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Agatha Christie Country

One of the world's best loved authors, the whodunnit author Agatha Christie, spent much of her life in Devon - in the south of the county, in the area now known as the English Riviera, and in other parts of South Devon. This is such a beautiful area, it is easy to see why she chose to spend so much time here.

Many of the associated places have retained their 1920's character, and many it is possible to see and visit.

Let's start with Torquay itself: the Agatha Christie Gallery within Torquay Museum, then a walk along the Agatha Christie mile - the Grand Hotel where she and Archie spent their Honeymoon, the Princess Pier where she rollerskated as a child, the elegant Pavilion where they enjoyed concerts, Beacon cove ladies bathing beach and the only bronze bust of Agatha Christie on view in the world, unveiled in 1990 to mark the centenary of her birth.

Other places to visit are:

• Kent's Cavern in Torquay where Agatha's father was a fellow of the local Natural History Society and helped finance the excavations.
• All Saints Church in Torre, Torquay - where Agatha was baptized
• St Mary the Virgin Church in Churston, near Brixham which she frequented when living at Greenway and endowed funds for the stained glass window.
• The Blue Plaque marking the spot in Torquay where young Agatha's family home once stood (sadly demolished in the 1970s)

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

Moving along the coast to picturesque Dartmouth, home of the Royal Naval College, and a short trip up the river Dart will take you to Agatha Christie's house Greenway where it is possible to visit the gardens. The house is due to open to the public in 2009 following restoration.

Further still along the coast at Bigbury-on-Sea, you can visit the Burgh Island Hotel, a sumptuous 1920's experience on an accessible rocky island once frequented by Agatha and more recently used as the location for "Evil under the Sun".

Stay at the 4* Grand Hotel on Torquay's seafront where Agatha spent her honeymoon.

Click here for suggested itineraries including Agatha Christie connections.