Greenway House

Agatha Christie described her beloved holiday home Greenway as “the loveliest place in the world”. Nestled on the banks of the River Dart, with a long history dating back to the 1490s, the house still retains features added by all generations of occupying families. Now managed by the National Trust, Greenway offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the private life of the Queen of Crime and her family. Agatha Christie set three of her novels here, all of which feature on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail: Five Little Pigs, Dead Man’s Folly and Ordeal by Innocence. In Dead Man's Folly it appears as Nasse House, and the boat house was the scene of the crime in Dead Man’s Folly. However, Christie did not write at Greenway: she would visit with friends and family once her latest novel was complete to relax, play games and spend quality time together in a beautiful setting.

Greenway is a magical place to explore, with its rich historical interior and the wildness and mystery of its garden. The informal woodland garden drifts down the hillside towards the river, and is renowned particularly for its spring flowers. In spring and summer, a member of the garden team lead a daily garden walk at 2pm, which is a great way to find out about the history of the garden and see the seasonal highlights.  

How to Travel There

There are many different ways to travel to Greenway, which make up an exciting part of your day out. If you would like to arrive by car, your parking space needs to be booked in advance. This is easy to do online (www.nter.org.uk)  or by calling 01803 842382. It’s best to book your space a day or two ahead of your visit, but limited spaces are often available on the day by phone. There is a parking charge of £3 per session for non-National Trust members. The car parking charges help look after Greenway well into the future, and support the vital work of the National Trust. For members of the Trust it is free of charge to park. There is a shuttle service from the car park to the entrance of Greenway for visitors with walking difficulties.

A Taxi from Torquay Harbour to Greenway is approximately £23 on weekdays and £27 on weekends.

Alternatively, travel by boat from Dartmouth to Greenway Quay. When in operation, this service along the River Dart departs hourly, and is the perfect way to find out more about the area whilst you travel to Greenway. From the village of Dittisham you can travel to Greenway in open wooden passenger ferry that takes up to 12 people. Just ring the bell on the quay to let the ferry know you're there waiting. The ferry services are provided by the Greenway Ferry Company: please visit their website for more information.

Once you arrive at Greenway Quay there is an uphill walk through the woodland garden to reach Greenway, but there are plenty of benches to pause at and admire the views. There is also a shuttle service available, which provides lifts from the quay to visitor reception; if you require a lift and the quay car isn't waiting please ask at the kiosk on the quay.