Greenway, Dartmouth, Devon
Step into the 1950s and the land of Devonshire cream teas at Greenway, the much-loved holiday home of Agatha Christie, the nation’s favourite crime writer.
Greenway, Agatha Christie’s holiday home in Dartmouth, Devon
For food lovers and curious travellers, Greenway offers a day out rich in nostalgia. With book titles like ‘The Adventures of the Christmas Pudding and Other Entrees’ and ‘Black Coffee’; dipping into the world of Agatha Christie is a delicious treat. Discover her love of picnics, family celebrations, cream and local Devon produce.
Go on a 1950s Summer Holiday
For Agatha Christie, Greenway, her holiday home in Devon was all about family time, eating and relaxation. Each morning would begin with tea and biscuits followed by breakfast and a gathering in the library to discuss the day’s activity. The family enjoyed playing croquet, tennis and clock golf. They also had a dressing up box of clothes (some are poignantly still hanging in Agatha’s bedroom).
Take a Peek at The Confessions Album
Make sure you look at the family ‘Confessions Album’. In 1954, Agatha wrote that her idea of happiness was ‘Sunshine and quietness’ and that her present state of mind was ‘Deeply happy’. Eating was clearly a very important holiday activity. ‘Fruit, lobster, ice-cream and roast beef’ were noted as her favourite foods.
Though the rain pours down there is always eating. Agatha Christie, An Autobiography 1977
See Her Tableware Collection
As you tour the house, you’ll see the collections that were gathered by the Christie family. In the winter dining room, the cupboards are literally piled high with dinner services, tea services, decorative china and domestic glass. Agatha kept a handwritten notebook listing all their purchases in great detail.
Travel to Greenway by steam train
Relax in a deck chair on the lawn
See How the Family Celebrated
Family celebrations including birthdays and Christmas were enjoyed at Greenway. Agatha’s 80th birthday was celebrated with a huge picnic on Dartmoor, followed by a grand dinner in the dining room at Greenway. They served Krug champagne and the dinner included her favourite dishes of hot lobster followed by blackberry ice-cream. Take a look on the side table and you’ll see her large ceramic lobster dish on display.
Enjoy a Devonshire Cream Tea
Eat lunch in Agatha Christie’s kitchen
Take Afternoon Tea in the courtyard café at Greenway
Eat Lunch in Agatha Christie’s Kitchen
If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or Thursday, treat yourself to lunch in Agatha’s actual kitchen with its high ceilings, stone-flagged floors and Aga (pre-booking required). Take a peek in the Butler’s Pantry to see the bottles left over from family parties, some bearing the signatures of guests.
Visit Agatha Christie’s Peach House
Picnic in the Grounds
Look Inside The Vinery and the Peach House
Green-fingered foodies will enjoy a wander around the extensive gardens with its nationally significant plant collection. Take a look at the Vinery and the Peach House, where delicious peaches and nectarines are grown. You can buy surplus produce from the garden for a small donation.
Do The Greenway Walk
Keen walkers can follow the six mile Greenway walk which leads you to the house from Torbay. There’s also a lovely walk back to Dartmouth via Kingswear with plenty of opportunities to pick blackberries en route so enthusiasts can re-create Agatha’s favourite ice-cream.
Admire the grapes in the Vinery
Walkers can do the Greenway Walk
TIPS
- If you’re staying in nearby Dartmouth, travel to Greenway by ferry. Tickets can be purchased from the National Trust Shop in the town
- Alternatively, board the steam train at Kingswear alighting at the new Greenway station on request
- Visit in October for the Dartmouth Food Festival or in September for the Agatha Christie Festival
Where To Stay in Devon
Dart Marina Hotel
Dartmouth, Devon
The Dart Marina Hotel offers stylish rooms and a luxury spa overlooking the River Dart.
Rooms from £150 a night.
Dogs
Keep me on a lead and you can take me for a lovely walk in the gardens. They have water bowls for me in the courtyard. It’s assistance dogs only in the house though.
How To Find Greenway
National Trust, Greenway Estate, Greenway Rd, near Brixham, Devon TQ5 0ES
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.