Walk - Riviera Line - Torquay Station - Agatha Christie Mile

3.4 miles (5.4 km)

Torquay Railway Station - TQ2 6NU Torquay Railway Station

Easy - Flat pavements or paths with an incline up Beacon Road to the Imperial Hotel.

Immerse yourself in the world of the best-selling author, Agatha Christie. Starting at Torquay Railway Station, travel along Torquay’s seafront passing some of the places associated with her life and works. Each location is marked with a unique plaque.

To download our Access guide, click here where you can find additional mapping and photographs showing gradients, path surfaces and other detailed information such as parking and toilet provision.

Checked by SWCPA Volunteer Tino Savvas - July 2021.

There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

The Cimon

The Cimon, a gorgeous Victorian villa, a few minutes walk from the Coastal Path, restaurants and attractions. Muddy boots welcome. Seasonal outdoor heated pool & bar.

The 25 Boutique B&B

Funky 5-star adult-only boutique B&B, (twice named “Best B&B in the World”) located in easy walking distance of the coast path, restaurants, tourist attractions & harbour

The Cleveland Bed and Breakfast

Consistently rated one of the 'best bed & breakfasts' in Torquay, The Cleveland is ideally located for access to the South West Coast Path and all local amenities.

Haytor Hotel

Elegant and welcoming Victorian villa, offering delicious breakfasts, a peaceful night's sleep. 4 mins walks from harbour and beach.

Garway Lodge Guest House

Enjoy a 4 Star Award-Winning guest house bed & breakfast. Situated in Torquay. Early Breakfasts are available upon request.

The Osborne Apartments

Luxury self catering apartments nestled in the heart of the English Riviera with stunning sea views.

Rose Court Holiday Apartments

Rose Court are self contained holiday apartments with free Parking set in a delightful Victorian villa with glorious gardens, 5 minutes from the South West Coastal Path.

Coastguard Cottage

Small, cosy cottage accommodatioon with all rooms en-suite and with wifi. Close to many amenities. A substantial breakfast is provided.

Sea Breeze Guest House

We are a Bed and Breakfast with views across Babbacombe Downs and the Jurassic coast. We offer large ensuite rooms, fabulous breakfasts and refreshments on our terrace.

Castle Retreats

Castle Annexe offers super-king or twin beds in a cosy, one dog friendly setting, nestled within historic St Marychurch.

The Cary Arms Hotel & Spa

The Cary Arms & Spa “Inn on the Beach” exudes charm, style and comfort of a boutique hotel. Seaside English Heritage dining with chic rooms include dog-friendly accommodation.

Mercure Paignton

Experience the true English Riviera at Mercure Paignton Hotel, a seaside haven on Paignton seafront, your gateway to Devon's stunning coast and countryside. Enjoy sea-view rooms and unforgettable experiences.

Roadtrip Tavern

I have a loft space that is divided into 4 separate pods and is open plan like a dormitory and is specifically for SWCP Walkers.

Earlston House Hotel

A 9 room dog friendly B&B with excellent reviews, super views, very close to the South West Coast Path and a large hot tub to relax in.

Halekulani Devon

Halekulani Devon Homestay for discerning guests with spa, private use heated pool, tennis and pristine views.

The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

Camping at The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

Sea Tang Guest House

Friendly, family run guest house located a few steps form the sea with beautiful views across Torbay.

Berry Head Hotel Ltd

AA 4 star Hotel & Apartments with stunning sea views at the waters edge. Bistro & Restaurant, Indoor Pool on the Coastal Path.
You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Three Degrees West

Three Degrees West is a daytime cafe & takeaway on the stunning Oddicombe Beach in Babbacombe on the outskirts of Torquay. Inside & outside dining right beside the sea.

Harbour Light

Light-filled, rustic tavern with a terrace offering bay views, plus a menu of pub classics.

The Guardhouse Cafe

Home-made seasonal food, cream teas and delicious coffee, all served with a smile and stunning views from our cliff-top Napoleonic Fortress. Open all year.
What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

English Riviera Tourist Information Centre

Find all the information you need about accommodation, things to do and places to go to enjoy your visit to the English Riviera.

Shoalstone Seawater Pool

Shoalstone Seawater Pool is a great place to swim and paddle, and picnic on the green looking across the Bay. Shoals Café serves breakfasts, lunches and evening meals.

Interactive Elevation

Route Description

Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller was born in Barton Road, Torquay on 15 September 1890. She spent much of her life in the area. Whilst her husband, Lt. Archie Christie was serving his country in France during the First World War, Agatha began working as a nurse for the Torquay Red Cross Hospital. She was later transferred to a dispensary where she acquired her knowledge of poisons. She used this knowledge in many of her novels including, in 1920, her first published novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

  1. The walk starts at Torquay Station.

In 1990, the Orient Express brought Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot (in the guise of Joan Hickson and David Suchet) face to face on Torquay Station’s platform. In her books Agatha Christie never allowed the two to meet.

Leaving the railway station turn right towards the sea.

Immediately on your right is the Grand Hotel, where on Christmas Eve 1914, Agatha Christie spent her honeymoon night with Archie Christie. 2 days later they travelled to London where he left for the war in France. The Agatha Christie Suite is still available to guests.

Cross Rathmore Road and follow the pavement around the landward side of the seafront road heading towards Torquay.

  1. Almost immediately turn left along King’s Drive. Continue along the road to Torre Abbey.

Torre Abbey, Torquay’s oldest building dating back to 1196, is the home of the Agatha Christie’s Potent Plants collection which was inspired by the poisons and potions in many of her books. The contents that were once in our Memorial Room have now been returned to the Greenway. However, Torre Abbey is the home of the International Agatha Christie Festival, which usually takes place every September around the Author’s birthday.

  1. Retrace your steps and turn left into Abbey park. Follow the path through the park down to the seafront. Cross the road at the traffic lights on the seaward side.
  2.  Follow the wide promenade around the bay. Pass through the Princess Gardens with its Theatre and Pier.

The Princess Pier was a favourite spot for the young Agatha’s love of roller-skating. It was built in the same year she was born. From here a ferry can be taken to the National trust owned, Greenway House, her home on the bank of the River Dart from 1938 until her death in 1976. The Princess Gardens were opened in 1894, built to a classic Victorian design incorporating fountains, flower beds, ornamental shelters and palm trees imported from New Zealand. The Gardens featured in ‘The ABC Murders’.

  1. Keeping close to the marina, make your way towards the harbour. Turn right at the inner harbour and cross the Millennium footbridge.

The bridge, completed in 2003, imitates the sails of a ship and looks most impressive when lit up at night. A Cill wall allows the water to always be retained at half tide. 2 hydraulic gates within the wall can be opened at particular times to allow boat traffic through the 11.6 metre entrance.

Turn right at the end of the quay and go up Beacon Hill, keeping the Living Coasts Attraction and Beacon Cove on your right. On your left is the Royal Torbay yacht Club

Agatha Christie’s father Frederick Miller was a prominent member of the Yacht club. He would visit daily to play cards and socialise except in the cricket season. Then, as president, he would re-direct his time to Torquay Cricket Club.

Beacon Cove, which could be seen from the Yacht Club, was known as the Ladies Bathing Cove. Agatha, in her teenage years, had to be rescued by a local boatman after she got into difficulties whilst swimming here.

  1. At the top of Beacon Hill is the Imperial Hotel.

The Imperial Hotel, built in 1866,  masqueraded as the “Majestic” in “Peril at End House”. Its terrace also appeared in “Sleeping Murder”. Agatha Christie attended many social events here. The hotel still retains the grandeur and elegance associated with the Agatha Christie era.

Retrace your steps down Beacon Hill and follow the road around the east side of the harbour.

  1. At the roundabout turn right and walk up Torwood Street to Torquay Museum, about 300 metres on the left.

Torquay Museum is Devon’s oldest museum and is home to the unique Agatha Christie Gallery. This was created, in 1990,  with the help of the Christie family. They loaned exhibits such as original manuscripts, TV and film memorabilia as well as a large number of previously unseen photos of Agatha.

After your visit retrace your steps downhill to the roundabout and follow the harbour round past the old Pavilion Theatre to the marina.

The world’s only bronze bust of Agatha Christie can be found near the front of the old pavilion theatre. It was created in 1990 by the Dutch sculptor Carol Van Den Boom-Cairns to commemorate her Centenary Year.  After attending a Wagner concert at the Pavilion Theatre Archie Christie proposed to the young Agatha Miller.

  1. From here retrace your steps along the seafront to Torquay station.
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