Darlington - Roman Heart & River

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Darlington Roman Heart & River, with Detectives helping DCI Luca Motif follow the clues around Darlington to catch a rival off guard after professional trainspotter Anna Rack disappears just as she was about to break a trainspotting record.

The investigation covers 1.8 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You'll explore Darlington's historic centre, also known as 'The Pedestrian Heart', starting at the Market Cross on West Row behind the Market Hall, then tracking evidence through central streets, pedestrianised areas, churchyard corners and the route's Roman Heart and River setting before finishing back near the Market Cross.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route uses pavements, paths and pedestrianised areas, with roads and pedestrian-only stretches, plus a hill on Crown Street.

Keep your junior Detectives close around sections beside roads and the roundabout. At one point you are told not to cross the road to solve a clue, and around Bull Wynd you should glance both ways and use crossings when the road is busy.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at the Market Cross, on West Row behind the Market Hall at the opposite end from the clock tower (DL1 5BW). Cornmill Shopping Centre (DL1 1LU) is one of the nearest car parks to the start, and Feethams Multi-Storey (DL1 5SZ) is another of the nearest car parks to the start.

By public transport: Make your way to the Market Cross on West Row behind the Market Hall to begin the case. The Trail finishes back near the Market Cross on West Row once the final evidence has been pieced together.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available in the Market Hall at the start and finish, the Dolphin Centre between Clues 03 and 04, and Cornmill Shopping Centre at Clue 07.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the case, but this is an urban investigation, so sniffer dogs need to be kept on a lead as you solve it. 🐾

The route includes pavements, paths, pedestrianised areas, roads, sections beside roads, a roundabout and a hill on Crown Street, so keep canine colleagues close around traffic and busier stretches.

Food & Drink Stops

There are plenty of places to stock up on provisions in central Darlington, and the route has great pub stops for Detectives who need to refuel between suspicious sightings.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Darlington town centre

The investigation explores Darlington's historic centre, also known as 'The Pedestrian Heart'. With great history, architecture and shops on the way, it's worth slowing down once the case is cracked and enjoying the town without treating every detail as evidence.

St Cuthberts Church

The route goes into the churchyard of St Cuthberts, along the left-hand side of the church and out by the war memorial. Described as 'the bonny, bonny church' and the 'Lady of the North', it's a striking spot to pause during your detective work.

Quaker Burial Ground

Optional detour: If open, you can explore the Quaker Burial Ground off Skinnergate. The Quakers were vital to the town's growth, and there are over 1000 graves here, with simple headstones marking some of Darlington's most influential industrialists and bankers, including Edward Pease, Joseph Pease and John Fowler.

St Augustine's

The route passes St Augustine's, which is worth checking out if you have time. Consider it a bonus piece of local intel once Anna Rack's disappearance has been properly investigated.