Agatha Christie Literary Trail

Torquay is the birthplace of the famous crime writer and novelist Dame Agatha Christie. Known throughout the world as the ‘Queen of Crime’, Torquay’s most famous resident has sold more than two billion copies and her books have been translated into over 100 languages. She remains the unrivalled, most successful female playwright of our time.

Agatha lived here for much of her life and purchased a holiday home, Greenway House , near Brixham in 1938.  She maintained close links with the area and as a result of her love and extensive knowledge of the area, many of her books were either set locally, such as 'And Then There Were None', or inspired by the surrounding Devon scenery.

To celebrate the region's rich Agatha Christie heritage, the English Riviera has devised its very own walking trail, where you can visit various sites, often frequented by the famous author, and literally follow in her footsteps.

Agatha Christie Landmarks:

Whether you are a first-time visitor or are returning to the English Riviera, you may be surprised by just how many Torquay and South Devon landmarks have a connection to the legendary ‘Queen of Crime’.

Ashfield, a large Victorian mansion located in Barton Road, Torquay was Agatha’s childhood home. Sadly, demolished in the 1960’s, a Blue Plaque now marks the spot.

In 1914, the Torquay Town Hall was transformed into a Red Cross hospital and Agatha started work here as a nursing auxiliary. The following year, as a qualified nurse she was transferred to the Dispensary, where she worked for two years and gained much of her authoritative knowledge of poisons. During quiet times at the Dispensary, she began writing her very first detective story 'The Mysterious Affair at Styles', a death by poison mystery featuring the iconic, Belgian detective Hercule Poirot.

The following local landmarks feature on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail:

All Saints Church in Torre, Torquay - where Agatha was baptized.

Beacon Cove - a favourite bathing spot for ladies and where she nearly drowned as a child, being rescued by a passing boatman.

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

Cockington Court - where as a child, Agatha was encouraged to join in amateur dramatics events with the Mallock family.

Agatha Christie Commemorative Bust - displayed in Cary Gardens and adjacent to The Pavilion and Torquay Harbour, the bronze statue marking the Agatha Christie Centenary Year was unveiled in 1990 by her daughter, Rosalind Hicks.

Elberry Cove at Broadsands, and close to Paignton - made an appearance in 'The ABC Murders'.  This small inlet with a pebble beach was a favourite bathing spot of Agatha’s and close to Greenway House.

Grand Hotel, Torquay - the actual hotel where Agatha Christie and her first husband Archibald Christie spent their honeymoon night, after marrying in 1914, on Christmas Eve. The hotel now has a bedroom suite named after the legendary author, where guests can stay.  

Imperial Hotel, Torquay – an elegant Victorian four-star venue perched on the cliffside where Agatha regularly attended many social functions. The hotel later featured in her novels 'Peril at End House', ‘The Body in the Library’ and 'Sleeping Murder'

Kents Cavern, Torquay - the inspiration for her mystery novel 'The Man in the Brown Suit'. Agatha's father actually helped to finance the excavations of these prehistoric caves.

Meadfoot Beach - a beach set in a stunning location at the bottom of a row of imposing cliffs and a mile from Torquay harbour. Agatha regularly came here for a swim.

Oldway Mansion – once the home of the famous Singer sewing machine family, was also known to be a venue where Agatha attended various social occasions and dances.

Princess Pier, Torquay - another childhood haunt where, as a young girl, Agatha regularly roller skated.

St. Marychurch Clifftops - the setting for the story 'Why Didn't They Ask Evans'

The Pavilion, Torquay - a popular Victorian concert hall where Agatha enjoyed live music and entertainment. 

Torquay Museum - home to various personal exhibits and family memorabilia forming part of the Agatha Christie Centenary Exhibition. The UK’s only dedicated Agatha Christie Gallery.