Visiting Agatha Christie’s Greenway by boat
Could there be a grander way to arrive at your holiday home than by boat? This is one of three ways you can visit Agatha Christie’s Greenway – her Devon hideaway. I think a ferry ride up the River Dart is my favourite, just a touch in front of taking the steam train from Kingswear or Paignton, and miles ahead of making the journey by car.
We visited Greenway by boat from the historic maritime town of Dartmouth, which is just a half an hour ferry ride away.
Greenway by boat from Dartmouth
Boarding the Christie Belle ferry boat at Dartmouth Town Pontoon I couldn’t help but be a tad disappointed that we’d picked a damp, grey day to make our trip up the Dart. On a sunny day the pastel coloured houses of Kingswear on the opposite side of the river and the views of Britannia Royal Naval College up the hill are awesome.
As it was they looked a little duller but just as scenic. We didn’t let the drizzle deter us and sat on the top deck of the ferry so we got the best possible views.
On your way up the river you are treated to commentary about the wildlife found on the River Dart. We’ve made the trip plenty of times and have spotted Kingfishers, Atlantic seals and mandarine ducks (escapees from a private collection). You also see points of interest like the ancient village of Stoke Gabriel and another colourful riverside village, Dittisham, which is opposite Greenway Quay – your destination.
The ferry ride is over all too soon and you have a few hours to look around Greenway, which is a National Trust property.
Things to do at Greenway with kids
There’s a 10 minute uphill trot from the Quay to Greenway House and gardens – maybe a bit longer with toddling kids or a pushchair as the path is through woodland with steps. If you’d prefer to save yourself for a walk around the gardens then you can take a shuttle transport up to the house. Ask at the kiosk on the Quay if the vehicle isn’t already there.
Greenway is a Georgian built house that the Queen of Crime bought before the Second World War. She lived not far down the road in Torquay but fell in love with the property overlooking the South Hams famously saying it was ‘the loveliest place in the world’. Christie filled her beloved house with curiosities and finds from her husband’s archeological digs. Now looked after by the National Trust, it stands as a fabulous memorial to her literary prowess and his expeditions.
It’s every Agatha Christie fan’s dream to wander from room to room looking at the hoard of memorabilia. But I would caution against thinking these marvels will keep very young children amused for long. In fact, Tin Box Tot and Baby couldn’t have cared less that Christie used to entertain her family and friends with the plot of her latest masterpiece within these walls. Luckily for me and our literature loving friend who was staying with us for the weekend, Mr Tin Box took them outside to burn off some energy.
For older children there are two house trails: one themed around the animals to be found among the trinkets and another which challenges kids to spot items on Agatha’s packing list for an expedition with her husband.
Outside there’s a garden trail, lawn games and a walk down to the boat house where you can find a cannon.
Tips for visiting Agatha Christie’s Greenway by boat
- The ferry leaves Dartmouth’s Town Pontoon for Greenway Quay and Dittisham on the opposite side of the River Dart.
- Tickets can be bought online in advance or there are ticket booths at either end of Dartmouth’s Boat Float opposite Lloyds Bank and the National Trust shop.
- If you are visiting in the summer season use the Dartmouth park and ride as parking in town is extremely limited.
- The ferry runs every day from March to October (check the website for exact dates towards the end of the season) with up to eight departures from Dartmouth.
- Dogs are allowed on the ferry and in the gardens at Greenway. They are not allowed in the house.
We paid £8.50 for adult return tickets (15 years +) and £6.50 for child return tickets (4 – 14 years). We are National Trust members so did not pay extra to go into Greenway House and gardens. Entry costs £11.60 for adults and £5.80 for children. Family tickets are available. Check the website for full details on ticket prices and opening times.
Visiting Greenway: ferry or car?
We’d definitely recommend visiting Greenway by boat if you are staying on the South Hams side of the River Dart. It’s a fun way to travel that turns a visit to what is an intriguing yet small and less toddler-friendly National Trust property into a lovely family day out. If you’re coming from the Torquay side then consider taking the steam train from Paignton. Parking at Greenway is limited and must be booked in advance.
If you’re interested in taking a boat from Dartmouth all the way up the River Dart to Totnes then take a look at our day on the Round Robin Tour with Dartmouth Steam Railway:
More things to do around Dartmouth with kids
If you’re in the Dartmouth area for a few days or longer check out my list of things to do in Dartmouth with kids.
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This is a lovely place! I read all of Agatha’s books when I was in my teens 🙂 How could anyone not long to visit this place after reading it?
#MondayEscapes
You would love a day out there then!
I’m not a huge Agatha Christie fan, but the house actually looks like something I might like. And there are colorful houses in England 🙂 #mondayescapes
beatravelling recently posted…Cardiff at the Waterfront
It’s an amazing house. There’s something curious everywhere you look!
I’m a big fan of Agatha Christie! I’d love to go here, such a great idea for a day trip #mondayescapes
You’d love it as a fan!
If there’s a choice between car and boat, boat always wins! Though I’m pretty tempted by the steam train too. Lovely way to make a National Trust property visit even better. #MondayEscapes
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The train is great. We’ve travelled on the line past Greenway many times but haven’t gotten off there.
I love a good Agatha Christie murder, I must visit this place! And the arrival sounds perfect. #Mondayescapes
It’s a must-visit for fans!
Oh wow, this is just the kind of place I could spend hours! I would feel so inspired being there. 🙂
#Mondayescapes
Yes, imagine the story lines that have been created there!
that sounds like great fun I’ll have to add it to our list 🙂 #MondayEscapes
It’s a great day out for when you’re next this way.
That sounds like a really interesting trip! Also love the video at the end 😀 #MondayEscapes
Thanks for watching it. That was another great day out local to us in Devon.
Sounds like the perfect way to travel and as you say makes a dat of it #MondayEscapes
Nicky @ GoLiveYoung recently posted…Top 10 Things To Do In Jordan With Kids
Yes, it was a full day out and we all felt tired by the end 🙂
Oh this looks like a great little trip, my kids would love the boat trip and I would enjoy exploring the property and then history!
Yep, there’s something for everyone at Greenway. We’ll be back there for the Cadbury egg hunt at Easter 🙂
I read every single one of her books as a child and didn’t know this place existed so thanks for the introduction!
Hopefully you’ll get to visit one day 🙂
I remember it was a very drizzly day when we were in Dartmouth so we didn’t see Kingswear at its best either. We didn’t go to Grennway but I wish we had done, as I’d have loved to have seen all the interesting things that Agatha Christie had collected.
#mondayescapes
Trish @ Mum’s Gone To recently posted…Southwold in Suffolk is a wonderful winter warmer
Ah, it’s so rare that we have rain here, honest Trish ;). It’s a lovely place to come back to one day
It’s certainly a bit of adventure to get there and then you’re in a place where literary. magic took place. Would love to visit here #mondayescapes
It’s a really treat for book worms!
Those pink houses along the river – so adorable! I hadn’t heard of Greenway before but it makes me think of my dad, who loves Agatha Christie! #mondayescapes
I’d not heard of this place before, and was surprised to hear it was a National Trust property too, sounds like a really interesting place to visit #Mondayescapes
Devon is such a lovely place to explore! I have recently moved here and am thoroughly enjoying all the great opportunities for day trips. It’s wonderful to get a bit of history and culture right on your doorstep. I particularly love being in and around Dartmoor – it’s so great to feel like you’re really in the countryside. I would definitely recommend Devon as a place to live for anyone – we’ve got Agatha Christie, Dartmoor and much more!
We would definitely always choose the route that involves a boat! Nice to get out of the car and see the passing scenery and it affords such a different perspective of a place from the water! Looks just our speed. #MondayEscapes
This looks like such a great family trip. I am an avid reader and love visiting destinations related to books, movies, and music. The ferry ride to get there is a lovely bonus! #MondayEscapes
Cheryl / AdventureDawgs recently posted…The Weekend Guide to Myrtle Beach for Sports Fans
This is definitely somewhere you’d love – there’s lots of other Agatha Christie hot spots in Devon too!
What a fascinating place! I’ve just been rereading some of Agatha Christie’s novels. They are unique and so engaging. It would be such a treat to visit Greenway!
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It’s a wonderful place. We’re going back at Easter 🙂
This looks like a great day out. Im sure our boys would love the boat and exploring the house/grounds. Definitely one to add to the list if we are ever in the area #MondayEscapes
It didn;t occur to me that you could visit one of Agatha Christie’s houses. Cool! My daughter has just decided that she wants to be an explorer when she grows up, so I can imagine she’d get on quite well with the packing tour. I totally agree that it’s the boat trip lifts it above and beyond though!
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Devon is packed full of Agatha Christie related places. You have to visit 🙂
I have never really followed Agatha Christie odly being ladies of the same name but this looks so interesting I would love the history of it x
It’s a beautiful house Sarah. Your itchy camera finger would be going crazy!
I want to visit Agatha Christie’s house by boat!