'I loved the festival. I found it exceptionally rich in ideas and so warm and friendly. I found old friends and new.'
Annie Freud

Hear stimulating authors and broadcasters in a beautiful setting in East Devon

The Shute Festival of Literature and Landscape aims to celebrate writing, film-making, exploration and landscape – whether local, global, physical or metaphysical.

Held in the hamlet of Shute, in the midst of East Devon’s AONB, the festival brings together a diverse and inspirational group of writers and broadcasters – including botanists, biographers, explorers, documentary makers, gardeners, historians, poets, travel specialists and novelists. Panellists talk, present films, lead workshops, debate and answer questions.

There are workshops for children, including bush craft and other activities, which allow them to explore and engage with the surrounding natural beauty and vegetation of the landscape.

Food provided by local chefs and producers is served in the nearby village school. 

Separate to the weekend programme, the festival will be co-funding creative writing workshops for the children of Shute Primary School as part of our community outreach.

Tickets can be purchased for individual talks and single days. There are also reduced weekend passes available (children under 16 are free but should be accompanied by an adult).

Profits go towards Shute Community Primary School and the building and repairs of St Michael’s Church, Shute.

Samantha Knights QC & Paddy Magrane
Festival Directors

‘Beautifully organised, a wonderful atmosphere, a great (and intelligent) audience, and of course a beautiful setting. And lovely food from the expert local chefs!’
Hilary Bradt

‘Wonderful festival. Enjoyed speaking at it and met some very interesting people.’
Andrew Lownie
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‘Excellent festival, fabulous setting, very responsive audience.’
Diana Darke

Explore Shute

While visiting the festival, you might like to join the free Legacy to Landscape walks (see Programme), which explore Shute's historic hunting grounds and bring visitors up close to ancient, gnarled trees like King John's Oak. You can also wander Shute Woods – home to a rich variety of wildlife and an Elizabethan beacon. There are breathtaking views.