Explore Agatha Christie’s Devon at these family-friendly places to visit
Devon, the birth place of Agatha Christie, is filled with places that inspired her iconic mysteries. From her riverside retreat to historic sites and scenic train rides, there are plenty of ways for fans to follow in her footsteps while keeping the whole family entertained. In this post I’m sharing the best spots to explore Agatha Christie’s Devon with kids in tow!
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Greenway National Trust
Greenway is Agatha Christie’s former South Devon holiday home and now a National Trust property that the public welcome to explore.
As well as being somewhere Christie described as ‘the loveliest place in the world’, Greenway is known for inspiring her book Dead Man’s Folly and served as the filming location for the ITV adaptation.
For the keen Agatha enthusiasts, there’s plenty of collectibles and opportunities for you to take a glimpse into the mind of the world’s most famous crime writer, as well as her bathroom. There’s often a surprise waiting in the toilet. Don’t worry, it’s nothing disgusting, but it always makes my kids chuckle.
Children will also enjoy the seasonal activity trails, tennis court and gardens. Make a day of it by travelling to Greenway via boat from Dartmouth.
Find out more about visiting Agatha Christie’s Greenway.
Torquay Museum
Another chance to step into Agatha Christie’s Devon is at Torquay Museum where you’ll find a whole area dedicated to the author. It’s the UK’s one and only Agatha Christie devoted gallery.
Here you can see a recreation of the study of Hercule Poirot, one of her most famed characters.
Torquay Museum is a great visit for young detectives too with mystery-themed activities giving kids the chance to step into the author’s footprints. There’s also interactive exhibits, an activity pack and a child-friendly cafe so that you can feed their tums as well as their brains.
Find out more about Torquay Museum based on our visits.
Kents Cavern
If you’re looking places in Devon that provided Christie with inspiration, Kents Cavern is a must visit. Known for being the inspiration behind the fictional Hampsley Cavern in the novel The Man in the Brown Suit, Kents Cavern gives you the chance to step into the story.
My kids love this attraction too, with its hands-on activities like fossil digs and outdoor trails.
The caves themselves are fascinating. The guided tours give you a chance to see the stunning rock formations and step inside pre-history.
Be aware that if you have little ones who are afraid of the dark there is a short moment where the lights are turned off in the Bears Den part of the cave. The guide will give you plenty of warning beforehand.
Find out more about visiting Kents Cavern.
The Grand Hotel in Torquay
If it’s good enough for Agatha Christie’s honeymoon, The Grand Hotel is certainly good enough for your family trip.
Experience life as the novelist herself by enjoying a traditional Devon cream tea in this hotel that is steeped in literary history. With family-friendly rooms that cater for both children as well as dogs, you can make this a real family outing.
Perched above the beach, this hotel is the perfect place for families to stop in Devon, all while getting the Agatha Christie fix. Plus, with two pools in the hotel, one indoors and one outdoors, there’s plenty for the little ones to get stuck into.
But you don’t have to stay to appreciate this Christie location. Pop in for afternoon tea or enjoy refreshments on the terrace.
Check out my guide to things to do in Torquay.
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Dartmouth Steam Railway essentially acts as a whistle-stop tour, passing Agatha Christie places along the route. Make a day of it by travelling the scenic journey through stations like Churston – a location featured in the novel The ABC Murders.
Besides being an Agatha Christie highlight tour, the Dartmouth Steam Railway makes for a great family day out. Chugging along the track, enjoying the sea and river views from the vintage steam train is an experience that all ages can appreciate.
We have done this trip many times including over the winter when the amazing Train of Lights runs.
Got a full day to spare? Dartmouth Steam Railway’s special Round Robin tour takes you on a full scenic loop, traveling by steam train from Kingswear to Totnes, then returning via riverboat and open-top bus through Paignton, before arriving back in Kingswear.
If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie’s work, a trip to Devon to see, experience and immerse yourself in the place that inspired so many of her novels really is a treat.
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