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Experience the Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay

Celebrate the life of Agatha Christie with the 2026 Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay, between the 12th - 20th September 2026. The Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay is a chance to get involved in literary themed events centered around her life and work, from murder mystery afternoon tea's, to exhibitions, talks and music events. Full details of the Agatha Christie Festival programme and fringe events are available on the Festival website, www.iacf-uk.org or follow the Festival on Twitter and Facebook (@AgathaFestival).

What is the Agatha Christie Festival?

Every September, the English Riviera in Devon becomes a crime scene worth some serious investigation, as we celebrate the birthday of our most famous literary daughter. Each year you can expect a series of events coinciding with her birthday on 15th September with more fun and literary events than you can shake a smoking gun at.

Discover Agatha Christie's Life and Legacy in Torquay

The Queen of Crime was born in Torquay, Devon in 1890 and worked and socialised in this fashionable resort. During the First World War she trained and worked as a nurse in the temporary soldiers’ hospital housed at Torquay Town Hall, then, gaining her useful knowledge of poisons she trained as a pharmacist. She completed the writing of her first novel in 1916 at the Moorlands Hotel near Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor. In 1938 she and her husband Max Mallowan bought the estate of Greenway near Kingswear. This National Trust property makes a fascinating place to visit. She wrote her first crime novels while living in the resort and indeed the area features in no less than 15 of her novels.

Follow the Agatha Christie Mile and Literary Trail

If you'd like to investigate these local connections more, why not follow the Agatha Christie Mile? Pick up a leaflet from the Visitor Information Centre and prepare to 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 (which features in several novels) or the Grand Hotel (where she spent the first night of her honeymoon), the Agatha Christie Literary Trail takes you to some of the places that were inspirational in her life and works, with seven unique plaques to find along the way. You’ll also see the Agatha Christie Bust, created to commemorate her centenary year in 1990.

Another stop along the route is Torquay Museum, which is home to the world's only dedicated Agatha Christie Gallery. You can step into Poirot's study and lounge, with furniture and props from the ITV series. There are also costumes worn by David Suchet, as well as by Joan Hickson when she played Miss Marple. You can also view a collection of Agatha Christie's personal effects, including handwritten notes and items of clothing. It's a fascinating visit during the festival or indeed any other time of the year.

Add the Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden at Torre Abbey Museum to your itinerary. The Abbey’s head gardener dug deep into the murky world of poisons, antidotes and remedies in Agatha Christie’s novels and created a garden featuring a variety of interesting plants that may cure or kill, depending on one’s motives. Of course, it’s not really dangerous - less potent garden cultivars were planted and the garden is designed to entertain - not provide murderous opportunities!

Torre Abbey is also the home of the annual International Agatha Christie Festival which celebrates Agatha Christie and her astonishingly rich and diverse legacy. The Festival includes a series of literary talks, fascinating exhibitions, workshops, performances, film screenings, guided walks, a vintage swim and a period garden party. Elsewhere across the Bay you will also find a variety of murder mystery events taking place, as well as theatre productions and other Christie-themed fun.

A unique bronze bust statue of Agatha Christie, created by Dutch sculptor Carol Van Den Boom-Cairns, is located on Palk Street, on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail, and close to the beautiful Edwardian Pavilion where her first husband Archie Christie proposed to her following a Wagner concert.

Plan Your Trip to the Agatha Christie Festival

If you are looking to attend the International Agatha Christie Festival, or simply to visit the English Riviera to enjoy its many connections with the world's best-selling author, be sure to book your accommodation early or check out our Agatha Christie Breaks page, featuring some of Agatha Christies best loved places to stay. As you can imagine, it attracts thousands of day and overnight visitors to the resort and surrounding areas.

With this part of Devon so well-known for Agatha Christie, Christie-related events also take place throughout the year, so keep an eye on our What's On section to stay up-to date!

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Agatha's English Riviera

Featured

Agatha Christie

Dame Agatha Christie, known throughout the world as the ‘Queen of Crime’, is a literary genius, was born in Torquay and remained on the English Riviera for much of her life.
Agatha Christie Breaks

Experience Agatha Christie’s English Riviera and stay in one of the properties that she frequented and inspired her to write her novels.
Agatha Christie Things To Do

Experience Agatha Christie’s English Riviera and use our guide to discover the attractions, activities and events that have an authentic Agatha Christie connection.
Agatha Christie Places To See

Experience Agatha Christie’s Devon and use our guide to discover the places that have an authentic Agatha Christie connection.
Greenway House

Agatha Christie described her beloved holiday home Greenway as “the loveliest place in the world”.
Agatha Christie Literary Trail

Torquay is the birthplace of the famous crime writer and novelist Dame Agatha Christie.
Agatha Christie Mile

The best way for amateur sleuths to unravel the mystery of Agatha Christie’s life in Torquay, is to follow what is known as the ‘Agatha Christie Mile.’ You can pick up a printed leaflet from the Visitor Information Centre.
Explore The English Riviera

The English Riviera is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful coast and countryside of South Devon including Torbay, Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

Agatha Christie Festival Events

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Number of results: 39

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Dates

From:

12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026

From:

11 Sept 2027to19 Sept 2027

The Agatha Christie Festival

Address

Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

Telephone
01803 293593

info@iacf-uk.org

Torquay

Dates

From:

12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026

From:

11 Sept 2027to19 Sept 2027

The programme can be viewed by carrying out a diary search via www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on and on The Agatha Christie Festival website www.iacf-uk.org
Agatha Christie is Torquay's most well-known resident and the best selling author of all…

Type

Type:

Festival

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Web Site
Dates

From:
12 Sept 2026

It’s A Mystery! - Agatha Christie Festival

Address

Torquay Museum, Babbacombe Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 1HG

info@iacf-uk.org

Torquay

Dates

From:
12 Sept 2026

“I suppose you’re wondering why I’ve gathered you all here this evening.”
Tim Benzie, award-winning playwright and the acclaimed creator and host of Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote presents his new one-man show, a funny and engrossing deep dive into…

Type

Type:

Festival

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
12 Sept 2026

Agatha's Mysterious Dartmoor... Revisited!

Address

The Moorland Hotel, Haytor, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 9XT

Newton Abbot

Dates

From:
12 Sept 2026

After the success of last year’s sold out event, we are returning to Agatha’s mysterious Dartmoor but are making the event an all day one. This gives everyone longer to enjoy and savour the stunning locations visited en route.
Over the course of…

Type

Type:

Historical

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:

1 May 2026to31 Dec 2026

The Story of Agatha Christie's Extraordinary Life - English Riviera Walking Tours

Address

English Riviera Visitor Information Centre, Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JG

Telephone
07414 777606

grahamkerr1963@gmail.com

Torquay

Dates

From:

1 May 2026to31 Dec 2026

Even if you've never read an Agatha Christie novel or watched one of her plays, it doesn't matter!
This fascinating walking tour tells the story of her extraordinary life, which is as interesting as any of her novels. Whilst following the stunning…

Type

Type:

Walking

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
13 Sept 2026

What Agatha Did in the Great War

Address

Torquay Assembly Hall, Lymington Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3DT

Torquay

Dates

From:
13 Sept 2026

This special event offers a rare opportunity to step inside the historic Assembly Rooms at Torquay Town Hall, where Agatha Christie served as a nurse in the Voluntary Aid Detachment for the British Red Cross during the First World War.
The…

Type

Type:

Festival

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
14 Sept 2026
From:
14 Sept 2026
From:
15 Sept 2026
From:
15 Sept 2026
From:
16 Sept 2026
From:
16 Sept 2026

Agatha Christie Cave Cinema

Address

Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2JF

Telephone
01803 215136

caves@kents-cavern.co.uk

Wellswood, Torquay

Dates

From:
14 Sept 2026
From:
14 Sept 2026
From:
15 Sept 2026
From:
15 Sept 2026
From:
16 Sept 2026
From:
16 Sept 2026

Experience an unforgettable evening at Kents Cavern’s Agatha Christie Cave Cinema, where classic films inspired by the Queen of Crime are screened in the unique setting of this prehistoric cave. Surrounded by ancient rock formations, immerse…

Type

Type:

Cinema & Film

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
18 Sept 2026

Agatha Christie’s Greatest Narrator

Address

Pier Point Restaurant, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5HA

info@iacf-uk.org

Torquay

Dates

From:
18 Sept 2026

Continuing our celebration of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, is this very special panel event hosted by Festival friend Kemper Donovan. Discussing which of Agatha's numerous and varied narrators is going to be awarded the title of The Greatest is…

Type

Type:

Talk or Lecture

More Details

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Web Site
Dates

From:
17 Sept 2026

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – The Centenary of a Masterpiece

Address

The Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5JE

info@iacf-uk.org

The Kings Drive, Torquay

Dates

From:
17 Sept 2026

Our celebration of the 100-year legacy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, continues with a talk by good friend of the Festival, David Morris. In a richly illustrated talk, David, of CollectingChristie.com, traces the novel's extraordinary journey from…

Type

Type:

Talk or Lecture

More Details

Visit Website

Web Site
Dates

From:
16 Sept 2026

The Mysterious Mix and Mingle

Address

Imperial Hotel, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2DG

Telephone
01803 294301

info@theimperialtorquay.co.uk

Torquay

Dates

From:
16 Sept 2026

After the success of last year’s Mix and Mingle, we are delighted to bring back this popular, and free, social event which is the perfect chance to meet fellow festival-goers over a drink or two.
This year, the event will be held in the glamorous…

Type

Type:

Participatory Event

More Details

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Web Site

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Experience the Agatha Christie Festival in Torquay

What is the Agatha Christie Festival?

Discover Agatha Christie's Life and Legacy in Torquay

Follow the Agatha Christie Mile and Literary Trail

Plan Your Trip to the Agatha Christie Festival

Featured

Agatha Christie Festival Events

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