Agatha Christie Mile - Courtesy English Riviera Tourist Board

Agatha Christie fans know that the Queen of Crime was born in Torquay in the English Riviera.  Through the prolific success of her many novels, she has brought much fame and interest in the area. When you visit Torquay you can walk in the footsteps of this world-renowned author and Torquay’s most famous resident.

Called “The Agatha Christie Mile”, the walk takes visitors to some of the places that were associated with Agatha Christie. The twelve locations listed below were particularly inspirational to her. As Christie herself said, whilst the characters she created were fictitious, the settings were always real so in tracing her footsteps, you can see if any of the locations remind you of any scenes in her novels.

1. The Grand Hotel - Agatha Christie spent her honeymoon here. Perhaps allow time to have morning coffee or afternoon tea here at this grand seafront hotel.
2. Torquay Railway Station – This is where Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple met for the first time in 1990, as part of Torquay’s Agatha Christie Centenary Celebrations. Agatha Christie never allowed the two characters to meet in her books.
3. Torre Abbey - The multi-million pound restoration was reopened by David Suchet in 2008 and in 2009 a brand new feature named Agatha Christie’s Potent Plants Garden was opened.
4. Princess Pier - Agatha Christie enjoyed roller skating here.
5. Princess Gardens – Agatha Christie was a frequent visitor here and featured the Gardens in one of her Poirot stories.
6. The Pavillion – The Pavillion began life as a grand concert hall. In 1913, Agatha Christie attended a Wagner recital here with Archie Christie. After the recital they returned to her Ashfield home and Archie proposed to her. They had only met a few months earlier.


Agatha Christie Bust - Courtesy English Riviera Tourist Board

7. Agatha Christie Bust – Unveiled by her daughter on September 15th, 1990 to mark Christie’s 100th birthday.
8. The Strand – This was a stopping point for stagecoaches and trams during Agatha’s day. It is believed that she and her mother would have shopped at exclusive stores here such as William and Cox (now Hoopers). Check out the cafe upstairs with its fine views across the harbour.
9. Torquay Museum – Devon’s oldest museum is home to the Agatha Christie Exhibition.
10. Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Agatha’s father was a prominent member of the club and visited daily. In her autobiography she reflects fondly on the club.
11. Beacon Cove - This was known as “Ladies Bathing Cove” during Agatha’s time. Although she was a good swimmer, she nearly drowned here when she was in her teens.
12. Imperial Hotel - Agatha attended many social functions here. The terrace was the setting for the final chapter of ‘Sleeping Murder’.  Allow time to have morning coffee or afternoon tea in the Palm Court Room with its panoramic views of the Bay.

You can start your walk from the Grand Hotel (location 1) or the Imperial Hotel (location 12). The Torquay Tourist Information Centre has a brochure of this walk which you can do on your own.  Alternatively,  if you prefer a guided walk, you can contact the people at Blue Badge Guides (www.blue-badge-guides.com).

Torquay Tourist Information Centre
5 Vaughan Parade
Torquay
Website: www.englishriviera.co.uk/agathachristie

Fresh Vegetables

With its rich and fertile rural land, the South Devon region produces plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fine free-range meats and outstanding dairy produce, not to mention the abundance of seafood.

When visiting this region, a stop at one of the farmers’ markets offers the opportunity to taste the delights of local foods, see what’s in season and what the locals are buying and perhaps have a natter with members of the local community.

In each town, the local farmers’ market usually operates on a certain day of the week and the timing and location can change. If you intend visiting any of the Farmers’ Market on your South Devon holidays, they advise that you contact them in advance to double check times and location.

Here are some of the local farmers’ markets in South Devon:

Bovey Tracey Farmers’ Market

Held on alternate Saturdays, the farmers’ market sells local produce and delicacies. Opening Times: 08:30 – 13:30.

Location:
Town Square
Union Street
Bovey Tracey
Devon
Tel: 01626 835363

Buckfastleigh Farmers’ Market

Buckfastleigh market occurs every Thursday and offers a huge range of produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and dairy produce, preserves, craft items, organic bread and a range of organic and fair trade products. Here you can sample Westcountry’s famous cheeses including goat and sheep’s milk cheeses. Opening times: 09:00 – 13:00.

Location:
Town Hall
Bossel Road
Buckfastleigh
Devon
TQ11 0DD
Tel: +44 01803 762764

Dartmouth Farmers’ Market

Dartmouth Farmers’ Market occurs every second Saturday of the month at The Old Market. Opening times: 09:00 – 13:00.

Location:
The Old Market
Dartmouth
Devon
Tel: +44 01803 861202

Kingsbridge Farmers’ Market

Kingsbridge Farmers’ Market is held on the first and third Saturdays of each month in the town square. Seasonal vegetables and fruit are on offer along with freshly baked delicacies, cheeses, smoked goods, chillies, chocolates and hampers filled with local produce. Opening times: 9.00 – 13.00.

Location:
Towns Square
Kingsbridge
TQ14 8UU
Tel: +44 01803 861202

Newton Abbot Farmers’ Market

Newton Abbot’s Farmers’ Market runs every Tuesday and can be found in Courtenay Street, a pedestrianised street in the town centre, This market prides itself of its reputation for product quality and a variety of fresh produce and here you’ll find eggs, cheese, bread, pasties, pork, fruit and vegetables, chutneys, jams and preserves. Opening times: 09:00 – 15:00.

Location:
Courtenay Street
Newton Abbot
Devon
TQ12 2QN
Tel: +44 01626 353 567

Teignmouth Local Producers Market

Teighmouth Market occurs on Saturdays and offers a range of local produce from South Devon. Opening times: 09:00 – 13:00.

Location:
The Triangle
Teignmouth
Devon
TQ14 8BE
Tel: +44 01626 215609

Devonshire Cream Tea

Devonshire cream teas are a specialty of Devon, however this dish is world-famous, especially in the Commonwealth countries.  With their delicious scones thickly spread with fresh butter, fruity strawberry jam and topped with thick Devon clotted cream, the best are still to be found in the south-west of England.

So, on any holiday in Devon and Cornwall, one of the must-do’s is to indulge in some Devonshire cream teas. Be warned though that addiction to this food can be a danger to the waistline.

My personal belief is that if I’m going to be piling on calories from any food, I’d want those calories to come from the best quality of that food type.  So, if we’re having cream teas, we might as well enjoy them from the Top 10 places for cream teas in Devon and Cornwall, a list which was compiled by Dorling Kindersley.

Masons Arms, Devon

When it comes to favourite drinking holes, everyone has their own preferences. Serious drinkers would say that only the ale counts, others might set their criteria based on the ambience in the pub, the location and setting or, in my case, it’s got to have good food!

It’s great that pubs these days have their own website so you can always check it out before making your way there.

So if you are looking for a place to eat and drink during your Devon holiday, give these Devon pubs a go and see what you think.

The Mason’s Arms Inn
Knowstone
Devon EX36 4RY
Tel: 01398 341231

Open: Tue-Sat 12:00 – 15:00 and 18:00 – 23:00 (Sun 12:00 – 15:00)
Food: Tue-Sat 12:00 – 14:00 and 19:00 – 20:30 (Sun 12:00 – 14:00)

The Masons Arms is a picturesque, thatched 13th Century Inn situated in the village of Knowstone on the Devon and Somerset border. Chef-proprietor Mark Dodson worked alongside Michel Roux at The Waterside Inn for 18 years and was head chef for 13 years. Masons Arms opened in 2005 and already has one Michelin star. This is my kind of place.

The Turf
Exminster
Devon
Tel: 01392 833128

Open: 11:00 – 23:00 (Sun until 10.30pm)
Food: 12:00 – 14:30 (weekends until 3pm) and 18:00 – 21:00 (except Sun)

At the intersection of Exeter Ship canal and Exe estuary, EX6 8EE, The Turf is one of the few pubs in the country that’s not accessible by road. The pub’s in a protected area and walking, cycling and boating are the only ways of reaching them. So maybe this could be an attraction.

The Victoria Inn
Fore Street
Salcombe
Devon TQ8 8BU
Tel: 01548 842604

Open: 11.30 – 23:00 (midnight in summer)
Food: 12.00 – 14:30 and 18:00 – 21:30

Salcombe is in South Devon, a popular destination for family holidays and the sailing. Victoria Inn is in the middle of the high street and just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge.

The Warren House Inn
Dartmoor
Devon
Tel: 01822 880208

Open: 11:00 – 23:00 (Sun 12:00 – 22:30)
Food: 12:00 – 21:00 (Sun 20:30)

The Warren House Inn sits at the very centre of Dartmoor between Moretonhampstead and Princetown on the B3212. Set amid miles of Dartmoor wilderness, this rustic inn is popular with thirsty walkers.

Devon and Cornwall countryside

Devon and Cornwall possess miles of magnificent coastline, secluded coves, fishing villages, romantic ancient moorland, soft river estuaries and endless stretches of beaches.  Walkers, surfers, sailing buffs and holiday makers who simply want a relaxing break from their hectic world will find this part of England a fascinating place to visit.

These two neighbouring counties have a lot to offer holiday makers, but outside of Britain, we do not tend to hear a lot about Devon and Cornwall as a tourist destination.  Certainly the British people know about this magical corner of England and Cornwall is the number one summer destination for the Brits, followed not too far behind by Devon.

If you’re holidaying in London and have a few days to explore this part of England, Viator has a four-day small group tour that’ll take you through the back-roads of Devon and Cornwall and really get deep into the West Country.

Tour Route and Attractions

Day One:
From London you’ll drive through Wiltshire, England’s oldest county.  Travelling across the amazing Salisbury Plain, you’ll see the great prehistoric temple of Stonehenge and a landscape simply littered with ancient burial sites. You’ll also see the evidence of Iron Age hill forts, possible sites of where the great Celtic king, Arthur and his Round Table knights took on the Saxon invaders.

Your journey continues to Winchester to see the great Round Table in the medieval hall. Next take time to explore Cadbury Castle, perhaps the site of Camelot, and some lovely surrounding thatched villages before arriving at your accommodation base in Devon or Somerset borders for three nights.

Day Two:
Today you’ll explore the timeless country of Dorsetshire. This is real back-roads country where you’ll believe time has stood still amidst the villages and harbors of the region. Jane Austen’s Lyme Regis is one of the highlights of the day, as will be Thomas Hardy’s cottage and monument. You will be introduced to a few martyrs (such as the trade unionists of Tolpuddle, and those who died at the “bloody Judge” Jefferies’ hand). You’ll also see the famed Chesil Beach and the quaint town of Dorchester. And there’ll be time for shopping in the lace and antique town of Honiton.

Depending on time and interest, there may be time to include Lawrence of Arabia’s home, a carved giant and England’s smallest pub! This is a day that you can really call getting down the “back-roads”.

Day Three:
Cross the beautiful and awesome landscape of the Dartmoor National Park, en route to the north Cornwall coast. Here, you’ll visit Tintagel Castle, the reputed birthplace of King Arthur. The castle sits on top of the wild cliffs accessible only by walking. Later, visit a selection of the quaint fishing villages of the north Cornwall and Devon coasts. This day will be a photographer’s delight and you should be prepared to do a lot of shooting!

Finally, a day in Cornwall would not be complete without a stop for a famed Cornish “pastie” somewhere on route, perhaps in a thatched-roofed country pub?

Day Four:
On today’s itinerary is Cheddar Gorge and the mystic town of Glastonbury, site of Arthur’s burial and New Age capital of England. Here you’ll see the ancient abbey and the mysterious “Tor”. Next visit Wells and its famed Norman 12th century cathedral before travelling the short distance to the stunning city of Bath. You’ll have time to explore this elegant Georgian city and its Roman remains before the drive back to London partially by the old coaching road.

This interesting tour of England’s West Country includes:

• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner
• Hotel pickup (selected hotels)
• Entrance fees
• Professional driver/guide
• Transport
• Hotel drop off (central London hotels)

Find out more about touring Devon and Cornwall here.

Marazion hotel

The good news is that no matter what your financial budget, you’ll almost certainly find accommodation that suits your style and budget. Devon and Cornwall both have no end of lodgings for the holidaymaker – Here are some of your accommodation choices:

• Country cottages
• Luxury and standard hotels
• Cottage holidays
  
• Bed & breakfasts (B&B)
• Self catering accommodation
  
• Camping sites

Much will depend on where you wish to be based, and of course what your needs are.

Devon and Cornwall have many reasonably priced Bed & Breakfast lodgings – here, you get a comfortable room (often the home of the owners which offers a very nice homely feel) usually with an en-suite shower and standard amenities such as (basic) TV. A choice of breakfast traditional English or continental) is included in the price of the room and some B&B’s offer dinner as an optional extra. This is great because the holiday-maker has the choice of exploring the town and sampling some of the local cuisine without having to be confined to the B&B at dinner-time.

For those in pursuit of luxury, there are a good choice of quality hotels available. Many of these offer excellent facilities (such as pools & gym) and depending on location may offer breath taking sea views. Expect plush interiors and satellite TV from the better hotels. Standard hotels (2 or 3 stars) are not as fancy and are similar to B&Bs in the standard of accommodation offered.

Self catering accommodation is usually more cost effective as you can decide on your food budget and allows you to decide on whether you whether you prefer to dine in or go out for your meals.

If you’re planning to stay for a week and have a family or group then you may wish to a cottage holiday instead. Cornwall & Devon have a huge range of holiday cottages that can be rented (usually) for a week or more. You can rent a cottage in a peaceful countryside setting, a quiet fishing village or overlooking the sea – the choice is yours! Holiday cottages in Devon & Cornwall typically cost between £500 to £1,000 a week (depending on location & standard).

Finally, if you’re planning to hire a caravan & go camping, there are plenty of caravan and camping sites scattered all over Cornwall & Devon.

If you’re planning a Cottage Holiday in Devon and Cornwall, cottages4you are the specialist providers in this accommodation type, with 9,000 holiday cottages across England, Scotland and Wales.

Alternatively, our other hotel affiliate partners have a range of accommodation choices that may also suit your need.

Torquay Harbour

Arguably the most popular and visited of the three Torbay towns that describe themselves as the “English Riviera”.

Torquay has some good beaches to enjoy and also offers the standard English seaside experience of tea rooms and sea-side amusement arcades.

A holiday in Torquay should include a visit to the colourful harbour area, littered with nice cafes, restaurants, pubs and other convenience eateries. It can get quite lively at night time.

What To Do In Torquay:

Babbacombe Beach has a nice harbour and seaside area and is covered by steep hills which offer excellent views of the coast, both by night and day.

Babbacombe Model Village is a charming miniature village containing thousands of buildings. A great attraction for kids.

Cockington is picturesque and at Cockington Court and Country Park there’s a craft centre, tearooms and gardens.  Explore Torre Abbey and Mansion House which is home to the Agatha Christie Memorial Room.  Stroll along the Agatha Christie Mile and get a sense of the things and places that inspired the life and works of this great writer.

Kents Cavern is an ancient geological structure and there have been some highly significant prehistoric finds here (some as old as 700,000 years old).

Torquay Fountain

Living Coasts – a wonderful wildlife attraction where visitors can come and see penguins, seals, puffins, ducks and countless other marine life in a natural surrounding.

Torquay Museum – first opened in 1845, Torquay Museum is worth a visit to discover a wide range of facts about the town. There are exhibitions about everything from history and archaeology to pottery.

Compton Castle – About 5 miles west of Torquay lies Compton Castle which was built in stages from the 14^th to 16^th centuries. The castle itself is a notable attraction but the surrounding grounds are also very popular with tourists because of the feast of lush flowers, shrubs and trees that inhabit it.

Paignton – About a 15 minute drive from Torquay is the coastal town of Paignton. If you’re in Torquay, it’s certainly worth visiting Paignton too. Though many argue that it’s a low-class version of Torquay, there are some nice attractions including a fair seaside resort, zoo, and the impressive Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Brixham – A mere five miles from Paignton is the wonderful little town of Brixham – it’s a highly popular place with tourists and it’s not difficult to see why – narrow, steep streets brimming with character and a cosy harbour just two of the things that visitors flock to see every year. You can step on board a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind, visit the heritage museum or explore the coastal caves, once a haven for smugglers.

Torquay Accommodation

As with the other towns and villages along the Devon and Cornwall coastline, there is a good range of cottages, self-catering accommodation, bed and breakfasts and hotels in Torquay to suit all budget types for your Torquay holiday.

Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway

For one of the most scenic train rides to be found anywhere, try the Paignton to Kingswear (Dartmouth) rail journey. On this holiday line, you can re-live the great days of steam railway travel. Your steam locomotive starts from Paignton Station and initially chugs past Paignton Sands and Quaywest Water Park.

The rail journey not only takes in the spectacular Torbay coastline but also runs through the wooded hills along the Dart Estuary. Initially, this most picturesque of British rail journeys goes up a steep and rocky hill offering some wonderful views of the Devon coastline.

Wooded Devon hills

After going past Churston, the train runs inland and proceeds along the Dart Valley before reaching Kingswear. From here, passengers have the option of visiting Dartmouth via ferry.

It’s also possible to combine your rail journey with a pleasure cruise and coach ride and enjoy a fascinating journey that stretches out over the entire day

Paignton

Paignton is one of the three towns on the ‘English Riviera’ which is a stunning stretch of 22 miles of south Devon coastline.  Paignton is a traditional seaside resort with long stretches of sandy beaches and a lively waterfront area and is popular for family holidays.  Apart from steam train rides and river cruises, you can visit the endangered species at Paignton Zoo, or take a journey back in time at the 500 year old Kirkham House.  There’s also the Oldway Mansion, once home of Isaac Singer of Singer sewing machine fame.

Dartmouth

At the Kingswear Visitor centre you can learn about how steam engines work, the history of Dartmouth and the variety of wildlife that can be seen on the River Dart.

Amble along Dartmouth’s ancient narrow streets and you’ll find boutiques, shops, art galleries and delicatessens. A cobbled market place features colourful stalls and at the Farmers’ markets check out the local produce that find their way into the local gourmet restaurants, pubs and cafes.

For your holiday in Dartmouth, there’s a wide variety of accommodation from luxury hotels, inns, pubs, graded bed and breakfasts and guesthouses to self catering cottages, barns, apartments or camping/caravan parks.

In Dartmouth you can sail, fish, explore by boat or come at festival time. From Dartmouth, you can take the steam train ride to Paignton for a treat, or enjoy visits to the Castle, the famous Britannia Royal Naval College and National Trust Gardens. You can be as energetic as you want and enjoy the South West Coast Path or simply laze around on the beaches.

Dartmoor scenery

Just a few miles inwards from the South Devon Coast is the ancient Dartmoor National Park. It covers an area of 368 square miles and offers visitors a mix of superb scenery and legendary history. Dartmoor also has one of the most prominent moors to be found anywhere in Britain.

• Many visitors view Dartmoor as a wonderful and diverse place – indeed it offers a multiple range of terrains from it’s tors and woodlands to rambling countryside, grass covered hills and river valleys.
• The tors formations are actually quite splendid – the granite while being a very tough substance is vulnerable to chemical deterioration. This means that the acids in rain attacks the surface of the granite causing it to disintegrate into various shapes and colours.
• Those who enjoy outdoor activities will have plenty to do in Dartmoor – just a sample of these include Dartmoor walks, fishing, trekking and cycling.

Things To Do & Towns To Visit In Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is made up of various small villages and towns – one of the very enjoyable experiences of visiting Dartmoor is the chance to drive from one to the other while taking in the great scenery en route. From Tavistock in the west to Ashburton in the east, there’s plenty to do and see in Dartmoor.

Entire books have been written on Dartmoor, and it has often been used as a backdrop in novels (remember “Lorna Doone“, “Hound of the Baskervilles“?)– so the following is just a brief description of some the places and activities that you can enjoy here:

Check out the main Dartmoor Tourist Board located in Okehampton.  This town also houses the Museum of Dartmoor Life.

Water Bridge at Dartmoor

Okehampton Castle is worth a visit – this is located in Cranmere Pool and these ruins are the remains of what was once the biggest castle in Devon.

Walking & trekking opportunities are abundant all over Dartmoor – specific places of interest to walkers include South Okehampton, Princetown, Chagford and Postbridge. There are also specific routes popular with more experienced trekkers – for instance, Templar Way (18 miles) and West Devon Way (14 miles). Books on walking in Devon are also available in the information centres dotted around the park (Okehampton, Tavistock, Ashburton, Ivybridge and a couple of other locations).

There are also plenty of routes for those keen on cycling, and it’s possible to hire bikes in Tavistock. The Dartmoor Way is a 90 mile cycle route that includes many of the parks towns including Okehampton, Tavistock and Buckfastleigh.

Other outdoor activities available in Dartmoor include horse and pony rides, fishing and climbing.

Buckland Moor sign

In the East lies the pleasant town of North Bovey – this is a great place to see quaint thatched cottages dating back to the 17^th century. Yet another place to marvel at picture-perfect thatched cottages is in the charming little town of Buckland In The Moor.

This lovely town faces onto woodlands and is also by the River Webburn (which joins up with the famous river Dart).

Expect to see many ponies grazing along the stretches of grassland while you drive through Dartmoor National Park.

Buckfastleigh is home to Buckfast Abbey – one of the most visited icons in Devon. The Abbey dates back to 1018. Also in Buckfastleigh are the Dartmoor otter sanctuary and the Buckfast Butterflies Exhibition (where several exotic butterflies can be seen in an exotic environment).

Ponies

Postbridge is a small town in the centre of Dartmoor National Park – aside from being popular with walkers, the town is famous for its “Clapper Bridge” (granite bridge dating as far back as the 13^th Century) which goes over the East Dart River.

Another quiet town with sublime cottages and green surroundings is Widdecombe In The Moor. Aside from it’s beauty, this location is famous for The Church House – dating back to 1537.

The little town of Chagford is nestled just above the River Teign and is also worth a visit just to amble around the neat town square. Be sure to visit Market House while you’re there.

The Darkside of Dartmoor – The Gruesome Gubbinses

In Lydford Gorge in the 15th century a “half human” tribe of creatures are said to have existed and caused much terror and fear to the locals. While this may sound like a myth or old wives tale to make children behave, the Gubbinses did in fact exist. They stole cattle, kidnapped or robbed travellers and there are reports that suggest that they were cannibals.

Totnes Castle, Devon

Aside from it’s beautiful, rugged coastline and red cliffs Devon and Cornwall are home to some very impressive Castles:

Totnes Castle – On top of the charming little Devon town of Totnes stands the Norman fortress of Totnes Castle. The views from the top of the castle are outstanding, offering a panorama view of the entire town and River Dart.

The castle itself was thought to have been built sometime in the 10^th century.

After visiting the castle be sure to enjoy a stroll along the steep, narrow town lanes – they offer a festival of perky shops and some pleasant eateries.

Dartmouth Castle – The most striking feature of Dartmouth Castle is that it stands tall right on the banks of the Dart Estuary – a stunning waterside setting. Dartmouth Castle was initially built in the 14^th century, but underwent substantial works in the 15^th century when Henry VIII had it redesigned to be able to better fit his weaponry.

Close to Dartmouth Castle is Kingswear Castle and St Petroc’s Church. Given the beautiful setting (right at the mouth of the Dart Estuary), Dartmouth Castle is well worth a visit – not just to marvel at the history but to enjoy the awesome scenery and perhaps enjoy a picnic. It’s possible to arrive in style via ferry – taking in the lovely views available from the River Dart along the way.

Okehampton Castle – These castle ruins, set at the foothills of Dartmoor, were the medieval home of the Earls of Devon. The Castle offers a free audio tour and after enjoying the stroll around the castle grounds (including the chapel, gatehouse and priests lodgings) you can take in a pleasant woodland walk or relax by the riverside picnic area.

The castle itself dates as far back as the 11^th Century.

A highly fascinating side-note – it’s thought that the castle is haunted so be sure not to wander around by yourself once the sun sets!

Berry Pomeroy Castle – About two miles east of Totnes is this former dwelling of the Seymour and Pomeroy families. The castle and Elizabethan mansion was initially built in the 15th century and underwent expansion towards the end of the 17th Century. This is another castle that is thought to be haunted!

Tintagel Castle – It’s believed that King Arthur was born here while Merlin stood famously in a cave beneath the castle.  The remains of Tintagel Castle are quite spectacular – set upon the steep Cornwall cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean.