Your chance to experience a themed Agatha Christie weekend. We will be staying at the Redcliffe Hotel in Paignton which is superbly positioned overlooking two sandy beaches. The Redcliffe lies within 3 acres of grounds with spectacular views across Torbay. Converted in 1904 from a private residence, many of its original features still abound, creating an atmosphere of luxury and elegance. Restaurant, 2 Lounges with views of the bay, Spa Bath, Gym, Sauna, Solarium, Putting Area.

Day 1: Today is all about exploration and sightseeing. We start by boarding a Dartmouth Steam Railway train at Paignton and enjoy a 30-minute journey to Kingswear, with breathtaking views of the coastline along the way. On arrival, we cross the River Dart on the foot passenger ferry to Dartmouth from where we join a 1-hour circular river cruise, passing amazing scenery, including Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Dittisham village and the Royal Britannia Naval College. From the cruise, we can also see Greenway House, Agatha Christie’s home from 1938 to 1976, which featured in several of her novels and which she described as “the most perfect” of the houses on the River Dart. On returning to Dartmouth, we retrace our steps to board our train and return to Paignton.

Day 2: We take a step back in time this morning with a visit to Torre Abbey. Founded in 1196, it is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the UK and today serves as a museum. The Abbey’s collection includes a wealth of incredible works of art, ranging from the 18th Century to the present day. There are lovely gardens to explore including the walled garden behind the main house. We enjoy a guided tour of the Potent Plants Garden. Inspired by Torquay’s most famous former resident, the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie, who had over half her characters poisoned, we discover just how much she knew about plant pharmacy, and how looks can be deceptive! Fans of the author have the chance to solve the mystery of the missing book titles by interpreting clues and plants in the four outside beds. We have the remainder of the day in Torquay at leisure.

Day 3: After breakfast, we say our farewells and start the return journey home. A stop for lunch and then a leisurely journey back to Blackmore Vale arriving late afternoon/early evening.

Included:

• 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Redcliffe Hotel, Paignton
• Complimentary drinks throughout your journey

Depart Stalbridge: 09:00
Return Stalbridge: 19:00 approx

All itineraries are approximate and subject to change