Dorchester - Ancient Town Centre

Essential Intel

The Keep, Military Museum is temporarily closed for roof repairs in 2025. Some steep hills are encountered along the route of this Trail, and the investigation also includes steps and busy streets.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Dorchester Ancient Town Centre, with Detectives sent to historic Dorchester to investigate the disappearance of Dr Blott, who seems to have been writing in his hotel room when tragedy struck and left a note saying someone was out to get him.

The case covers 1.6 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll start at Top O'Town car park on Bridport Road, investigate historic streets around The Keep, Colliton Park and the Roman Town House, Colliton House, Hangman's Cottage, St Peter's Church, High West Street and Trinity Street, then work back towards The Keep.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes some steep hills, steps and busy roads and crossings. One stretch can be avoided by returning to the road instead of taking the steps.

Take care around the busy road, road crossings, traffic light crossings and no entry street, keeping Mini Detectives close while the evidence hunt is underway. Towards the end, the route loops back to The Keep, Military Museum, returns to the roundabout where you started, then continues on ahead to The Keep.

After Hangman's Cottage, there is an optional detour where Detectives can veer left to look for loose pages floating by in the river.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at Top O'Town car park on Bridport Road (DT1 1XT), using ///body.glorified.sung. The recommended car park is Top O'Town car park (DT1 1XT), using ///body.glorified.sung. Fairfield car park (DT1 1QW), using ///shock.award.cabbages, is an alternative and is a 10 minute walk to the start.

By public transport: Make your way to Top O'Town car park on Bridport Road to begin the investigation. The circular route brings you back towards the same starting area as the case draws to a close.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort stops are available in the starting car park and before Clue 14, in Trinity Street.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If you decide to bring four-legged Detectives, keep them close throughout the investigation. 🐾

The route includes busy streets, road crossings, traffic light crossings, steep hills and steps, so leads are sensible around traffic and anywhere the pavement or gradients make the case a little trickier.

Food & Drink Stops

Clue-cracking can be hungry work. The best area to seek out refreshments is between Clues 07 and 16, with an 'Artisan' foodie on New Street and Caffe Nero on the route too.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Roman Town House

The Roman Town House stands within Colliton Park and makes a cracking extra piece of evidence from Dorchester's much older past. In 1933, the park was acquired by Dorset County Council as the site for the construction of County Hall. When the Town House was discovered, the plans for County Hall had to be modified so that it could be retained on site.

Hangman's Cottage

Hangman's Cottage brings a darker twist to the investigation. It was the home of the town's resident public executioner in the 19th century. Thomas Hardy witnessed a public hanging of Elizabeth Martha Brown for murdering her husband, and later used that scene for the climax of Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

St Peter's Church

The route points Detectives towards the church with the spire further along on the right. Take a little extra time to search around the building and spot the foundation stone from 1843 once the urgent business of Dr Blott's disappearance is under control.

Colliton House

Colliton House is a Grade II listed building and was formerly the town house of the Churchill family. Pause to peek at the information on the wall and explore round the side to see just how big this historic suspect of a building really is.

Judge Jeffreys Restaurant

For another strand of Dorchester's dramatic history, look out for 6 High West Street, where Judge Jeffreys lodged when he came to Dorchester in 1685. On 5 September 1685 he presided over the Bloody Assizes, and the Dorchester trials were held in the Oak Room of the Antelope Hotel.