Things to Do
Agatha Christie's Riviera
Each year the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay, holds a week-long celebration in honour of Agatha Christie, the world’s greatest crime writer who was born in Torquay in 1890. Her fondness for South Devon was well-documented and the area featured heavily in some of her most famous works. If you’re a fan or just enjoy a bit of sleuthing, the Agatha Christie Festival and the Agatha Christie Literary Trail provide the perfect experiences. Your holiday doesn’t have to be murder – unless you want it to be!
Agatha Christie Literary Trail
One of the best ways to discover Agatha Christie’s Riviera throughout the year is by visiting the sites on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail. Each spot is linked to one of her novels, and the trail reveals the inspirations behind her writing. A free leaflet is available from the Visitor Information Centres or online.
Another highlight is the Agatha Christie Mile along Torquay seafront. Here, you’ll find her honeymoon hotel The Grand, the Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey, and the famous bronze bust in her likeness. Further along is Torquay Museum, home to the UK’s only permanent Agatha Christie Gallery.
Greenway
No visit would be complete without a vintage bus journey or Greenway Ferry to Greenway, her holiday home on the banks of the River Dart. Now managed by the National Trust, the property offers a glimpse into the private life of Christie and her family, and is open from March-October with special winter ‘behind-the-scenes’ tours. Note that as parking is very limited it must be pre-booked.
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Cockington Country Park
Type
Country Park/Nature Reserve
Location
Cockington, TORQUAY
Just a mile from Torquay seafront, you'll discover the beautiful thatched village of Cockington, and at its heart 460 acres of beautiful country park.
Step back in time in the Church of St George and Saint Mary (c1069), take a walk around the...
Agatha Christie Bust
Type
History & Heritage
Location
Torquay
Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in 1890, and the English Riviera celebrated her centenary with the creation of a hand-crafted bronze bust in her likeness. The bust sits on Palk Street, on the Agatha Christie Mile, and close to the beautiful...
Elberry Cove
Type
Beach
Location
Brixham
Close to Paignton is Elberry Cove, a quiet inlet with a small pebble beach. It is an extremely peaceful place, so you can relax without being disturbed by noisy crowds or amusement arcades.
The beach can only be accessed on foot, so if you have...Greenway
Type
Historic House/Palace
Location
Brixham
Agatha Christie described Greenway as “the loveliest place in the world”. It was here that she had her holiday home, on the banks of the River Dart. With a long history dating back to the 1490s, the house still retains features added by all...
Princess Pier
Type
Pier
Location
Torquay
What better way to enjoy a waterfront stroll than along Torquay's palm-lined promenade and Princess Pier? The pier, built in 1890, is the perfect place to stop and gaze out to sea, or to enjoy watching the constant comings and goings in the adjacent...
The Pavilion
Type
Speciality Shop
Location
Torquay
The beautiful Edwardian Pavilion on Torquay’s seafront was opened in 1912 as a ‘Palace of Pleasure’ and was designed to be a venue in which to hear music, see plays and meet friends. Nowadays it houses specialist, independently-owned shops ranging...
Torquay Museum
Type
Museum
Location
Torquay
The fascinating Torquay Museum will give you a real insight into the history of the English Riviera – both modern and prehistoric - taking you back through 400 million years!
Upstairs there’s the interactive Explorers Gallery which is great for...
Agatha Christie Mile
Type
Sightseeing
Location
Torquay
Drift back into the style and opulence of the Jazz Age as you retrace the steps of the world’s best-selling author along Torquay’s seafront. Starting at either the Imperial Hotel or the Grand Hotel, the Agatha Christie Mile takes you to some of the...
Beacon Cove
Type
Beach
Location
Torquay
Beacon Cove is a haven away from the main beach of Torquay and is close to Living Coasts, the coastal zone section of the award-winning Paignton Zoo. There is good disabled access down to the small promenade above the tiny shingle beach. Its...
Greenway Ferry and Pleasure Cruises - Brixham
Type
Boat Trip
Location
Brixham
Taking to the water is a must when visiting South Devon's beautiful bay home to the towns of Torquay and Brixham, or the South Hams picturesque port of Dartmouth or quaint town of Totnes - so why not do it in style aboard the largest ship sailing in...
