How to find guided literary tours focusing on Agatha Christie in Devon?
As avid lovers of literary tourism, you are no doubt acquainted with the name Agatha Christie. Her tales of mystery and intrigue have fascinated the English-speaking world for over a century. Stories steeped in the rich culture of her native England, many of them set in the picturesque county of Devon. A visit to Devon offers fans an opportunity to walk the same streets as the Queen of Crime and gain unprecedented insight into her world. This article serves as a guide on how to find guided tours focusing on Agatha Christie in Devon.
An Introduction to the Queen of Crime
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of literary tours, let's uncover the mystery behind the woman who has enthralled millions globally with her gripping tales.
For the uninitiated, Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie was an English author renowned for her detective novels, short stories and plays. Christie's work is characterized by its wit, clever plot twists, and its focus on human psychology. Her books have sold an astonishing two billion copies worldwide, making her one of the most successful authors of all time.
Christie was born in Torquay, a seaside town in Devon. Many of her stories are set in and around this area, and her love for the English Riviera shines through in her writing. A visit to Devon is therefore a journey into the heart of Christie's literary world.
How to Locate Literary Tours
For anyone looking to explore Christie's Devon, guided tours are an excellent starting point. They offer the chance to see the city through the author's eyes, and to discover the real-life locations that inspired her tales of murder and mystery.
Firstly, online platforms are your go-to resource. Websites such as Visit England, TripAdvisor, and local tourism boards provide a wealth of information on various tours available. These platforms allow you to compare different tours based on factors such as duration, cost, and the sites included in the itinerary.
Additionally, local bookstores in Devon often have information on upcoming tours, as do libraries and tourist information centers. Alternatively, the Agatha Christie Ltd website maintains a comprehensive list of all things Christie, including tours in her hometown of Torquay and other notable locations in Devon.
Discovering Torquay: The Birthplace of Christie
Torquay, a seaside town in Devon, is where our tour commences. Known as the Queen of the English Riviera, Torquay is the birthplace of Agatha Christie and a city she often returned to for inspiration.
There are several guided tours available in Torquay that are dedicated to Christie. One of the most popular is the Agatha Christie Mile, which takes you on a walk through some of the most significant locations in the author's life, including her birthplace, her favorite hotel, and the Princess Pier where she was known to enjoy roller-skating.
Exploring Greenway House: Christie's Summer Residence
When mapping out your literary tour, Greenway House is a destination you should not miss. Nestled on the River Dart, this Georgian mansion was Agatha Christie's summer residence and has been beautifully preserved by the National Trust.
A typical day at Greenway House includes exploring the lush gardens, visiting Christie's holiday home, and viewing her extensive collection of archaeological artifacts. Some tours also highlight the boathouse, a key location in the book "Dead Man’s Folly".
Uncovering London: Christie's City Life
While Devon was Christie's home, London was where a lot of her books were set. From the bustling streets of the city to the tranquil banks of the River Thames, Christie used London as a backdrop for many of her most memorable mysteries.
Various guided tours in London focus on Christie's life and work. The Agatha Christie's London tour, for example, explores the places where Christie lived and worked, the theaters where her plays were performed, and even the locations that inspired her stories.
Your adventure in Agatha Christie's world does not stop in Devon. Like her riveting novels, your journey is only limited by your imagination.
Exploring Burgh Island: Christie's Inspirational Retreat
Burgh Island is yet another must-visit destination for Agatha Christie enthusiasts. Located off the South Devon coast, this is the place where Christie would retreat to gather inspiration for her gripping murder mysteries. It is an integral part of the Agatha Christie literary trail in Devon.
The island is home to the iconic Burgh Island Hotel, a restored 1920s art deco hotel that has retained its vintage charm. This hotel served as the setting for two of Christie's novels, "And Then There Were None" and "Evil Under the Sun". A stay here is like stepping into one of her novels.
While on the island, you can also visit the Pilchard Inn, an ancient pub that dates back to 1336. It is said that Christie used to frequent this pub, and it's the perfect spot to soak up the local atmosphere and imagine the world that Christie immersed herself in while penning her novels.
The island is also dog-friendly, making it an ideal destination for those traveling with pets. Combine this with the stunning South West coastal views, and you have the perfect setting for a day of exploration and literary discovery.
Journey to Dartmoor: The Setting for The Sittaford Mystery
Dartmoor, a vast moorland in the county of Devon, was used by Agatha Christie as the setting for her murder mystery novel, "The Sittaford Mystery". This expansive landscape, with its rugged tors and wild ponies, paints the perfect picture of the mysterious and eerie setting in Christie's novel.
A guided tour of Dartmoor provides an opportunity to see the locations mentioned in the book. From Sittaford Tor, which inspired the book's title, to the quaint village of Postbridge with its ancient clapper bridge, you can explore the real-life locations that Christie used as the backdrop for her chilling tale of murder and intrigue.
Dartmoor is also famous for its connection to another literary giant, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It served as the setting for his famous novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles". Literary tours often combine the works of these two authors, offering fans of classic English literature a chance to explore the landscapes that inspired their favorite stories.
Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits
From Torquay's seafront to the lush gardens of Greenway House, the historic Burgh Island, and the rugged landscapes of Dartmoor, there’s no shortage of Agatha Christie related tours in Devon. Each location offers a new perspective on Christie's life and work, and a chance to step into the world of her beloved characters, like Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple.
Whether you’re an aficionado of her novels, a fan of her short stories, or simply a lover of English literature, there’s something in Devon for everyone. So, pull out your favorite Christie novel, hop on the Orient Express, and let the mystery unfold. After all, as Dame Agatha Christie herself said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." Your literary adventure in Devon awaits!