Devon Film Itineraries – Detective films

Follow in the footsteps of Christie’s Poirot with this itinerary around the English Riviera – the birthplace of Agatha Christie. Christie was inspired to write her famous detective after meeting Belgian refugees while working as a nurse during the war. It was also while here that she developed a knowledge of poisons, so if you dare, take a look at this trip around Christie’s Devon.

Day 1 – the English Riviera

Start out at National Trust’s Greenway. This was Agatha Christie’s holiday home and is located in Galmpton, on the outskirts of Brixham. Be aware that parking has to be booked in advance at the site and there is no parking in the village or along the road. You can reach the house on foot via the Dart Valley Trail from Kingswear, which is around 6 miles and can be challenging.

After spending some time here, you can make way your way to Torquay, where Christie was born. While here, you can follow the Agatha Christie Mile, which takes you around several of the places that Christie frequented and used in her books and adaptations.

Stop off at All Saints Church on Bampyfield Road, where Christie was christened as Agatha Miller before making your way to Torquay Museum, where you’ll find a recreation of Poirot’s study.

While you’re in town, makes sure to visit Torre Abbey, one of the oldest buildings in Torquay. They have a potent plant garden that is inspired by Agatha Christie and also features along the Agatha Christie Mile.

To finish off your day in Torquay, you can spend the night at the Imperial Hotel. Looking over the sea, this hotel served as inspiration in several Poirot stories.

 

Day 2 – English Rivier and South Devon

After a good night’s sleep at the Imperial, you can finish your visit to Torquay by following the remaining stops on the Agatha Christie Mile and then making your way over to Kents Cavern.

One of the best prehistoric cave systems in the UK, Kents Cavern has two connections to Agatha Christie – firstly her father was one of the original founders and secondly, it was the inspiration for the setting of one of her favourite stories. How do you fancy trying to solve a mystery in a cave?

Once you’ve been there, make your way over to Cockington Village, which is just a stone’s throw from Torquay.

This chocolate box village is full of thatched cottages and horse drawn carriages, as well as Cockington Court, which is a great place to spend a sunny day enjoying a picnic or some games. Agatha Christie would spend may afternoons here with her friends and walking around gives the impression of being in the heart of one of Poirot’s mysteries.

After a trip to Cockington Village, we’re going to leave the English Riviera and head into South Devon.

Just over an hour away by car is Burgh Island and Bigbury on Sea. This beach on the South Devon coast served as the inspiration behind And Then There Were None. When the tide is out, you can walk across Bigbury Beach towards Burgh Island, but while the tide is in, you can hop on one of the sea tractors.

The island features an art deco hotel, which is very popular, especially with the rich and famous. Winston Churchill and Edward VIII both stayed there, as well as the Beatles.