Silent Book Club – Summer Special!
Saturday 25th July | 11am – 2pm or 3pm – 6pm
The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook, TQ12 5UL
A summertime reading escape in one of Devon’s most extraordinary hidden gardens.
Tucked away on the edge of Dartmoor, behind fifteen-foot walls and surrounded by woodland, The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook is a place unlike any other: a secluded world of long pergolas, hidden paths, palms, camellias, and sweeping views across the moor.
Built in 1912 for Arthur Smith Graham, the garden was created as a private sanctuary. Graham, who was gay, retreated from London society to Devon, where he commissioned architect Thomas Henry Lyon, also gay, to design a hidden refuge where friends could gather safely, away from public scrutiny.
The garden became a silent kingdom of beauty, conversation, creativity, and secrecy. When Graham died in 1928, his papers were burned at his request, leaving much of the garden’s story unknown. Over time, the grounds disappeared back into woodland, sleeping for decades before being rediscovered.
For this Silent Book Club Special, you’re invited to spend time exploring this remarkable place. The event will begin with an hour of silent reading in the garden, followed by poetry readings, creative activities, light snacks, and time to wander and discover the garden’s hidden corners.
Bring a book (and a blanket or chair if you’d like) and settle into an unforgettable summer’s day of reading and bookish fun.
Please wear sturdy footwear, as paths are uneven. Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of the site, the venue is not currently wheelchair accessible.
We’re delighted to be hosting two sittings for this special event, giving everyone plenty of time to relax, read, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Whether you join us in the morning or afternoon, you’ll enjoy the same programme of activities and offerings.
First Sitting: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Second Sitting: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Transportation
Parking at The Italian Garden is limited, so we kindly ask guests to car share where possible.
When booking, you’ll see ticket options for Parking, Passenger, and Taxi. Please select the option that best reflects your travel plans so we can accurately manage parking spaces.
If you plan on driving to this Silent Book Club Special, please select the Ticket & Parking Space option, every ticket purchased with this option will reserve a parking space at The Italian Garden for you.
If you’re planning to travel with a friend who is driving, or will be dropped off before and after the Silent Book Club Special, please choose the Passenger Ticket option.
We’re also pleased to offer taxi transfers to and from Totnes Train Station to the Italian Garden. If you’d like to use this service, simply select the appropriate ticket when booking. Please note that this ticket option requires you to make your own way to Totnes Train Station. A member of the Exeter City of Literature team will be on hand at the station to coordinate your onward travel to The Italian Garden.
If your travel arrangements change after you’ve purchased your ticket, please get in touch. We’ll be happy to update your booking and make sure we have the correct transport and parking information for everyone.
We can’t wait to welcome you for a peaceful afternoon of reading and connection.
Food & Drink
We will have light refreshments available, but feel free to bring your own lunch and/or snacks.
Please note that dogs are not permitted at this event. We apologise for any inconvenience.
