Colyton Library

Colyton Library sits in the heart of this small Devon town, a proper local institution that doubles as a genuine community hub rather than just a place to borrow books. The building itself has character - the sort of place where you'll find residents lingering over newspapers, schoolchildren doing homework, and locals catching up over library events.

It's worth a stop if you're staying nearby in Seaton or at one of the holiday parks like Beer Head or Oakdown. The library holds the kind of local knowledge that guidebooks miss - staff can point you towards decent walks, upcoming events, and genuinely good spots to eat. There's a decent selection of Devon history and regional interest books if that's your thing, plus the usual mix of fiction and reference material.

Unlike some libraries, this one feels alive rather than sterile. You might find yourself browsing longer than expected, or chatting with someone about the best pubs within walking distance. It's free to use the facilities, though you'll need to join if you want to borrow books - a quick process. Allow half an hour if you're just popping in; longer if you've got time to explore the local interest section or catch an event.

Not a reason to plan a trip around, but absolutely worth twenty minutes if you're in Colyton for the day. Pair it with a walk along the Seaton Tramway or a ramble through the nearby countryside. Real towns have real libraries, and this one's proof.