Barton-under-Needwood - Parks & Marina

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Barton-under-Needwood Parks & Marina, with Detectives helping Chief Superintendent Ivanta Crackadiscase follow the route, sift the evidence, crack the clues and work out who was behind the collapse of craft ale entrepreneur Maltby Hopper at the Artisan Market.

The investigation covers approximately 2.4 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You'll begin at Barton Marina Waterfront complex, explore marina buildings before heading out on foot, investigate Collinson Park, pass through Barton-under-Needwood village centre, search around St James' Church and the churchyard, cross a large field where you may glimpse Barton Hall over to the right, then loop back towards the marina buildings near your squad car.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes two stiles, a large field to cross, narrow paths, stretches without pavement, gates to negotiate and some overgrown path sections in summer. There is also a bog area off the path, so keep to the route and watch your footing.

There are several lakes along the route, so stick to the paths and stay away from the water's edge at all times. Main Street is very busy in places, cars also use Potters Way, and you'll pass Holland Sports Club near the end of the case.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at Barton Marina Waterfront complex (DE13 8AS), using ///known.water.tolerable. Park your squad car in the large shoppers' car park behind the main buildings, also using ///known.water.tolerable. You're on foot from the start, and the circular route ends back at the marina buildings near your squad car.

By public transport: Make your way to Barton Marina Waterfront complex to begin the investigation. Once the evidence has been gathered and the culprit narrowed down, the circular route brings you back to the marina buildings.

Need the Loo?

Detectives can make a comfort stop at the beginning of the route and again near Clue 09, so there are handy opportunities before the case heads deeper into the village and fields.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation, but keep your sniffer dogs supervised and make sure they don't run off ahead looking for clues. 🐾

The route includes lakes, two stiles, a large field, narrow paths, gates, stretches without pavement, a bog area off the path and sections that can become overgrown in summer. Keep dogs under control throughout, especially near the water's edge, Main Street and Potters Way.

Food & Drink Stops

Clue-cracking is thirsty work, and there are refreshment stops scattered throughout the route. Snack shops can be found near Clue 09, and there's a pub on Main Street where a green plaque about the Domesday can be found.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, there's a perfect picnic spot with a play park for smaller members of the team at Clue 05.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Barton Marina Waterfront complex

The case begins and ends at Barton Marina Waterfront complex, making it an easy place to add extra time before or after the investigation. You'll start among the marina buildings, and the route text also mentions a great place to view films and have a meal in this area.

Collinson Park

Collinson Park is a brilliant mid-case breather for family Detectives. The route takes you into the park, where there is a perfect picnic spot and a play park for younger children - ideal for letting smaller sleuths burn off some suspect-chasing energy.

St James' Church

The investigation passes through St James' Churchyard, where the tower has some intriguing details of its own. Look out for the crown above two doves and a skull with the face vanished - the route links this to damage done during the English Civil War, when Parliamentarian soldiers often 'de-faced' carvings they disliked.

Barton-under-Needwood village centre

The village centre adds a hefty dose of history to the case. Barton-under-Needwood began as a Saxon settlement and appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, and it sits beside the former Royal Forest of Needwood, once a vast hunting chase for nobles pursuing deer and boar.