Agatha Christie Places To See

Agatha Christie was born in Torquay and remained on the English Riviera for much of her life. She maintained close links with the area throughout her life, and as a result of her love and extensive knowledge of the English Riviera, many of her books were either set locally or inspired by the surrounding Devon scenery.

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

Greenway House

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).

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. 

Burgh Island

About an hour away from the English Riviera and close to the seaside village of Bigbury on Sea in the South Hams is Burgh Island. It is widely acknowledged as providing the inspiration behind the novels 'Evil Under the Sun' and 'And Then There Were None', and was also used as a filming location for a number of Agatha Christie movies.

The island is an iconic Devon landmark, in a spectacular location. Explore the island and you’ll find the art-deco hotel, the remains of the chapel and an abundance of wildlife that lives on its shores. The island is accessible at low tide by a strip of sand which at high tide is completely covered, leaving a ride on the unique sea tractor as the only means of access.

Cockington

Agatha spent many afternoons at Cockington Court with her friends the Mallock family who lived there at the time. Cockington Court is a 17th century manor house set in 460 acres of beautiful country park with a series of hidden lakes.

Elberry Cove and the Church of St Mary the Virgin

Agatha spent her early years surfing and swimming at Elberry Cove in Brixham, and the cove appears in 'The ABC Murders' (1936). Elberry Cove is a stunningly beautiful pebble beach, with the ruined remains of Lord Churston’s bathhouse at one end.

Agatha would attend the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Churston Ferrers and she donated the royalties from a Miss Marple short story, 'Greenshaw’s Folly' to pay for a new stained-glass window for the church which can be seen and admired today. The church is based in the quintessential English town of Churston Ferrers.

Ashfield

Agatha spent an idyllic childhood at their family home, ‘Ashfield’, a large Victorian mansion in Torquay. Ashfield was represented in her novel ‘Postern of Fate’ (1973) as the Laurels at Hollowquay. Sadly, it was demolished in the 1960’s, but today a blue plaque on Barton Road, Torquay marks the spot where the original building once stood.