Greenway, Galmpton, Brixham, Devon
Greenway near Brixham was Agatha Christie’s Devon holiday home and is now owned and looked after by the National Trust, so you know what to expect – a beautiful Georgian house with fascinating collections, a homely café, gift shop, second hand book shop and gorgeous gardens, in this case, sloping gently down to the banks of the River Dart.
Agatha Christie thought Greenway ‘the loveliest place in the world’ and it’s easy to see why she so enjoyed spending her holidays here. Go inside and step back to the 1950s, see the family collections amassed from their travels around the world; in the drawing room is the author’s Steinway piano and toys from her childhood, in the library there are over 5,000 books. Look out for the skull tobacco jar, the shell picture and the rare lobster serving bowl that often took pride of place at Greenway dinner parties.
Then stroll around the walled gardens and the woodlands, explore the riverside paths, see the camellias and the fernery, sit for a moment on one of the benches or deckchairs to enjoy the river views, wave to the little boats that pass. Round off your trip with a browse in the book shop and tea and cake in the café or, if it’s summer and the sun is shining, get an ice cream from the 1950s inspired parlour. A lovely day out.
Opening times vary throughout the year so you’d be wise to check the website.
T: 01803 842382 All information correct at the time of writing