Greenway

Greenway is a Georgian house overlooking the River Dart near Kingswear, known as the holiday home of crime writer Agatha Christie. The house remains largely as Christie’s family left it, filled with belongings, books and decorative objects accumulated through generations. The National Trust manages the property and has deliberately preserved its lived-in character rather than creating a museum-style interior. Gardens slope down to the river through woodland and formal plantings.

The house and Christie connection

Agatha Christie bought Greenway in 1938 as a summer retreat for her family. The house and its boathouse appear in several of her novels, including Dead Man’s Folly and Five Little Pigs. Inside, rooms contain family furniture, Christie’s book collection, archaeological finds brought back by her husband Max Mallowan, and personal items including clothes and photographs. The National Trust has kept the house much as the family used it, giving the interior a relaxed, personal feel distinct from more formal historic houses.

Christie memorabilia is limited, as Greenway was primarily a family home rather than a writer’s workplace. Visitors interested in her writing process or detailed biography may find other Christie-related sites more informative. Greenway instead shows how Christie lived when away from her writing desk, and how the landscape inspired settings in her fiction.

Gardens and grounds

The gardens extend down the hillside from the house to the Dart, incorporating formal areas, woodland and naturalistic plantings. Magnolias, camellias and tender plants thrive in the mild climate near the river. A walled garden contains fruit, vegetables and flowers. Paths wind through the woodland, connecting different garden areas and leading to viewpoints over the river. The boathouse, which features in Dead Man’s Folly, sits at the water’s edge and can be seen from the garden paths, though interior access is limited.

A circular walk through the garden and woodland takes around an hour, with steeper sections and steps in places. The terrain is uneven and can be muddy. Shorter routes remain closer to the house for those wanting less demanding walks. The riverside location and woodland create a sheltered environment with different plants thriving here compared to more exposed coastal sites.

Access and booking

All visitors must book a timed entry slot in advance, either through the National Trust website or by phoning 01803 842382. The property has strict capacity limits and walk-up entry is not available. National Trust members enter free but must still book. Booking typically opens several weeks in advance and slots fill quickly during school holidays.

Greenway has minimal car parking and the National Trust strongly encourages visitors to arrive by ferry, bus or on foot. Regular ferries run from Dartmouth and Torquay, calling at Greenway Quay from where a short uphill walk reaches the house. A vintage bus service connects with Paignton. These sustainable access options are promoted as part of the Greenway experience. If driving is essential, book a parking space when you book your house ticket, as spaces are very limited and require separate reservation.