Agatha Christie Mile in Torquay - 15-point route [MAP]
- Edytka
- 6 minutes ago
- 12 min read
Agatha Christie Miles in Torquay
A complete guide to the footsteps of the Queen of Crime
📍 This post is part of a complete guide:
Walk in the footsteps of Agatha Christie in her hometown of Torquay. The Agatha Christie Mile is a scenic 3 km walk along the English Riviera, following the life and work of the world’s best-selling crime writer. The route includes 15 locations connected with Agatha Christie — from her favourite childhood beach, Beacon Cove, to the Grand Hotel, where she spent her honeymoon — all brought together in an easy, free coastal walk with beautiful views and official plaques along the way.
Agatha Christie was born in Torquay on 15 September 1890 and spent the most important years of her life there. The city had a huge influence on her work: she wrote over 80 novels and plays, sold over 2 billion copies worldwide (more than any other novelist), and became the best-selling author of all time. To learn more about her life in Torquay, follow the Agatha Christie Mile — a waterfront route created on the 100th anniversary of the author’s birth in collaboration with her daughter, Rosalind Hicks.
👉 If you plan to explore the rest of Devon, check out a week in Devon- a complete road trip itinerary with a map.
Agatha Christie Mile in Torquay – Practical Information & Map
• Route length: 3 km
• Time: 2-3 hours (with breaks for photos)
• Start/finish: English Riviera Visitor Information Centre
• Difficulty: Easy
Along the route, you'll find seven official Agatha Christie Mile plaques (marked with ★).
Click to open the route in Google Maps and follow each step of the walk:
Agatha Christie Mile Route—15 points
1. English Riviera Visitor Information Centre ★
Location: Vaughan Parade, TQ2 5JG
What to see: The first Agatha Christie Mile plaque
Stand in front of the row of Georgian townhouses on Vaughan Parade and travel back in time to 1890, when Agatha was born. At that time, a busy road ran between this place and the harbour, carrying donkey carts, horse-drawn carriages and the first cars. Charabancs (tourist buses) carried holidaymakers.
Direction: Turn right, walk along the harbour to Millennium Bridge, then continue along the waterfront to Beacon Quay.
2. Beacon Quay
Location: TQ1 2RD
What to see: D-Day Memorial, concrete ramps
During Agatha's childhood, the Regatta Fair was held on this section of the waterfront, and she saved her pocket money to go there. She loved the carousels, coconut shy and performances. D-Day Memorial: Two concrete ramps were built to embark American soldiers during Operation Overlord (the invasion of Normandy, 1944). Bob Budd's art installation commemorates these brave soldiers. Stand on the cross of light in front of the monument and look towards the steel ring between the ramps - that's the direction in which the soldiers sailed away. Lights in the wooden floor inscribed with Morse code spell out the message: VANISHING POINT - to remember those who didn't return.
Directions: Walk up Beacon Hill Terrace, past the Regina Hotel (formerly Torquay Medical Baths). You'll see a car park on your right-follow the path down to Beacon Cove.
3. Beacon Cove - MUST-SEE! ★
Location: TQ1 2BJ
What to see: Agatha Christie's favourite beach
It used to be Ladies' Bathing Cove - a beach reserved exclusively for women. Young Agatha spent many carefree hours here. Eight wooden cabins with colourful stripes were slid down the pebbles straight into the water so that the ladies could enter the sea without compromising their modesty.
Agatha swam to a wooden pontoon that was rocking on the waves a few dozen metres from the shore. One hot day, she decided to take her little nephew Jack Watts with her, towing him on her back. Halfway there, she lost her strength. If it hadn't been for the vigilance of the lifeguard, whom everyone called Old Sea Horse, the history of crime fiction might have turned out very differently.
Beacon Cove remained in Agatha's memory as one of her most beloved childhood places - she recalled it fondly in her diaries.
Direction: Return up the path and continue along Beacon Hill Terrace to the Royal Torbay Yacht Club.
4. Royal Torbay Yacht Club ★
Location: TQ1 2BH
What to see: Agatha Christie Mile plaque
Agatha's father, Frederick Miller, was a prominent member of the club. A descendant of a wealthy New York family, he was raised on both sides of the Atlantic and lived off the family fortune without working. Every morning, he took a carriage from the Ashfield house to the club, returned home for lunch, then went back to the club for a game of whist, and finally returned home to dress for dinner.
Frederick confided to Agatha that many gentlemen at the club spent their time with opera glasses, hoping to catch a glimpse of the women swimming at the beach below (Beacon Cove).
Direction: Continue uphill to the Imperial Hotel.
5. Imperial Hotel ★
Location: TQ1 2DG
What to see: The third Agatha Christie plaque on the Mile, the hotel from Agatha Christie's books
Agatha attended many social gatherings here. The hotel appears in at least three of her books: Peril at End House (The Lonely House), The Body in the Library and Sleeping Murder. Both Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple visited it! Famous guests of the hotel over the years: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Edward VII (with his mistress Lily Langtry), The Beatles, Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Today, you can enjoy afternoon tea at The Palm Court Lounge and Bar and admire the same spectacular views that delighted Agatha.
Directions: Head back down Beacon Hill. Just before the Yacht Club, turn right onto Parkhill Road. At the intersection of Parkhill Terrace and Torwood Street, turn right and walk uphill to the Torquay Museum on your left.
6. Torquay Museum ★
Location: TQ1 1HG
What to see: The fourth plaque, the only Agatha Christie Gallery in the UK
The museum was opened by the Torquay Natural History Society in 1876 and is the oldest museum in Devon. Agatha's father was elected a member of the Society in 1894, and Agatha attended lectures and events.
AGATHA CHRISTIE GALLERY (inside the museum):
• Poirot's office - you may come in!
• Living room - period furniture
• Information panels about Agatha's life in Devon
• Photos from Ashfield and Greenway (not available anywhere else!)
• Personal mementos
Admission: £7.50 (adults), £3 (children)
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Directions: Exit the museum and turn right, then walk downhill. You can walk through Torwood Gardens Park (a more scenic route). At the clock tower, turn right onto The Strand.
7. The Strand
Location: The Strand
What to see: Agatha Christie monument (bronze sculpture)
Agatha used to shop here with her mother in elegant department stores: Bobbies and William and Cox (now Hoopers).
AGATHA CHRISTIE MONUMENT: Created by local artist Elisabeth Hadley. The bronze sculpture depicts the Queen of Crime sitting on a bench, with her favourite dog Peter (a wire-haired terrier) at her feet. The perfect place for a photo! It's one of only two Agatha monuments in the world (the other has been in London's Theatre District since 2012).
Direction: Return to the Visitor Information Centre. Walk under the covered walkway to the Agatha Christie Memorial Bust.
8. Agatha Christie Memorial Bust
Location: TQ2 5EL
What to see: Bust of Agatha Christie
The bust was commissioned by the English Riviera Tourist Board to mark the centenary of the author's birth (15 September 1890). It was sculpted by Dutch artist Carol Van Den Boom-Cairns based on a photograph of Agatha from the 1960s. Unveiled by Agatha's daughter, for many years it was the only bust of the author in the world.
Direction: Go to the Pavilion building.
9. The Pavilion ★
Location: TQ2 5EZ
What to see: Fifth plaque, Art Nouveau theatre
The Pavilion Theatre opened in 1912, when Agatha was 22 years old. It was built on land reclaimed from the sea as part of a revitalisation project that also created Princess Gardens. HISTORICAL EVENT: On the evening of 4 January 1913, Agatha attended a Wagner concert here in the company of a certain Archie Christie. After the concert, he proposed to her! However, they didn't marry until two years later, on Christmas Eve 1914. The building is magnificent: copper domes, white and green tiles made of Doulton's Carrara glazed stone.
Direction: Enter Princess Gardens at the Pavilion.
10. Princess Gardens ★
Location: TQ2 5EZ
What to see: The sixth plaque, gardens from the book ABC Murders
Princess Gardens and the nearby pier were named after Princess Louise (daughter of Queen Victoria) when they opened in 1894. The gardens were planted with Torbay palms (imported from New Zealand), and the attractive fountain was donated by the nearby Torbay Hotel. The mould was used to cast a sister fountain in front of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore!
AGATHA'S BOOK: Princess Gardens appears in The ABC Murders (1936). A serial killer works his way through the alphabet, throwing the entire country into a state of panic:
- A - Mrs Ascher in Andover
- B - Betty Barnard in Bexhill
- C - Sir Carmichael Clarke in Churston (between Paignton and Brixham!)
The murderer teases Hercule Poirot by sending him clues about his next victim, forcing the detective to travel to Devon.
Direction: Pass the War Memorial and Princess Theatre, and proceed to Princess Pier.
11. Princess Pier
Location: TQ2 5EZ
What to see: The pier where Agatha used to roller-skate
No visit to Torquay would be complete without a stroll along Princess Pier with its wonderful views of the bay!
Agatha Christie loved roller-skating here, taught by friends of the Lucy family. Roller-skating was all the rage during the Belle Époque—at the beginning of the 20th century, every wealthy young person had their own pair. The pier charged a small entrance fee (about 2 pence), which today would be equivalent to the price of a cup of coffee.
At the end of the pier stood a concert hall, which burnt down in a fire in 1974, bringing an end to the Victorian era of Princess Pier.
Directions: Head towards Torre Abbey Sands (sea on your left). Cross the lights at Torre Abbey Meadows—a large green park. Keep to the path on the right-hand side of the park. Walk towards the Riviera International Conference Centre, then turn left into the main entrance of Torre Abbey.
12. Torre Abbey ★
Location: TQ2 5JE
What to see: Seventh plaque, Agatha Christie Potent Plants Garden
Torre Abbey is a fascinating building—originally a mediaeval monastery founded in 1196, it was converted into a Georgian mansion in the 1740s by George Cary II. When Agatha was growing up, the Cary family still lived there, and Agatha attended parties at the mansion.
INTERNATIONAL AGATHA CHRISTIE FESTIVAL:
Today, Torre Abbey is home to the International Agatha Christie Festival, which takes place around the author's birthday (15 September). In 2024, the festival lasted 7–10 days and featured murder mystery walks, lectures and film screenings.
AGATHA CHRISTIE POTENT PLANTS GARDEN (in mediaeval gardens):
An exhibition of plants that appear in Agatha's books as poisons:
• Digitalis (Foxglove) - Appointment with Death
• Hemlock Water Dropwort - Five Little Pigs
• Belladonna - The Labours of Hercules
• Conium (hemlock) - used in many books
• And many other deadly plants!
Agatha was an expert on poisons—she worked as a pharmacist during the First World War in a hospital pharmacy. This knowledge helped her in her writing—more victims were killed by poison in her books than by any other method!
Directions: Leave Torre Abbey via the main driveway through Swan Gates, turn left onto The King's Drive. Walk to the waterfront and turn right towards the Grand Hotel.
13. Torquay Train Station
Location: TQ2 6NU
What to see: The place where Poirot and Miss Marple met (1990)
Although Agatha's two most famous characters, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, never met in any of her books or plays, they did meet on the platform at Torquay station in 1990! HISTORICAL EVENT: As part of the celebrations for Agatha's 100th birthday, the Orient Express brought Poirot (David Suchet) to Torquay, where he met Miss Marple (Joan Hickson). When she held out her hand, he kissed it, to the applause of the crowd!
Direction: From Paignton Train Station, you can transfer to the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Greenway.
14. Paignton Train Station & Dartmouth Steam Railway
Location: TQ4 5EF
What to see: Train to Greenway
From Paignton Train Station, you can transfer to the Dartmouth Steam Railway - a historic steam train to Dartmouth (via Kingswear). From there, take the ferry to Greenway - Agatha's summer home. In the book The ABC Murders, Poirot made the same journey by train to Churston!
Direction: Return to the Grand Hotel at the end of the tour.
15. The Grand Hotel—END OF THE ROUTE! ★
Location: TQ2 6NT
What to see: Honeymoon destination
The magnificent Grand Hotel opened in 1881 and was built to resemble a French château. It played an important role in Agatha Christie's life.
HISTORICAL EVENT:
It was here that Agatha and Archie Christie spent their one-day honeymoon after their wedding on Christmas Eve 1914 (the next day, Archie had to return to military service - the First World War was raging).
AGATHA CHRISTIE SUITE: Today, fans can stay in the Agatha Christie Suite - a two-room apartment decorated in the style of the 1930s, featuring:
• A vintage typewriter beneath Agatha's portrait
• Breathtaking views of the bay (the British Guild of Travel Writers ranked them amongst the best views in the world!)
• Price: £250–400/night (depending on the season)
END OF THE ROUTE! Celebrate completing the Agatha Christie Mile with a Devonshire Cream Tea on the terrace of the Grand Hotel, admiring the views of the English Riviera.
Direction: Celebrate completing the route with a cup of cream tea on the terrace!
Greenway House—Agatha's summer home
Location: Greenway Road, Galmpton, Devon TQ5 0ES (11 km from Torquay)
Agatha Christie had known Greenway since childhood and called it the most beautiful place in the world. She bought it in 1938 with her second husband, Max Mallowan, and it remained her beloved holiday home for the rest of her life.
What to see:
• House with Agatha's original furnishings (furniture, books, souvenirs)
• 40 acres of gardens on the River Dart
• Boathouse (cottage by the water) - this is where Agatha wrote Dead Man's Folly
• Information panels about Agatha's life
• Archaeological collection (Max Mallowan was an archaeologist)
BOOKS INSPIRED BY GREENWAY:
• Dead Man's Folly (1956)—the action takes place at Greenway! In 2013, ITV filmed an adaptation here.
• Five Little Pigs (1942)
• Ordeal by Innocence (1958)
🏛️ Sightseeing – prices from 1 March
Ticket | With Gift Aid | Without Gift Aid |
Adult (18+) | £19.80 | £18.00 |
Child (5–17) | £9.90 | £9.00 |
Children under 5 | Free | Free |
Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | £49.50 | £45.00 |
1 adult + 2 children | £29.70 | £27.00 |
🚗 Parking—important information
• Car park reservation recommended, especially at weekends and bank holidays
• No reservation = no guarantee of admission
• If you're arriving on foot, by bicycle or by ferry, no reservation is required
Car park (pay & display):
• £1.30 per hour - non-members
• Free for National Trust members (show your membership card)
Good to know:
• Gift Aid is a voluntary option to support the National Trust (for UK taxpayers)
• Current prices and reservations: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway
Why is it worth it?
Agatha Christie Mile is a unique trail following in the footsteps of the Queen of Crime. Seven official plaques, locations from books (The ABC Murders, Peril at End House), beautiful views of the English Riviera - all free of charge (you only pay for museum admission).
Have a lovely trip following in the footsteps of the Queen of Crime!
Agatha Christie's books inspired by Torquay and Devon
Agatha Christie wrote over 20 books inspired by South Devon. Many places from Agatha Christie Mile appear in her novels:
Books set in Torquay/English Riviera:
1. The ABC Murders (1936)
• Action: Princess Gardens in Torquay, Churston between Paignton and Brixham
• Characters: Hercule Poirot
• Point on the route: 10. Princess Gardens
2. Peril at End House (1932)
• Action: Imperial Hotel as Majestic Hotel
• Characters: Hercule Poirot
• Point on the route: 5. Imperial Hotel
3. The Body in the Library (1942)
• Action: Imperial Hotel
• Characters: Miss Marple
• Point on the route: 5. Imperial Hotel
4. Sleeping Murder (1976)
• Action: Imperial Hotel, Torquay area
• Characters: Miss Marple
• Point on the route: 5. Imperial Hotel
5. Dead Man's Folly (1956)
• Action: Greenway House
• Characters: Hercule Poirot
• In 2013, ITV filmed an adaptation here!
6. Five Little Pigs (1942)
• Inspired by the Greenway area
7. Ordeal by Innocence (1958)
• Inspired by Greenway
Where can I buy Agatha Christie books in Torquay?
• Torquay Museum Shop - at point 6 of the route
• Torre Abbey Gift Shop - at point 12 of the route
• Waterstones (Fleet Street, Torquay city centre)
• Shops at Greenway House
How to get to Agatha Christie Mile?
Start of the route: English Riviera Visitor Information Centre, Vaughan Parade, Torquay TQ2 5JG
From Torquay city centre
On foot: 5–10 minutes' walk from most hotels in the city centre
Car park: Torre Abbey Meadows Car Park (£8–10/day) - 2 minutes from the start of the route
From Torquay train station
Torquay Railway Station - 15-minute walk to the Visitor Information Centre
Direction: Head towards the sea, turn right along the waterfront
By car (from other cities)
From Exeter: 37 km, 40 minutes
• M5 motorway, exit 31 onto the A380 towards Torquay
• Car park: Torre Abbey Meadows or Torre Valley Car Park
From Plymouth: 55 km, 1 hour
• A38 northbound, then A380 to Torquay
From Brixham: 15 km, 20 minutes
• Bus 12 (£2–3) or car A3022
From London: 370 km, 4 hours
• M4, M5, A380 to Torquay
• OR train: 3.5–4 hours from London Paddington
By public transport
• From Paignton: Bus 12 or train (5 minutes, £3–4)
• From Brixham: Bus 12 (30 minutes, £2–3)
• Seasonal ferry: From Brixham to Torquay (April–October, £6–8)
Where to park?
• Torre Abbey Meadows Car Park - closest to the start of the route (£8–10/day)
• Torre Valley Car Park - 5 minutes' walk (£8–10/day)
• Pavilion Car Park - at the marina (£10–12/day)
• Park & Ride: Paignton Station + train (saving £5/day)
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