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Agatha Christie Country

Stay at either of the 4* hotels, The Grand on Torquay's seafront or the Paramount Imperial overlooking the bay.

Book through a South West Specialist travel agent.

Each day itinerary is colour coded on the map.

Day 1
Explore Torquay today and the numerous Agatha Christie connections.

Day 2 - red route
Do the Round Robin train and boat trip today exploring more Agatha Christie connections - take the Steam Railway from Paignton to Dartmouth, explore picturesque Dartmouth before hopping aboard a cruise up the river Dart to Elizabethan Totnes passing Agatha Christie's house Greenway where she lived for 38 years until her death in 1976. You can visit the gardens at Greenway (the house will be open to the public in 2009) and take a boat trip from Dartmouth to Greenway.

Day 3 - blue route
Head to Plymouth today seeing the spot from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to discover America back in the 17th century, enjoying the fabulous views across Plymouth Sound from the Hoe, and exploring the old smuggler's quarter, the Barbican.

Day 4 - pink route
Head to Exeter today visiting the cathedral. Return via Topsham, Powderham Castle, and the coast.

Alternatively, a trip out to Dartmoor might appeal - you could do a round trip via the attractive little town of Ashburton with it's many delightful local shops, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and to the pretty village of Lustleigh for a cream tea at Primrose Cottage Tea Rooms. Return via Bovey Tracey and the Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

Day 5 - green route
You might like to spend a bit more time on the coast today visiting Slapton Sands practice site for the D.Day landings, the attractive harbourside town ofKingsbridge (excellent Farmer's market on a Saturday), and to Burgh Island (accessible at low tide on foot) where Agatha Christie spent much time writing. The hotel still retains it's 1930s Art Deco style.

The Agatha Christie Festival takes place each September and a special package is available. Contact a SW England Specialist agent for further information.