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
joy unterlander11 July 2024We can't say enough wonderful things about our tour to beautiful Burgh Island. We had an absolutely fantastic time driving through Devon's beautiful country side to wonderful Burgh Island. We enjoyed a scrumptious afternoon tea at the hotel, visited the centuries old Pilchard Inn dating back to the 1300s, rode the sea tractor during the high tide, all thanks to the delightful and very efficient Miss Lemon, can't wait to return next year. Thank you so very much Miss Lemon 🍋 ♥️Sandra Gittins6 July 2024We were so lucky to travel to Burgh Island with Miss Lemon x 2. Maria & Julie ensured that we had a day to remember. The Island itself was magical with a delicious tea at the hotel. It was like we had stepped into the pages of a book ourselves. The ladies were great company and had lots of fun information for us. It was a very special experience.Akiko Goda30 June 2024I am from Tokyo Japan visited Engliand for the first time in June 2024. Miss Lemon's tour guide was extraordinally superb. I usually travel by myself, but I truly recommend their guided tour when you visit Torquay or you come for Agatha Christie. I guarantee you a wonderful time with these two efficient and thoughtful ladies!Jeanne Mailhot13 June 2024I did a custom day tour of the Moors and Burgh Island (including the lovely tea). I absolutely adore my day and the great company. The day was organized around my wishes and corresponded perfectly to what I had imagined. A splendid day exploring the sceneries my favorite author wrote in. The communication was very clear and helpful from the first email to the trip day. Thank you very much Julie and Maria.Helen Lanzrein13 May 2024Miss Lemon, not Hercule Poirot's secretary, but at least as clever, efficient and supportive as her. They provided us with loads of valuable nd cool tips, and we had great fun visiting Greenway House together ❤️ Would definitely recommend!Martin27 March 2024We were lucky enough to be able to join the Introduction to the Queen of Crime tour with the two Miss Lemons, this tour takes place in Cockington and we learnt so much about the history and its links with St Mary Mead, Miss Marple and Agatha Christie. We were given plenty of time to explore the shops and makers at Cockington as well. We’d highly recommend this tour and will definitely be booking ourselves onto more of the chapters we’ve found on their website!Julia27 March 2024I have just been on the Cockington tour with the Miss Lemon duo What a fabulous experience Cockington is an amazing place just as the tour describes and the history and fun facts delivered by Miss Lemon are brilliant It was a great experience and would highly recommend this tour
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.