In the footsteps of Agatha Christie

Torquay was the birthplace of the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie. Many of her books have locations directly inspired by places in and around the town in which she grew up. In later life she had a holiday home on the banks of the river Dart a short drive from Torquay. Every September the International Agatha Christie Festival takes place but at all times of the year it is possible to follow in the footsteps of the World's Biggest selling Author...

Greenway

Agatha Christie's summer home features in one form or another in several of her books including Dead man's Folly and Greenshaw's Folly. The house is now owned by the National trust and is open to the public. Click here for more information.

Cockington Court

The Mallock family were still resident in Cockington Court when Agatha was growing up. She attended parties there. Today, it is open to the public and is home to numerous arts and crafts studios. There are events and festivals throughout the year. The park is a wonderful place to take a walk whatever the season. Click here for more information.

Churston Station

This station features in The ABC Murders. The station is now part of the Dartmouth Steam Railway and visitors can travel between Paignton and Kingswear most of the year. Click here for more information.

Meadfoot Beach

Meadfoot was just one of the many beaches that Agatha Christie visited when in the area and there is footage of her and her family enjoying a day by the sea here.

Kent's Cavern

This is the inspiration for The Man in the Brown Suit. Today the Caves are open to the public all year round and home to Europe's oldest human remains. Click here for more information.

Burgh Island

This island off the coast of Devon was the inspiration for And Then There Were None as well as Evil Under The Sun. This privately owned Island is open to the public. A causeway joins it to the mainland when the tide is out and a sea tractor takes visitors backwards and forwards when the tide is in.

All Saints Church

This was where Agatha was baptised. Click here for more information.

Torre Abbey

The Cary family were resident in Torquay's own stately home when Agatha was growing up. She attended parties here. The gardens have a poison garden inspired by the works of Agatha Christie. Today the Abbey is open to the public having undergone two major phases of restoration. Click here for more information.

Torquay Museum

Torquay museum houses the country's only exhibition dedicated to the writer. Amongst the exhibits are costumes donated by some of the recent actors to have played her creations. Click here for more information.

Kingsbridge and Salcombe

These pretty Devon Towns were the inspiration for the book Towards Zero. Today both are worth a visit and there are attractions there too including National Trust property Overbeck's. Click here for more information.