As the annual International Agatha Christie Festival approaches, we’re taking a look at the Queen of Crime’s favourite spots on the English Riviera! If you’re visiting for the Festival, why not explore some of these places nearby and you could be inspired, just as Agatha was!

GREENWAY HOUSE

No Agatha Christie fan visit to the English Riviera would be complete without a trip to Greenway. It is a magical place to explore, with its rich historical interior which is kept just as it was when Agatha lived in it.

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).

ELBERRY COVE AND THE CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN

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

When Agatha stayed at Greenway, she would attend the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Churston Ferrers. In fact, Agatha 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.

During her stays at Greenway House, Agatha was tremendously involved in local projects, including becoming a governor at the nearby school: Galmpton Primary School. To this day, there is still the annual writing competition for students in her name.

PRINCESS PIER AND PRINCESS GARDENS

Head to Torquay seafront and walk in the footsteps of Agatha Christie. She spent much of her time in Torquay and regularly roller-skated along Princess Pier which might have inspired her to use Princess Gardens as a location in her novel 'The ABC Murders' (1936).

Take a stroll along the seafront, and you’ll find Corbyn Head. Corbyn Head also appears in Agatha’s writings as Baldy’s Head in 'Postern of Fate' (1973).

On the other side of the road from Corbyn Head, you’ll see The Grand Hotel. This is where Agatha and Archie Miller spent their honeymoon night in 1914.

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.

THE AGATHA CHRISTIE MILE

Considering Agatha Christie's strong affinity with the English Riviera, it is no surprise that there is lots to do in the area. Agatha fans travel from all over the world to visit her birthplace and to learn more about the rich heritage and works of our most celebrated resident.

The best way for amateur sleuths to unravel the mystery of Agatha Christie’s life on the English Riviera is to follow the Agatha Christie Mile. This walking route takes you to places that were important to Agatha’s early life and is a picturesque and accessible way of exploring Torquay seafront.

Every September, the annual International Agatha Christie Festival takes place on the English Riviera, celebrating the life of the Queen of Crime.

With plenty of Agatha Christie Accommodation to suit all budgets and requirements and lots of Agatha Christie Things To Do, why not choose Torquay, Paignton or Brixham as your base and immerse yourself in the Agatha Christie experience.