Queen of Crime Waves

Wednesday 14th May 2025

Did you know Agatha Christie was a regular sea swimmer throughout 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 water swimming https://www.waterstones.com/author/matt-newbury/1702498

This tour takes guests to Beacon Cove, once the Ladies Only beach in Torquay and onto the Gentleman’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.

Along the route, Matt will recount Agatha’s passion for sea swimming and how Torbay’s beaches inspired many of her novels….. and interspersed with this, he’ll also share the locations of his favourite beaches that inspired his books.

Hear how an incident at Beacon Cove nearly cost Agatha her life.

Follow the extraordinary South West Coast Path with its awesome vistas.

Learn about the history of sea bathing – for instance, how beach huts were created and why women wore full length woollen costumes 100 years ago.

Find out Matt researches his novels and which beaches he’d recommend for the ultimate swimming experience

Guests must be 18 years and over

4 miles - 4 hours

Walks starts at 10am

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

Find Out More
English Riviera Website