Visitors are encouraged to visit Agatha Christie’s home in Kingswear; take inspiration on Dartmoor as writers Arthur Conan Doyle, Martin Shaw, Philip Reeve, and Sophie Pavelle have done; pick up a book at one of Devon’s 48 independent bookshops and read in the public’s favourite reading spots such as Smeaton’s Tower Park in Plymouth or Bolberry Down near Hope Cove; and attend author readings, writing courses, plays, and exhibits at landmarks such as Exeter’s Custom House with Quay Words, Arvon in Sheepwash, the Devon and Exeter Institution, Northcott Theatre, and much more.
The literary map of Exeter and Devon was produced by the charity Exeter City of Literature, made possible by Arts Council England. The map can be found in visitor centres, libraries, bookshops, and hotels throughout Devon.
Explore the map
A note on accessibility: The first phase of this project was the creation of a printed map, which could then be hosted online in image and PDF form. In the future we hope to bring you an interactive online version with integrated accessibility tools!
UNESCO Sites Map
Ignite your summer adventures and discover Exeter alongside 57 other unique UNESCO sites in the UK thanks to a newly illustrated map, now available to download for free from the UK National Commission for UNESCO.
The UK's UNESCO sites are destinations of world-class natural and cultural heritage. For the first time a map, designed by the creative cartographer Tom Woolley, brings together all of the Biosphere Reserves, Creative Cities, Global Geoparks, and World Heritage Sites across the British Isles that are waiting to be discovered.
The UNESCO map, released online this week, includes 29 World Heritage Sites, 13 Creative Cities, 9 Global Geoparks, and 7 Biosphere Reserves that cover 13% of the UK’s landmass. Visitors to the sites are invited to immerse themselves in the spectacular vistas of the slate landscape of Northwest Wales or the Scottish Highlands. Dive into the literary heritage of Manchester or Exeter. Uncover legends and folklore along the Giant's Causeway or Stonehenge. Breathe in the sea air of North Devon or the English Riviera. And dance the night away in an iconic concert hall in Belfast or at a festival under the stars at one of the world's largest deep space observatories at Jodrell Bank.
James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO said:
“This new UNESCO in the UK map will inspire people for places to visit. It shows at a glance the breadth of amazing natural, cultural and built heritage designated by UNESCO as internationally significant in the UK. This great map highlights places to explore, on your doorstep and further afield, both the famous and those to discover for the first time.”
The UNESCO map was produced by the UK National Commission for UNESCO as part of its Local to Global project, made possible with the GREAT Campaign and The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players. Local to Global aims to develop a resilient network for UNESCO Designated Sites in the UK.
