Virtual Agatha Christie & Dorothy L. Sayers – the Virtual Tour
Adult: £10 · Students & Seniors: £10 · Children: £10
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 January 2025 | Special | 7 pm | 8 pm | Winter | |
| 30 March 2025 | Special | 7 pm | 8 pm | Winter |
The London of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers
Short read: On the trail of Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple and Lord Peter Wimsey
Long read: Agatha Christie was born 130 years ago on September 15th 1890 and became the most successful author in the Golden Age of detective fiction. Dame Agatha and that other Queen of Crime, Dorothy L Sayers, chose St James’s and Mayfair as the heart of their detectives’ London.
This virtual tour follows the trail of Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence, Lord Peter Wimsey, Harriet Vane and the ever-reliable Bunter. We start at Piccadilly Circus where Poirot emerged from an uncomfortable tube journey, where Lord Peter bought a newspaper at the start of a most baffling case, and where Tommy Beresford observed that everyone was bound to turn up eventually. We visit: the street where two murderers lived (one caught by Poirot, one unmasked by Wimsey); the theatre which provided a vital clue for Miss Marple; the square where Bobby Jones disguised himself to swap cars in ‘Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?
And the exact spot where fate brought Tommy and Tuppence together again after the Great War. Where did the murderess switch identities in ‘Lord Edgware Dies’? What is the most likely candidate for Bertram’s Hotel, and where was the Bellona Club? We track down the Mayfair addresses of those two mysterious ladies: Mrs Vandermeyer in ‘The Secret Adversary’ and Mrs Forrest in ‘Unnatural Death’. And of course try to fathom out just where Poirot really lived! Written and presented by actor and acclaimed audiobook narrator Richard Burnip.
Want more walks like this? Check out our other literary tours of London.
Dean Hennings –
As fans of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie, we decided to do this virtual walk, hosted by the indispensable Richard Burnip. This was a zoom call, so we were able to interact with Richard and see the other guests on our computer. Richard has done his homework, in crafting an outstanding narrative, excellently delivered. What especially impressed me is his thorough knowledge of Sayers and Christie. I asked several questions about both of these amazing authors and the relative quality of some of the various screen adaptations, and I can honestly say I didn’t ask a single question that Richard wasn’t able to answer with great authority and insight. I would love to do the walk in person someday, but until then, this was tremendous!
Heidi Wagner –
I signed up for this walk just to check out how the virtual walks were done; honestly doubtful that it could be engaging being delivered in this manner. Lucky for me, Richard did an exceptional job! The stories and how he relates the city/locations to the books is excellent! True, you aren’t literally out walking in the footsteps of the characters, but that made it possible to hear every word, and make notes of places to visit when able. I admit I wasn’t familiar with Sayers, but have since purchased some of her books and am working my way through. She is a delightful author. I hope to take this virtual tour again! I highly recommend this tour for anyone: it’s easily done from the comfort of your home, just the right length, and fascinating for any Christie fan!
Susan Baron –
This walk was offered in person on April 14, 2022, and it was fun and informative. Richard IV is an engaging and entertaining guide. I highly recommend this walk!