Great British Heritage
Agatha Christie On The English Riviera With Lucy Worsley
We follow Agatha Christie’s Devon connections from Torquay and Greenway to Burgh Island, where the setting helped inspire And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun. The tour brings together Jane Tapley’s literary guidance, a murder mystery evening and a Burgh Island lunch with a talk, Q&A and book signing from Lucy Worsley.
Our base at the Grand Hotel in Torquay adds a personal connection to Christie’s story, as this was where she stayed on her wedding night. From here, the tour considers the places, people and atmosphere that shaped her life and writing.
The balance of literary insight, historic setting and sociable elements gives the tour its character, with time to enjoy the locations as well as consider their place in Christie’s enduring appeal.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Jane Tapley
Jane has led literary tours for Travel Editions for many years, bringing to life the worlds of Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Shakespeare and Agatha Christie. A Blue Badge Guide, her knowledge of these writers and the places connected with them is second to none.
For forty years Jane was Special Events Organiser at the Theatre Royal Bath, regularly interviewing authors and working at the heart of British theatrical life. Her enthusiasm is much praised by travellers, and she often brings an added theatrical flourish to her tours through specially arranged dramatic performances.
Meet Your guest speaker
Lucy Worsley OBE
Lucy Worsley OBE is one of Britain’s leading historians and broadcasters, as well as an acclaimed author, television presenter and curator. Formerly Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces, she has written widely on British social and cultural history, including a celebrated biography of Agatha Christie.
Lucy joins selected Travel Editions departures as a special guest speaker, sharing the research and insight behind her books and programmes. Her lively, accessible approach brings familiar stories and personalities to life, adding an unforgettable dimension to the tour.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life.
Day 1: Arrival in Torquay and Agatha Christie: Queen of Crime
Arrive independently at The Grand Hotel, Torquay from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk, ‘Agatha Christie – Queen of Crime’ from Jane Tapley.
Day 2: Torquay, Greenway and Murder on the Riviera
A guided tour this morning of Torquay with Jane Tapley, who will show you some of the sights on the “Agatha Christie Mile” including our hotel, where Agatha spent her honeymoon night with Archie Christie on Christmas Eve 1914, the Princess Gardens, the Princess Pier and ending at Torre Abbey for a visit to the spectacular gardens and a talk from the Head Gardener of ‘Agatha Christie Potent Plants’.
Then it’s off to Greenway, her country holiday home she called “the loveliest place in the world”, which is full of memorabilia.
This evening, there will be a Murder Mystery dinner “Murder on the Riviera,” hosted by Moonstone Theatre Company, in which ace sleuth Jane Rutherford, with your help, attempts to solve the mystery of the death of Sir Michael Crispin.
Day 3: Dartmouth and the Moorlands Hotel
This morning we will head to lovely Dartmouth on the River Dart where a leisurely stroll will whet your appetite for lunch at the Moorlands Hotel, where Agatha wrote her first book, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.”
Return to Torquay for free time to explore independently. Evening at leisure.
Day 4: Burgh Island and Lunch with Lucy Worsley
A lovely day in prospect as we head to the iconic Burgh Island Hotel, a former haunt of Agatha Christie, Noel Coward and other luminaries of the 1930s. Built in 1929 and restored to its 1930s Art Deco glamour, Burgh Island is reached by sea tractor at high tide or on foot when the tide is out.
Time will be allowed to explore the island which has lovely footpaths, the hotel itself and its delightful pub, the Pilchard Inn, for a pre-lunch drink. Lunch will be served in the hotel dining room with wine included.
A talk and Q&A with acclaimed historian and writer, Lucy Worsley will enhance the visit – she will also be on hand to sign copies of her book (included in the tour price). Return to the hotel in Torquay for approximately 17.30.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The hotel was very comfortable, and my wife really enjoyed the talk by Lucy Worsley.”
Bessant, travelled November 2024
“A very enjoyable holiday done at a reasonable pace each day. Jane, our guide, was excellent as was Lucy Worsley. Both gave excellent talks and mingled well with the guests on tour. We may well choose another similar tour next year..”
Anonymous, travelled November 2024
“Very well organised. Good bus driver and the guide was excellent as was Lucy Worsley. Visit to Burgh island was the highlight. A good trip.”
Stephenson, travelled November 2024
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Grand Hotel, Torquay
Where Agatha Christie spent her honeymoon night, the Grand has been a Torquay landmark for more than a century dominating the seafront above Corbyn Beach. Perhaps less grand today than its heyday, it still exudes period atmosphere and has a bar, restaurant, gym, spa and indoor and outdoor swimming pool (seasonal opening). Bedrooms are somewhat old-fashioned but comfortable with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, safe, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
The hotel offers some car parking spaces in the Grand Garage for £10 per car, per night which must be pre-booked direct with the hotel. There is also limited free parking spaces on the public street outside the hotel, but these are available on a first-come first-served basis and cannot be reserved. We recommend that parking is pre-booked either with the hotel, or alternatively at a nearby parking space using a parking app for best availability and rates.
Torquay train station is located a 2 minute walk from the hotel.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing.
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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