Seen the British Library’s New Agatha Christie exhibition in London? Now Discover the Places That Inspired the Queen of Crime.

A major exhibition at the British Library in St Pancras, London, is currently showcasing the extraordinary life of the much-loved UK author, Agatha Christie.

It is a carefully curated display of letters to her family, notebooks, family photos, personal belongings, her 1937 typewriter and early manuscripts will be on display for the very first time to reveal the remarkable life of one of the world’s greatest crime writers. 

But her story doesn’t stop there. 

Visitors who have been captivated by the artefacts on display at the exhibit are being encouraged to travel to the home of Agatha Christie in the heart of the English Riviera in Devon, to experience the venues, scenery, coastline - and even poisonous plants - that inspired the legendary writer.

The experiences, places, and people that she encountered on the English Riviera provided the inspiration for many of the characters and plots she created and therefore, a trip to the South Devon coastline is a must for literary jetsetters and fans alike.

There is no denying that Christie’s birthplace, Torquay, which is just a 3-hour train journey from London Paddington, influenced many of her novels, and she wrote her first book whilst working at the Dispensary in the temporary war hospital at Torquay Town Hall. 

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company comments: “If you are a fan of Christie and her work, then a visit to her hometown of Torquay is a must.

“Not everyone knows about the hidden treasures related to her dotted around the area, but we have compiled a list of the ‘must-see’ places which are perfect for those who have been inspired by the British Library’s new exhibition and want to continue exploring the magic of Christie.”

The top eight places linked to Agatha Christie’s life:

1. Christened at All Saints Church

Born in September 1890 in Torquay, Agatha was christened as Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller at All Saints Church. The church was built with the money from Agatha’s family and the Miller family worshipped there every Sunday.

2. Torquay Museum 

Throughout Agatha’s childhood, the Miller family were very engaged in the local community in Torquay. Agatha’s father, Frederick Miller, was a member of Torquay Natural History Society, which later became Torquay Museum. Torquay Museum is now home to Britain’s only Agatha Christie gallery.

3. Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey  

The Abbey’s head gardener dug deep into the murky world of poisons, antidotes and remedies in Christie’s novels and created a garden featuring a variety of interesting plants that may cure or kill depending on one’s motives. Given that over half of Christie’s characters were poisoned, literary fans will be intrigued and surprised at the range of beautiful but sinister plants on show at Torre Abbey.

4. Cockington Court

The Mallock family who lived at 17th-century manor house Cockington Court were firm friends of Agatha’s, and in her early years, Agatha spent many afternoons at Cockington Court and even participated in amateur theatricals there.

5. Social Functions at The Imperial Hotel and The Pavilion

Agatha attended many social functions in Torquay, including at The Imperial Hotel and The Pavilion on Torquay harbourside. The Imperial Hotel features in three of Agatha’s novels: it is renamed as The Majestic in the fictional town of St Loo in 'Peril at End House' (1932) and again in the town of Danemouth in 'The Body in the Library' (1942). It appears as The Imperial Hotel in 'Sleeping Murder' (1976). Today, the Imperial Hotel has a plaque dedicated to  Agatha in the lobby. 

6. Inspiration at Torquay Town Hall and Dartmoor

During WW1, Torquay Town Hall was used as a Red Cross Hospital and Agatha worked there as a nursing auxiliary. Later, as a qualified nurse, Agatha worked at the Dispensary where she gained her knowledge of poisons. Whilst working at the Dispensary, she began to write her first detective story, ‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’ (1920) a poisoning mystery solved by Hercule Poirot. Her character, Poirot, was inspired by the numerous Belgian war refugees who were living in Torquay during the war. 

7. Honeymooning at The Grand Hotel

Agatha Miller married Archie Christie on Christmas Eve 1941 and spent their honeymoon night at The Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel is an elegant Victorian hotel, with typical British charm and breathtaking views over the Bay. The hotel now has a bedroom suite named after the legendary author.

8. Greenway House and the Church of St Mary the Virgin

In 1938, Agatha purchased Greenway House near Brixham, an idyllic spot on the banks of the River Dart. Agatha’s holiday retreat and the nearby village of Galmpton feature as Nasse House at Nassecombe in 'Dead Man’s Folly' (1956), whilst the fishing town of Brixham appears as Brixwell. Greenway appears again in 'Five Little Pigs' (1943) as well as 'Towards Zero' (1944) and as Sunny Point House in 'Ordeal by Innocence' (1958).

Now managed by the National Trust, Greenway House offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the private life of the Queen of Crime. Greenway is a magical place to explore, with its rich historical interior and the wildness and mystery of its garden.

Carolyn Custerson continues: “If you loved the British Library’s exhibition on Christie, we highly recommend a visit to the English Riviera in Devon to truly understand the life and works of the Queen of Crime.”

The British Library’s exhibition runs from 30 October 2026 - 20 June 2027 with tickets starting from £20 and more details are here.

For more details on exploring Agatha Christie’s English Riviera, visit here.