Durham - Historic Pubs

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Durham's historic pubs, with Detectives helping Detective Chief Inspector Pormea Notherwan investigate the suspicious death of Ivor Barrell, the much-loved publican at the Duck and Puddle, and identify who is behind the case before the culprit gets away.

The investigation covers 2.1 miles and should take approximately 2.5+ hours to complete. You'll begin in Market Place, examine historic pub fronts and signs around the city, pass the Durham Heritage Centre and Museum, cross Kingsgate Bridge and Elvet Bridge, pass Durham Prison, then finish back in the Market Place.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes cobbles, steps and steep sections, including a steep bank and steep steps, and the cobbles may be slippery when wet.

Busy traffic appears along the route, with several careful road crossings needed, so keep Mini Detectives close and stay alert while following the evidence.

Getting There

By car: Start the case at Market Place, Durham (DH1 3NJ), using ///snack.normal.values. The nearest parking for your squad car is at Prince Bishops car park (DH1 3UJ).

By public transport: The city's park and ride service drops you at the start of the crime scene in Market Place.

Need the Loo?

Plan ahead, Detectives - there are no public toilets along the route, so it is worth making a comfort stop before beginning the 2.5+ hour investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the case. 🐾

The route includes busy traffic, careful road crossings, cobbles, steps, steep sections, a steep bank and steep steps, so keep canine colleagues close throughout - especially if the cobbles are slippery when wet.

Food & Drink Stops

Investigating a suspicious pub-related death is thirsty work. There are plenty of pubs along the way, with lots of chances to grab snacks or stop for refreshments while you piece together the evidence.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Durham's Historic Pubs

The city's pub heritage is the star witness on this route. Most of the crime scenes are found on the outside of historic pubs, with pub fronts and signs forming the backbone of the investigation - ideal for slowing down once the culprit has been cornered and enjoying the character of the streets properly.

Durham Heritage Centre and Museum

The route passes the Durham Heritage Centre and Museum, where the investigation pauses outside for clues. It is a natural extra stop for Detectives who want to dig further into the city's visitor story after following the evidence through the streets.

Kingsgate Bridge and Elvet Bridge

Two of Durham's bridges play their part in the case. The Trail crosses Kingsgate Bridge, where another bridge appears on the structure, and continues along Elvet Bridge as part of the investigation, giving your squad a scenic stretch of river-crossing detective work.

Durham Prison

The route also passes Durham Prison, described as having not always been so quiet. In 1832, 100 mounted troops guarded the gallows here while William Jopling was hanged, and he was later found to be innocent - a sobering piece of local history to note as the case unfolds.