Experience Agatha Christie’s English Riviera and stay in one of the properties that she frequented and inspired her to write her novels.
Dame Agatha Christie spent much of her life on the English Riviera, and during her time here, she enjoyed many social functions at glamourous hotels and even spent her honeymoon night at The Grand Hotel in Torquay.
Use our guide to discover the best places to stay, or just visit for the day, that have an authentic Agatha Christie connection. Why not time your trip to link in to the annual International Agatha Christie Festival? Each year you can expect a series of events coinciding with Agatha’s birthday on 15th September.
The beautiful Grand Hotel with award-winning views was built to resemble a French chateau and wouldn’t look out of place on the Côte d’Azur. Agatha spent her honeymoon night here with her first husband, Archie Christie, on Christmas Eve 1914.
Today the hotel boasts an Agatha Christie Suite furnished in a 1930’s style, with a vintage typewriter under a portrait of the author. The Agatha Christie suite can comfortably accommodate up to 5 people; it consists of a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, a lounge which has a sofa bed, and a spacious bathroom.
If you’re only able to spare an afternoon to visit Agatha’s beloved Grand Hotel, why not visit the 4 star 1881 Restaurant, or the more informal Brassiere on the ground floor to take in the grandeur of the hotel and enjoy breath-taking sea views with a delicious menu whilst reading your favourite Agatha Christie mystery.
South Devon Coastline. Agatha attended many social functions at The Imperial Hotel, and later used The Imperial as hotel inspiration for three of her 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 The Agatha Christie Mile in the lobby.
The Imperial Hotel is awash with history. Alongside Agatha Christie, other famous guests include Prince Albert, Emperor Napoleon III of France, Prince and Princess of Wales (Charles and Diana), Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson) and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, The Beatles and the cast and crew of Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
The Imperial’s swimming pools, Jacuzzi and sauna provide a peaceful sanctuary to take in the stunning views of the English Riviera whilst you unwind. Their Regatta restaurant offers breath-taking, panoramic views with a delicious menu focusing on fresh local produce and flavour to create exciting dishes.
The hotel’s light and airy lounges, full of period charm from the hotel's Victorian heyday offer a relaxing backdrop to read your favourite Agatha Christie novel, in the same spot that inspired her to write them.
Heathcliff House was formerly Torre Vicarage. As a child, Agatha’s parents, Frederick and Clara Miller, would often visit the Vicar for tea, bringing Agatha and her siblings with them.
The family's friendship with the Vicar provided Agatha with the inspiration for writing the first full length Miss Marple novel – ‘The Murder at the Vicarage’ (1930), basing the vicarage on Torre Vicarage.
In her later life, Agatha regularly visited Torre Vicarage again to consult with the Reverend Harry Petty on the role of priests, bishops, and complex ecclesiastical matters within her novels.
Torre Vicarage has since been converted and is now an award-winning B&B named Heathcliff House. A convenient location, just 200m away from Agatha’s childhood home Ashfield, and All Saints Church where she was baptised, with a genuine warm welcome and excellent value for money awaits you at Heathcliff House.
Would you like to stay as close as possible to Agatha’s beloved holiday home, Greenway House? Nestled in the woodland gardens of Greenway, South Lodge was once home to the estate’s gardener. This Georgian cottage is now a self-catering property, owned by the National Trust, which can accommodate six guests and two dogs.
Managed by the National Trust, Greenway House offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the private life of the Queen of Crime and her family. Agatha set three of her novels here: ‘Five Little Pigs’ (1942), ‘Dead Man’s Folly’ (1956) and ‘Ordeal by Innocence’ (1958).
Greenway is a magical place to explore, with its rich historical interior and the wildness of its garden. The informal woodland garden drifts down the hillside towards the river and is renowned particularly for its spring flowers.
As a guest at the South Lodge, you are invited to explore the Greenway House free of charge, as well as unlimited access to the gardens. South Lodge also has its own private garden where you can enjoy the river views whilst reading an Agatha Christie novel, in your own space. In keeping with its period style, the quaint cottage offers a traditional interior and stunning views over the sparkling River Dart.
There’s plenty of choice for accommodation in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham to suit all tastes and budgets. From cosy self-catering cottages to award-winning hotels, welcoming B&Bs to adventurous holiday parks, there is something for everyone on the English Riviera. Visit our main accommodation page to find out more.
With thanks to Matt Newbury and Tor Mark for granting permission to use their book ‘Agatha Christie’s Devon’ to support the development of this page. If you would like to learn more about Agatha Christie, you can purchase ‘Agatha Christie’s Devon’ online here or from the Visitor Information Centre on Torquay Harbourside. Reprinted by permission of Tor Mark Press © 2020
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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…
Sign up for our e-newsletter
Order your free travel directories
Contact English Riviera Visitor Information
Submit your event
