Bristol - West End & Hippodrome

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Bristol West End and Hippodrome, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Sherbert Homes solve Dr John Hardman's cold case by following his clues around Bristol West End and working out who the missing victim was and what evidence links him to the crime.

The investigation covers approximately 1.6 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at the eastern edge of College Green, outside the Marriott Royal Hotel, then work through pedestrianised gardens, hilly parkland at Brandon Hill, narrow cobbled streets and wide avenues around Bristol's West End before finishing back at College Green.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. There are some steep hills, narrow cobbled streets and busy roads to cross, and the route is very steep at times.

There are very busy roads to navigate, plus other road crossings on the way through Bristol, so use designated crossings and keep Mini Detectives close while the case unfolds.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at the eastern edge of College Green, outside the Marriott Royal Hotel (BS1 5TA). Parking options include a nearby meter, or Harbourside multi-storey car park (BS1 5LF).

By public transport: Make your way to the eastern edge of College Green, outside the Marriott Royal Hotel, to begin the case. This is a circular route that finishes back at College Green.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available in the Central Library around Clue 04 and near Cabot Tower around Clue 09, giving Detectives a couple of useful comfort-stop opportunities as the evidence trail climbs through the West End.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route includes pedestrianised gardens, hilly parkland, steep sections, narrow cobbled streets and very busy roads, so keep canine colleagues close around traffic, crossings and the steeper parts of the route.

Food & Drink Stops

Cold-case work is hungry business. There are plenty of places to pick up provisions along the way, and the route is great for picnics if you'd rather bring your own supplies.

The route also passes the oldest pub in Bristol, The Hatchet, adding a historic refreshment stop to the investigation.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Brandon Hill Nature Park

The Trail takes you into Brandon Hill Nature Park, following the right fork path up the hill and on to the black iron gates before continuing to the tower area. With wildflower meadows, woodland and plenty of fresh air, it's a cracking place to slow the pace once the clue-chasing eases off.

Cabot Tower

Cabot Tower stands 105ft tall on a site once occupied by a chapel in the Middle Ages and a windmill in the 16th century. Built in the 1890s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's discovery of the New World, it has recently been restored and has 106 spiral steps to the top for views, if it is open.

The Georgian House

Opposite the route stands The Georgian House, now a museum but once home to John Pinney, a wealthy merchant and trader, and his servant Pero, after whom the bridge across the harbour is named. It's a strong extra stop for Detectives who like their investigations with a side of Bristol history.

The Bristol Hippodrome

When it first opened in 1912, the Bristol Hippodrome featured a vast water-tank beneath the stage for aquatic shows and a central vacuum system hidden within the walls. Its dome can still open to the night sky, and nautical motifs decorate the interior, reflecting Bristol's seafaring heritage.

The Hatchet

The route stops at the oldest pub in Bristol, The Hatchet, where a plaque in the seating area tells the story of The Bristol Boys - five local lads who practised and competed in bare-knuckle boxing in the early 19th century. They were celebrated as Bristol heroes of their time and were even followed by the King.