In the Footsteps of Agatha Christie: Six Locations made Famous by the ‘Queen of Crime’
Attractions | Beach | Coastal Pubs | Cosy | Country Pubs | Featured | Outdoor Activities | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Posted 2024.05.15
Agatha Christie, born in Torquay in the 1890s, is a renowned English author and playwright, widely known as the “Queen of Crime.” Christie has created iconic and timeless crime novels like “Murder on the Orient Express” and “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”. Till this day she is still one of the best-selling authors in history, and several of her books have been adapted into popular movies and television shows.
In this blog, we will explore a few of the locations that inspired her stories. Many of these places have since become filming locations in the adaptations of her books. We will also highlight a selection of characterful pubs in the county of Devon. Each of these pubs offer comfortable accommodation, for your exploration of these iconic sights.
Six Locations made Famous by the ‘Queen of Crime’
1. The Princess Gardens, Torquay
The Princess Gardens, which opened in the Victorian Era, features a water fountain and palm trees, amongst some pretty flowers and greenery. Princess Gardens are featured in her novel The ABC Murders, when Mr Alexander Bonaparte Cust sits in a shelter facing Torquay. The garden is overlooked by the Edwardian Pavilion and Torquay’s Princess Theatre. At The Princess Garden there is the hand-crafted bronze bust statue of Agatha Christie.
A pub just a short drive away from the Princess Gardens in Bubbacombe Bay is the Cary Arms & Spa. This lovely pub was awarded “Best Watersde Hotel” at the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence in 2023. It boasts ten stunning rooms with sea views, four restored fisherman’s cottages, eight brilliantly quirky deluxe beach huts and beach suites, and luxurious spa, ideal for those seeking a relaxing retreat in Torquay.
2. Burgh Island, Bigbury on Sea
Burgh Island is located directly opposite Bigbury-on-Sea beach. The small island, housing a hotel, is accessible at low tide by a strip of sand. At high tide the sand strip is completely covered, so you must ride the unique sea tractor to access the island.
Christie stayed on the island, using it as inspiration for her novels. The original Beach House built in the 1930s, was built especially for Agatha to write in.
The settings for two of Christie’s stories were inspired by the hotel on the Island; “And Then There Was None” and “Evil Under the Sun”. A 2001 television adaptation of the Hercule Poirot story, starring David Suchet, was filmed on location at the refurbished hotel.
A short drive away from the island in The Hope & Anchor Inn. This lovely pub boast beautiful sea views and great pub food. The pub is a great place to stay in when exploring the island and beach.
3. Kents Cavern, Torquay
Kents Cavern is a cave system in Torquay, Devon. The cave system has been a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1952. You can walk through the labyrinth of caverns and be surrounded by 400-million-year-old rocks and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. These caves were home to ancient humans, providing as shelter against extreme weather. The caves feature in one of Agatha Christie’s early novels – “The Man in the Brown Suit.” In her book they were referred as Hampsly Cavern.
A little up North of Torquay and Kents Cavern is The Ness, a 19th century inn. Inside the pub are nine inviting coastal inspired bedrooms. The Ness sits on water’s edge in the village of Shaldon and has lots of cosy spots for you to cuddle up to.
4. Torre Abbey, Torquay
Torre Abbey, built in 1196, overlooks the town of Torquay and is one of the best-preserved abbeys in the southwest. The abbey is a museum of history and art housed in an Ancient Scheduled Monument. The Garden next door to the Abbey is inspired by Christie and features poisoned plants to commemorate her vast knowledge of poisons.
Just outside of the town Torquay is The Royal Castle Hotel. This is a beautiful pub in the historic waterside town of Dartmouth with a variety of different sized rooms to choose from, ideal for every traveller. From this pub enjoy views of boats sitting on the harbour whilst tucking into a delicious meal.
5. The Imperial Hotel, Torquay
The Imperial Hotel, which opened in 1866, is located near the Torquay seafront and hosted Christie many times, as well as other famous individuals including Napoleon III and King George. At one time it was the only 5-star hotel outside London and was one of the top hotels in the world.
The Hotel featured in several of her novels: The Body in the Library, Peril at End House and Sleeping Murder. Unfortunately, the ornate Victorian structure of the hotel which Christie knew was replaced in 1965. However, the period interiors were retained and may still be experienced today.
A pub with accommodation not far from The Imperial Hotel is The Royal Seven Stars, a dog-friendly pub in the vibrant town of Totnes. This characterful pub boasts an inviting bar and dining area. As well as a variety of comfortable bedrooms, individually styled to combine period style with contemporary touches.
6. Beacon Cove, Torquay
Beacon Cove is a secluded little cove that, back in Christie’s day, was a popular spot for young ladies to swim and bathe. By the cove you’ll find a a small promenade, and the coves sheltered position makes it a warm sunny spot even out of season. The cove is where Agatha Christie almost drowned while swimming with her nephew.
Not far from beacon cove in the Devon Valley is The Bickley Mill, an elegant former flour mill that dates back to 1296. The pub boasts traditional interiors and stylishly restored bedrooms. It’s in the ideal spot to enjoy both Devon’s countryside and its stunning coastline.