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

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
10am meet at Torre Abbey (collection available if needed), King’s Drive Torquay TQ2 5JE. We will spend around 1.5 hours here before taking a gentle stroll to the Museum, approximately 1 mile away ( 30 minutes walk). It’s a lovely stroll along the promenade and reasonably flat with just the final few minutes up an incline. Lunch can be taken along the many fashionable cafes and restaurants along the route, Miss Lemon will be delighted to prebook any of your choice and make recommendations. With an afternoon at the museum, this day will end around 3pm.
What You Should Bring
Nothing! Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket just in case and a water bottle if you desire. We will take care of the rest.
Best Times for This Excursion
Both venues are open all year round, but do operate on shorter weeks during the low season. So let us know when you hope to visit and we will customize your chapter tours for you to suit.
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.

Interested in this tour? If you would like to book or need more information, please get in touch with us below.

Contact Miss Lemon