Saturday 19th September 2026

Tina Hodgkinson: Agatha Christie's London


The Agatha Christie Festival are delighted to welcome back Festival friend Tina Hodgkinson to talk about her new book Agatha Christie's London: A Historical Guide to the Queen of Crime's Capital.

Agatha Christie's connections with London go back to her childhood when she would visit on extended holidays to her Auntie Grannie and, as an adult, she owned several homes in the city. A reoccurring location in her stories, the capital is where Poirot and Hastings, and Tommy and Tuppence reside, and even Miss Marple cannot resist visiting its department stores. Tina's talk explores Agatha's London; where she lived, where the Detection Club met and many of the places frequented by both Agatha and her characters.

Tina Hodgkinson is the author of Agatha Christie's London: A Historical Guide to the Queen of Crime's Capital, a public speaker specialising in Agatha Christie and London history, and a member of the Crime Writers' Association. A City of London and City of Westminster tour guide, who in 2014, created a series of Agatha Christie's London walking tours. She is employed at The London Archives, the UK's second largest public archive.

Website: tinahodgkinson.com

Instagram: tina_hodgkinson

Gallery

Venue: Spanish Barn, Torre Abbey


Accessibility

There is a drop-off point and limited parking within the grounds for disabled visitors. Entry to the Spanish Barn is relatively level, but there are a few cobble stones to cross, before entering the completely flat interior. We have space for wheelchairs, although if you let us know in advance, we can ensure that there is ample dedicated space for the number of wheelchair users. We have again raised the height of the main stage this year, so that guest speakers can easily be seen and have a hearing loop in the front half of the Barn nearest the stage. We also have two TV screens midway down the barn screening what is happening on the stage. There is a disabled toilet available to the rear of the Spanish Barn.

If you have any particular access requirements or enquiries, do please get in touch and we will do whatever we feasibly can to accommodate you. Please email admin@iacf-uk.org

Getting there

Getting to the venue

The Spanish Barn is in the grounds of Torre Abbey. This is on Torquay seafront and walkable from most hotels in the area. It is also right next to Torquay Train Station.

Parking

There is no parking in the grounds of Torre Abbey except for disabled parking. The nearest car park is Torre Valley - Torbay Council. This is a five-minute walk from the Spanish Barn.

Toilets

Toilets are available to the rear of the Spanish Barn for the duration of the Literary Festival.

Inside the Spanish Barn

Whilst we only have one evening event in the Spanish Barn this year, it can get cold so please dress with this in mind.

Food and Drink

The cafe at Torre Abbey is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am till 4pm and is dog friendly.

A short 10-minute walk away from the Spanish Barn are a variety of cafes, bars and takeaways.

Dogs

Dogs, except for assistance dogs, are not allowed in the Spanish Barn.

If you have any further questions, please email admin@iacf-uk.org

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