Follow the Agatha Christie Trail Around Torquay and Torbay.

Kents Cavern

Agatha's father was a fellow of the Natural History Society and helped finance the excavations. Kents Cavern appears as Hempsley Cavern in 'The Man in the Brown Suit', published in 1924, several years before her own interest in archaeology was stimulated by a trip to the Middle East.

Torquay Station

Marple and Poirot never met in any of the Christie books but in 1990, in celebration of the writer's centenary, the two actors known best for representing Marple and Poirot, Joan Hickson and David Suchet, met at Torquay Station. Miss Marple held out her hand and, in his unique style, Poirot raised it to his lips and kissed it to the delight of the watching crowd.

Torquay Town Hall

During 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 where she acquired her knowledge of poisons, which later proved such an integral part of her writing.

The public can visit the foyer of the Town Hall which is open during normal office hours.

All Saints Church Torre

Agatha was baptised at All Saints Church and regularly attended Sunday services. Her father made a financial donation to the church and ensured that Agatha was entered in the records as a founder member. Visitors are welcome and guided tours are available on request. Telephone 01803 328865.

Cockington

Agatha enjoyed riding through Cockington estate. Visitors today can take a horse and carriage ride through hidden gardens and along the grand driveway to Cockington Court. In the 1900s, 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! Cockington Court and Country Park are open all year round.

Oldway Mansion

Built in 1874 for Isaac Singer, creator of the famous sewing machine, Agatha came to this magnificent mansion to attend social dances that were held in the lavish ballroom. Oldway Mansion is open to the public and includes a free exhibition of the Singer family and the history of the house.

Churston Ferrers, Brixham

Agatha was a frequent visitor to this pretty village, nestled between Paignton and Brixham, near to her summer residence at Greenway. She attended St Mary the Virgin Church, which she later helped by endowing the beautiful stained glass east window.

After church Agatha would often take lunch at Churston Court with Lord and Lady Churston. The Manor is now a period Inn with a popular bar and restaurant.

Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway

Agatha loved train travel. Her journey on the Orient Express to Baghdad was to inspire her 1934 novel. Hercule Poirot arrived at Churston Station (named as Nassecombe Station) to join the mystery in 'Dead Man's Folly'.

The station also appears in 'The ABC Murders'. This steam railway route provides an ideal car free route to Greenway with beautiful footpaths from the station to the house (2 miles).

Greenway, Galmpton

Greenway is a beautiful country house with a woodland garden on the banks of the River Dart. Of all its well-known owners it is Agatha Christie who is best known to visitors. She bought the estate in 1938 and used it as her summer residence until her death in 1976.

Greenway was given to the National Trust by Agatha's daughter and family in 1999.

The glorious gardens were opened to the public in 2004 and the trust restored the house and catalogued the many personal collections inside before opening it to the public in 2009.

Agatha Christie Festival

The next annual Agatha Christie Festival will be taking place from 9th - 16th September 2012 and is co-ordinated by the Torbay Cultural Partnership. The week is part of a nation-wide celebration of the life and works of the most published novelist of all time.

Events range from talks of the famous crime writer, street performances, creative writing workshops, screenings of Agatha Christie classics on film and murder mystery evenings.

Festival information and programme.