The English Riviera, famous for its palm trees, beautiful beaches and picturesque harbours, is where the "Queen of Crime" Agatha Christie was born and raised. In Torquay, Christie trained as a pharmacist, gained her knowledge of poisons, and began to write her first crime novels. Whether you know Agatha Christie's work from her books, the films or the many TV shows, exploring this beautiful area and tracing her life is sure to be wonderful, and you will gain a better understanding of Christie, her writing, and the inspiration for Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot!
3 days from £219pp £438 for 2 people Single Room Supplement from £29pp
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Regional departure by coach, then we travel direct to the resort of Paignton on the English Riviera. Check in to your hotel and then you will have free time to explore this pretty resort. Take a walk along the seafront promenade and explore the high street before dinner tonight in the hotel.
You will be met by our expert guide this morning at the hotel, enjoying a talk on Agatha Christie and her life. You will then board the coach and head to Torquay, Christie's birthplace and where she took inspiration for her characters and novels.
We enjoy a guided tour of some of the sites significant to her and her works including Torquay railway station, the Town Hall and All Saints Church where she was baptised, as well as the Imperial and Grand Hotels Meadfoot beach, the Royal Torbay Yacht Club and Torre Abbey. We also visit Torquay Pavilion and the new memorial statue.
Our tour then heads to Kents Cavern for an included Devonshire Cream Tea and then you will enjoy a guided tour of the caves. Agatha's father was a sponsor of the archaeological digs at the caves and this is where Agatha's passion for archaeology began. Her novel 'The Man in the Brown Suit' was inspired by Kents Cavern.
We return to the hotel in the afternoon to allow more free time to relax or explore. Dinner is included this evening.
After breakfast today, we journey home.
You will stay for two nights at the 3-star Esplanade Hotel in Paignton.
Location: Sands Road, Paignton, TQ4 6EG
Recently refurbished in 2024 and boasting fantastic views of Paignton Beach, the Esplanade Hotel is located in a prime position and is the perfect base for a seaside holiday on the English Riviera. The town centre is just a five-minute walk away, whilst Paignton Pier and quieter Goodrington Beach are within walking distance. Enjoy delicious meals in the modern restaurant which operates a wide and varied menu, and relax in the stylish and comfortable Harbour Bay Lounge in the evening. If you have energy to spare, there’s live entertainment in the Riviera Suite during the holiday season, so you can soak up the social atmosphere with other guests.Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Single Room Supplement from £29.00
