THE ENGLISH RIVIERAWith so many exciting and interesting experiences to enjoy on the English Riviera, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. Once you've discovered just how much there is to see, do and enjoy we're sure you'll want to come back to the English Riviera time after time. We wish you a most enjoyable visit.
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  Welcome
to the English Riviera, home of the world's greatest crime fiction writer, Dame
Agatha Christie. Born in Torquay in 1890, she spent much of her life in the area. She played here as a child, worked and socialised here as a young lady and gathered ideas that were to come to life in her best selling books with immortal characters such as Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Today Agatha Christie is internationally famous as the most prolific mystery writer of all time with 79 crime novels and many plays to her name. We invite you to follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie and discover the English Riviera that she knew and loved so dearly. The 15 locations on the Riviera map below are just a few of many that boast connections with Agatha Christie. In the centre of Torquay is the Agatha Christie Mile. This starts from Torquay Tourist Information Centre and takes in Torquay harbourside and seafront. Each location on the Mile is marked with a unique Agatha Christie plaque. Details of public transport and sites en route are available from the English Riviera Tourist Information Centres. Beyond the English Riviera you can explore Agatha Christie's Devon and follow further trails onto Dartmoor or along the scenic South Devon coastline as far as Plymouth.
1. Kents Caverns"The Man in the Brown Suit" features Hempsley Cavern - an almost exact replica of Kents Cavern with its cove paintings and flint deposits. The caves are open all year round. For details (01803 215136) 2. Anstey CoveAgatha often took moonlight picnics with her friends on the tiny shingle beach at Ansteys Cove. Here she had a romantic encounter with a gentleman called Amyas Boston and later used the name Amyas for one of the characters in "Five Little Pigs". 3. Meadfoot BeachAgatha was an enthusiastic swimmer and during the worm summer months would visit this beach nearly every day. Mixed bathing was not permitted during Agatha's day and males were not allowed within 50 yards of ladies bathing machines!! 4. Torquay Town HallDuring WW1 the Town Hall was used as a Red Cross Hospital and when Agatha joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment she worked here as a nurse. In 1915 she transferred to the Dispensary housed in the buildings on the corner of Trematon Avenue. Here she studied with Torquay's leading pharmacist and acquired her knowledge of poisons that later proved such an integral part of her writing. 5. All Saints Church TorreAgatha was baptised in All Saints and regularly attended Sunday services. Her father mode a financial donation to the church and ensured that Agatha was entered in the records as a founder member. The church welcomes visitors and offers a guided tour for Christie enthusiasts. For details (0 1803 328865) 6. Cockington CourtIn the 1900's, Cockington Court was home to the Mallocks, friends of the Miller family. Amateur theatricals were often organised and Agatha was encouraged to take part in the open - air dramatics on the lawns in front of the house. For details (01803 606035) 7. Oldway MansionBuilt in 1874 for lscac Singer of sewing machine fame, Agatha come to this magnificent Mansion to attend social dances that were held in the lavish ballroom. The history of Oldway is fascinating and visitors are welcome. (01803 207930) 8. Paignton to Dartmouth Steam RailwayThe steam train runs 7 miles from Paignton to Kingswear following the coast and River Dart. The journey was one often undertaken by Agatha Christie who would descend at Churston Station to continue by car to her home at Greenway. Hercule Poirot used the line on various occasions in "The ABC Murders" and again in "Dead Mans Folly". The steam trains run from Easter to October (01803 555872)
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Torquay