Chapter 4
Poisonous Plants and Perilous Endings
With so much to discover, we will start the day with a visit to 800-year-old Torre Abbey. There’s a whole special area we can share within the Abbey Gardens, but for now we are holding this secret! After a wonderful lunch we will explore Torquay Museum and find some treasures within…
2 Guests - please ask about additional guests
7 Days a Week: 9am to 5pm
Full Day Excursion
Price from £225 for up to two people
noura saad12 June 2026"I am still filled with the joy of this dream tour with Miss Lemon—a truly noble, wonderful, and kind lady. Even though I requested the tour on short notice, she made sure to squeeze me into her busy schedule just so I could experience an exciting adventure centered around my favourite author, Agatha Christie, whose birthplace and hometown I traveled here specifically to see.The tour was packed with information, stories, and facts that truly made me feel as if I were living the author's life moment by moment.I highly recommend booking tours or activities well in advance for all locations to fully immerse yourself in the dazzling and beautiful world of Agatha Christie.My heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful Mrs. Lemon 🍋, my new friend whom I am so proud to have met. My rating is definitely 10/10! 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🎉🎊🎊🎊🎊" لا زلت في بهجة الجولة الحلم مع مس ليمون السيدة الكريمة والرائعة واللطيفة التي خصصت لي جولة رغم أنني طلبتها في وقت قصير فحرصت على مزاحمة جدولها لأجلي ولأحظى بتجربة ومغامرة مثيرة مع كاتبتي المفضلة أغاثا كريستي التي اتيت خصيصاً لمسقط رأسها ومكان نشأتها .. الجولة مليئة بالمعلومات والحكايات والحقائق التي جعلتني اشعر أنني أعيش حياة الكاتبة لحظة بلحظة. انصح بشدة حجز جولة او جولات في وقت مبكر لجميع الفعاليات والمواقع وعيش نكهة عالم أغاثا كريستي المبهر والجميل كل الشكر من القلب للسيدة ليمون 🍋 الرائعة وصديقتي الجديدة التي افتخر بالتعرف عليها. تقييمي10/10 بالتأكيد 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋🎉🎊🎊🎊🎊CP Henly4 June 2026I had a truly excellent tour of Agatha Christie's home, Greenway. Marie, the proprietor of Miss Lemon's tours did a fabulous job. She arranged everything, starting with picking me up at the hotel and ending by dropping me off there at the end of the day. She is extremely knowledgeable, and very interesting to talk to. She pointed out a number of things that I would not have noticed and certainly would not have appreciated the significance of. I recommend this tour highly! I'm hoping to get back here one day with my sister so she can share the experience.Naomi Asher27 May 2026Miss Lemon was fantastic! She worked out the perfect day for my family, and we really were able to do some bucket list things. She was such a lovely person. I highly recommend!Isabelle Leach17 May 2026Miss Lemon was an absolute delight. We had the pleasure of an afternoon walking tour around the village of Cockington learning all about the ties to Agatha Christie and the points of inspiration for Miss Marple. Maria was knowledgeable, thoughtful, funny, patient and good company, the 2 hours just whizzed by. It was the perfect experience to organise for my mum for her birthday and something we'll enjoy remembering for a long time. Thank you!Yvonne Streeter30 April 2026From the very first interaction both my sister and I found Maria professional and personable who was able to adapt our day to our requirements and nothing was too much trouble. She was very informative and it was a pleasure sharing the day with a fellow Agatha Christie enthusiast. Her driving skills were excellent and the car comfortable for the journey over Dartmoor and the narrow Devon roads to Burgh Island. We had a beautiful afternoon tea at the hotel which we would certainly recommend. If you book a day with this lovely lady you will not be disappointed and we would certainly book with Miss Lemon again!Angela Tovey18 April 2026Maria..’Miss Lemon’ was absolutely lovely from the second we met her. So pleasant with a lovely manner and very knowledgeable about everything Agatha Christie. Our tour with her over to Burgh Island was informative and fun and I cannot recommend you booking with her enough. A wonderful experience. Thank you.Damijana Rašl15 April 2026We had an absolutely wonderful experience on tour to Burgh Island! Our visit to Burgh Island was truly special, and everything was perfectly organized. Maira was an exceptional guide — incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating anecdotes that really brought the area to life. She went above and beyond by also showing us around Torquay and taking us to the charming village of Cockington, which made the day even more memorable. We genuinely had such a fantastic time and would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and enriching experience.Melanie13 April 2026Had an amazing two days with Maria aka Miss Lemon 😀 She escorted me to Greenways on the one day and Burgh Island for an amazing tea on the other day. Maria was exceptionally knowledgeable and so very kind and caring, and these two days were definitely the highlight of my trip. She made sure that everything ran smoothly, and l will definitely be booking other tours with her next year when l return and am already planning this. Thank you again the most amazing Miss Lemon 🍋Fiona Hawthorn26 March 2026From the moment of first contact Maria (Miss Lemon) was the epitome of efficiency and helpfulness. She was incredibly responsive and went over and above to help not only with details of the tours but also travel arrangements, restaurant and hotel recommendations and even assisted with some onward travel due to confusion over tide times! Our Queen of Crime tour started in Torquay with the brilliant Graham and despite the good old British Weather we had the most engaging and informative morning. We were then met by Miss Lemon and whisked off to Cockington the inspiration for St Mary Mead for tea and scones and more walking, stories, facts and fun. This tour is a must for any Christie enthusiast and we would love to come back and try some of the other tours. Massive thanks to Miss Lemon (and a plea to organise the rest of my life please!) If you are thinking of booking, don't hesitate!Amanda Sebestyen28 February 2026Marvellous Miss Lemon -- aka Maria! What a great experience for an Agatha Christie fanatic like me, to learn so much more and visit beautiful places which I could never have seen otherwise . I knew that Greenway House was 'the loveliest place in the world' , but never realised that it was full of treasures which the whole family had collected. It was never dark or overcrowded, full of light everywhere. Primroses all along the path outside , and fresh flowers everywhere inside the house. Miss Lemon was there to tell me so many things I might have missed, like sending me back to read 'Dead Man's Folly' which is actually set in a fictional Greenway --- it's amazing how Agatha has you laughing out loud at all the social comedy of the garden party and then takes you somewhere much darker. Thanks to Maria I also visited the bookshop and found Charles Osborne's 'The Life & Crimes of Agatha Christie' as well as some lovely gifts. We then went to Pockington, the village that inspired Miss Marple's St Mary Mead. Stunning thatched cottages and a beautiful park. Winding up with a drive round Torquay itself, to see buildings where Agatha worked as a nurse and then as a dispenser with a pharmacy of poisons and medicines which she came to know so well... This was far beyond anything I could have expected, and I really am so grateful for all Maria's intelligent thought and care. Being physically unfit, the personal shaping of this tour to my needs was an extra bonus. Many many thanks!
Details & Itinerary
Torre Abbey is exquisite and full of treasures showing its 800 years of history. The gardens hold a hidden gem, a garden dedicated to Agatha’s poisonous plants which delight and frighten equally! Today should include lunch at the Imperial Hotel, where Poirot and Hastings once sat and talked with Magdala “Nick” Buckley (Peril at End House). The hotel was also visited by Miss Marple (Body in the library). Miss Lemon will be delighted to share these wonderful venues and stories.
So much to do so little time! As we move onwards to Torquay Museum for the afternoon, where the only permanent Agatha Christie Gallery can be found, amazing images from the family archive, costumes from television series, even the silver swan walking stick used by David Suchet for over 20 years as he portrayed Poirot. Step inside Poirot’s study and lounge, with its art deco style.
After all this excitement during your first few days maybe it’s time to spend a few hours relaxing in one our many spas, as you are aware by now Miss Lemon can arrange it all.
Pricing
- Price from £225 for up to two people
- Includes entry to Torre Abbey and Torquay Museum
- Includes Miss Lemon as travel companion
- Refreshments and meals not included
Schedule
What You Should Bring
Best Times for This Excursion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you collect me from an airport or railway station?
Yes absolutely, in fact we would love to do so, as it gives us chance to get to know each other before our wonderful custom days out.
Do you mix groups of travellers?
No, this is very much a private tour, custom made and tailored for single or duo travellers. We want you to write your own travel story and so exclusivity is really important to us.
Can I bring a dog?
Well behaved dogs are welcome on walks, but unfortunately, we can’t transport them in our own vehicle. Some venues and attractions also do not allow dogs (other than guide dogs), so please do chat to us before booking with English Riviera Custom Tours.
Can you arrange my accommodation?
While we ask you to book directly, we are very happy to offer guidance and suggestions using our extensive local knowledge. We also work closely with some providers and ask you mention English Riviera Custom Tours at the time of booking, to ensure you receive any preferential rates.
Can I book all year round?
Absolutely! The English Riviera has a mild climate and benefits from some of the best weather anywhere in the UK. There are some attractions and venues that operate with more opening times through the high season, but we are an all year round destination and welcome guests throughout the year.
I am thinking of hiring a car, can you help me with that?
We can certainly provide information for local car hire.
Do I need special walking clothes and equipment?
While we say no, obviously we ask you to consider your footwear for our lovely walks. The English Riviera coastline is stunning and every opportunity to see crystal clear waters and our rich geological landscape cannot be missed. So comfortable and appropriate clothing is essential. We can provide walking poles if needed. The Dartmoor chapter is probably the most important to consider layers of clothing, as it can change so quickly on the rugged moors.
Do I need to be a very good walker?
For most of our walks, no. We consider all the practical elements (including toilet stops) and terrain and so will assess your booked tours in advance for you. Some of the coastal walks have some undulating terrain and so a reasonable level of walking ability is needed. If you are unsure before choosing your custom tour, please ask.
I am driving to the area, what are the roads like and the parking?
Devon has more roads than any other UK county ( fun fact!) and while we have plenty of great major roads, some of our country roads can be a little challenging for first time users. Reversing skills need to be honed! Greenway House only allows prebooked parking – but all other attractions here on the English Riviera have good parking facilities. But do not worry, Miss Lemon will ensure you have all the info you require for each adventure.
What’s the weather like?
Well everyone knows we British are obsessed with the weather, so Miss Lemon will keep you updated on whether you need your suncream or your winter woollies, so do not fear! After all, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
I’ve heard of wild swimming, what is it?
Really it is just a posh name for sea swimming, but we do take it very seriously here on the English Riviera. Both Miss Lemons are seasoned all year round swimmers and so are very safety conscious and aware of the power of the sea. But if you’d like to give it a go, we suggest a sunrise swim for the most perfect start to the day. Let us custom make your day and maybe add a swim every morning – you might just love it!
I would love to find some great eateries, can you help me with this?
Definitely! We are happy to make bookings and recommendations and have some really great places to eat on the English Riviera. There really is something for everyone and we might even share some of our best kept secrets!
Have you got a question we haven’t thought of? Please drop us a note and ask us, Miss Lemon is here to take care of your every need.