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The Queen of Crime Waves

Guided

View profile
Matt

Agatha Christie regularly swam at beaches across the English Riviera – she described it as ‘one of the joys of her life’

There is no one better qualified than Matt Newbury to host a tour that takes his guests to Agatha’s favourite beaches in Torquay. Not only is he the Creative Director of the Agatha Christie Festival, Matt’s also written numerous books on wild swimming, which can be viewed by clicking here

This tour takes guests to Beacon Cove, once the Ladies Only beach in Torquay and onto the Gentlemen’s Only bathing beach at Peak Tor Cove. The third beach is Meadfoot, with its dramatic landscape, where guests will have a chance to swim and enjoy refreshments at Meadfoot cafe, before heading to Ansteys Cove, a cherished spot during her youth, for an alfresco lunch and maybe a second dip. From there, guests have the option to walk back to Torquay harbour, or take the bus.

Along the route, Matt will recount Agatha’s passion for sea swimming and how the English Riviera’s coastline inspired many of her books…..and interspersed with this, he’ll also talk about his favourite beaches which appear in his books.

Hear how a swimming incident at Beacon Cove nearly cost Agatha her life
Follow the extraordinary South West Coast Path with its awesome coastal vistas.
Learn how beach huts were created and why women wore full length woollen costumes 100 years ago
Discover how Matt researches his books and which beaches he’d recommend for the ultimate swimming experience

NOTE: This walk is only suitable for guests over 18 years

Date list

Date: The Queen of Crime Waves - 13 June - 10 am
Tickets coming soon

Book your tickets

A £2 BOOKING FEE will be applied by the English Riviera Walking Festival per booking and the ticket price includes VAT

Payment can also be made by phoning 01803 211211

Cost

£15.00 per person

Distance

4 miles

Duration

4 hours

Start Time

Walks starts at 10am

Grade of Walk

Moderate

Meet location

English Riviera Visitor Information Centre
Vaughan Parade,
Torquay
TQ2 5JG

Nearest parking

Torquay Marina (TQ2 5EQ)
Fleet walk (TQ2 5EA)
Beacon Quay (TQ1 2BG)

Nearest bus stop

Number 12 or 22 bus to Golden Palms amusements on Cary Parade

Any other useful info

Bring swimwear and a towel
Guests must be 18 years and over

Facilities

Rest stops
Refreshments available
Toilets
Circular walk
Sturdy boots recommended
Takes in coastal scenery
Takes in woodland
Steps
Dogs on leads welcome

Reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Craig J 
 25/11/2025
 
 
  Excellent Agatha Christie walk
Would highly recommend this tour to anyone. Very informative and lots of interesting facts and information provided. Our tour lasted nearly 3 hours but done at a steady pace to suit everyone. Lots of interactions with the group and made to feel like you were just chatting with friends. Excellent value for money in my opinion. Will definitely look at other tours when next in Torquay.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   shapwicktwo 
 24/11/2025
 
 
  Brilliant
Absolutely fantastic .Surpassed our expectations. The weather was dire,rained throughout,but it didn,t detract on the fun and laughter.Just me and Bob plus Doodle Dog(not a fan of the rain) Graham gave us the option of cancelling but what the heck we were on holiday; as we were the captive audience we did the skits ourselves like being back at school ,fooling around .Bob got into the spirit straight away with "I,m A Lumber-jack" duet with Graham. Where did the two hours go? Found out all about the sit-com and the characters We are of an age to remember the series very well ,but found out really quirky details un beknown to us .Agatha Christie had a look in as well.....Please don,t hesitate to share your memories with Graham and like minded fans, Top-Notch....Just don,t mention the War!!!!!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Max 
 27/10/2025
 
 
  Great!
This tour was very entertaining, humorous and informative! The best guided tour I've been through so far! Everything perfect!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dean F 
 08/10/2025
 
 
  Must do tour for Fawlty Towers fans
Went to Torquay especially to do Fawlty Towers experience.Graham our guide didn't disappoint. He was engaging, informative, funny and really made it a fun experience to remember.He involved us in some re-enactments that were hilarious.Thoroughly recommend this tour if you get chance to do, especially if you’re a Fawlty Towers fan, which we were.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   transporterdcc750 
 24/09/2025
 
 
  Great walking history tour
Did an Agatha Christie walking tour of Torquay with Graham, very friendly and knowledgeable on all matters plus history of the local area, started the 3 hr walking tour at the new Agatha Christie bench with photos and then off we went. Easy to find outside the Toursit information office, parking nearby and plenty of cafes locally
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Piein F 
 19/09/2025
 
 
  Agatha Christie Walking Tour
Great tour - aprox 3 hours packed with information. Easy walk visiting places of interest around central Torquay. Graham has lots of knowledge and interesting photo opportunities. Friendly guide.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rich 
 13/09/2025
 
 
  Fawlty Towers fun tour.
A fun experience, a great group on the tour. Enjoyed hearing the facts about party towers and toky from Graham. Me and my mum Thora would highly recommend doing tour.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Amy T 
 07/09/2025
 
 
  Agatha Christie walking tour
Excellent guide. My wife and I aren’t even big Agatha Christie fans but we found the tour very interesting and will now be going to the library to read an Agatha Christie murder mystery.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Bev S 
 03/09/2025
 
 
  A fun 2 hours
Graham Fawlty was excellent, his knowledge was very comprehensive,It was a fun 2 hours reminiscing about Fawlty Towers
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Susan T 
 02/09/2025
 
 
  Agatha Christie's Extraordinary Life Walking Tour - Torquay
The walking tour was of a very high standard, with a fully informative narrative and fun facts along the way, including props to enhance the experience. Graham was a top tour guide who we will definitely recommend to family and friends. I am sure we will book ourselves in again soon.