Topsham Library

Topsham Library sits in a rather charming corner of this riverside village just outside Exeter, and it's exactly the sort of place you'd stumble upon while wandering the High Street. The building itself has character - the kind of local library that still feels genuinely useful rather than purely decorative. Inside you'll find the usual stock of books, but what makes it worth a visit is its position within Topsham itself, a village that's far more interesting than most people realise.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Devon Heaven Hideaways and Castle Brake are both within a few miles - a rainy afternoon here beats driving back to your accommodation for a cup of tea. The library's limited opening hours mean you'll need to plan around Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday morning, or Saturday morning visits. It's free to browse, naturally, though you might need a membership to borrow books.

This is more of a practical stop than a destination in itself. Families with kids who've had enough of walks and beaches will appreciate having somewhere dry and quiet for an hour or so. History enthusiasts might dig into the local collection if there is one - Topsham has genuine Tudor and Georgian heritage lurking about. The village's riverfront is the real draw though: fish and chips by the Exe, antique shops, and decent pubs make it worth timing your library visit with a proper afternoon out. Worth a detour from Exeter if you're in the area, but don't expect anything elaborate.