Did you know that Agatha Christie, the author of bestselling detective novels, was a devoted dog lover? Her first dog was a Yorkshire Terrier named George Washington, it was a birthday present from her father.
‘On my fifth birthday, I was given a dog. It was the most shattering thing that ever happened to me; such unbelievable joy, that I was unable to say a word’ (Agatha Christie, An Autobiography).
Another of Agatha’s dogs, a wire-haired terrier Peter, helped her get through the difficult divorce from her first husband, Archie Christie. Agatha Christie was a prolific author, she published 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, and she often featured dogs in her books. So bring your dog along and let’s visit some dog-friendly places related to Agatha Christie’s life and writing career.
1. Dog-friendly Greenway, the holiday home of Agatha Christie in Devon.
Greenway House in Devon became Agatha Christie’s holiday home in 1938. This is a white Georgian house on the hill with gardens and woodland sweeping down to the river Dart. The place where Agatha spent summers and Christmas Day with her nearest and dearest.
The house she called ‘the loveliest place in the world’, became an inspiration for the Mother of Crime and was featured in some of her novels. Agatha Christie and her husband lived in Greenway house until their death, then Greenway was occupied by her daughter. In 2000, Greenway House was acquired by the National Trust and is now open to the public. Inside the house you can see lots of items collected by the family, including first editions of Agatha’s novels. There are also many copies of her books translated into different languages. The family’s large collection of 5000 books is displayed and stored in the library.
Greenway House and gardens are open every day (from the 15th February 2025), 10:30 – 17:00.
Admission fee is £17 (adult), £8.50 (children), or free for the National Trust members.
Greenway is a three pawprint rated place, so dogs are welcome everywhere in the garden and woodland areas, apart from the house.
2. Dog-friendly Bassenthwaite Lake Station, an unforgettable dining experience in the Lake District.
One of the best-known novels of Agatha Christie is ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and there is a film of the same name and based on the novel, directed by Kenneth Branagh and starring Dame Judi Dench, Willem Dafoe, Penelope Cruz, Olivia Colman and Johnny Depp.
Movie lovers would be surprised to know that the very train from the film was bought by two enthusiastic entrepreneurs who successfully turned it into a restaurant in the Lake District. Bassenthwaite Lake Station is a popular place (advance booking is essential) that offers different dining options, including their famous and very generous afternoon tea. A great selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats is served to you alongside unlimited tea or coffee. We noticed everybody had doggy bags because it’s unrealistic to eat everything in one go!
The price for Standard Afternoon Tea is £35 per person or £20 for Childs Special Afternoon Tea.
A £15 per person deposit will be required at the time of booking for all afternoon teas.
Dogs are welcome in all areas and there are no dog-free areas. However, dogs and their owners must observe a Doggie Etiquette guidance.
3. Cockington, a charming village in Devon.
Cockington is a picturesque small village near Torquay, well-known for its pink thatched cottages. It is possible that the village was an inspiration to create a fictional hometown of Miss Marple in Agatha Christie’s novels. Agatha would also ride to Cockington by horse to catch up with the Mallock family, who were friends of hers.
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