Beccles - Market Town & Quay

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Beccles Market Town & Quay, with Detectives helping DCI Lauren Order investigate former boxing champ and cruise ship entertainer Onya Canvas, who has been found down for the count in her own home, by following the clues, going toe-to-toe with the suspects and delivering the knockout truth.

The investigation covers 2.2 miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. You'll search around the quay and town centre, then finish by recrossing the river via the footbridge and turning right back to the car park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, or for Detectives with mobility issues. The route is generally good throughout, but there is one set of steep stairs to tackle, plus hills along the way.

Take extra care on Puddingmoor, which is narrow in places and has no pavements. Please supervise Mini Detectives and sniffer dogs closely, especially around the steep stairs and any traffic.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at the car park off Fen Lane (NR34 9BH). Park here to begin the Trail.

By public transport: Make your way to the car park off Fen Lane (NR34 9BH) to begin the case. The circular route finishes by recrossing the river via the footbridge and turning right back to the car park.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets can be found at Clue 02, so that's your early comfort-stop opportunity before the case gets fully underway.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation 🐾

Please supervise sniffer dogs closely on Puddingmoor, which is narrow in places and has no pavements. The route also includes one set of steep stairs, riverside sections and town-centre walking, so keep canine colleagues close throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

There are only a few chances to pick up refreshments, so pack supplies to keep your detective squad hydrated and refuelled.

An information centre and cafe are on the route, and The King's Head Hotel is passed later on. If you'd rather bring your own provisions, grab a bench near the river at the end for a picnic once the knockout truth is within reach.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Beccles Quay and Riverside

The investigation takes you around the quay and town centre, with riverside walks for energetic Detectives who still have fuel in the tank after the case. At the end of the route, a bench near the river makes a handy picnic spot.

St Michael's Church

St Michael's church has a cracking local backstory: Admiral Lord Nelson's parents were wed here. Its detached bell tower stands at the 'wrong end' of the church because of the 'cliff' at the 'right end', and it only has a clock face on three sides. Local legend says the western side, facing Norfolk, was left blank because they did not want to give them the time.

Beccles Townlands Charity - The Feoffees

Keep your evidence board ready for this slice of local history. In the 15th century, the Guild of the Holy Ghost was one of seven religious guilds based in Beccles. To protect its assets during the reign of Henry VIII, the guild separated from the church and evolved into what is now known as the Beccles Townlands Charity, or The Feoffees.

Beccles Town Signs

Beccles is quite possibly unique in having five town signs - one original and four replicas. They have been placed so that there is one at each of the main entrances to the town, giving eagle-eyed Detectives another local detail to look out for while exploring.