Dulwich - Parkland & Gallery

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Dulwich Parkland & Gallery, with Detectives helping DCI Oylon Canvas work out who is behind the crime and frame-up after Tina Paint, a well-respected art collector, is found slumped at Dulwich Gallery following her announcement of a press conference to reveal the location of a long-forgotten masterpiece.

The investigation covers approximately 2.9 miles and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. You'll start from Belair Park free car park, follow historic streets, park paths and roads, investigate Dulwich Gallery, loop through Dulwich Village, enter Dulwich Park, then return to the start area via Dulwich Village, Burbage Road and Belair Park.

This Trail is flat and easy going, so it is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. The route includes wooden gates, zebra crossings, a pedestrian island and a small bridge, with no steep hills.

Be careful on the roads, use pedestrian crossings where possible, and take care around horses being ridden in the parks, especially with children or dogs. Dulwich Park gates open daily 365 days a year at 7.30am, but closing times vary throughout the year, so check the website and allow plenty of time.

Getting There

By car: Start at Belair Park free car park (SE21 7AB), which is open from 8:00am until dusk. The alternative parking option is West Dulwich Station (SE21 8SN), just across Thurlow Park Road, a three-minute walk away.

By public transport: Trailgoers can reach this Trail by train and bus as well as by car. The Trail begins close to West Dulwich station, which is just across Thurlow Park Road, a three-minute walk away.

Need the Loo?

Toilets can be found in Dulwich Park, with loos at the cafe and by the car park - useful intel for Detectives before the case carries on through the park.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The parks are great for children to play and dogs are also welcome. Keep canine colleagues close around roads, crossings, the small bridge and wooden gates, and take particular care around horses being ridden in the parks, especially if you have sniffer dogs with you.

Food & Drink Stops

Clue-cracking needs decent supplies. There are only a couple of chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks in Dulwich Village, and the route also passes a cafe.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, you can picnic in Belair Park at the start or at Dulwich Park.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Dulwich Picture Gallery

The route passes the famous Dulwich Picture Gallery, a very fitting backdrop for an art-world mystery. Keep your eyes peeled for extra intrigue: Rembrandt's portrait of Jacob De Gheyn III has been stolen from there four times since 1966, and was found each time in unusual places.

Dulwich Park

Dulwich Park is a strong post-case linger spot, especially for families. The Trail passes the main track, the tennis courts, the American Garden, the boating lake and a children's play area. The lake is also the only substantial stretch above ground remaining of the ancient River Effra.

Belair Park

Your investigation starts at the free car park in Belair Park and later returns through the park, making it an easy place to stretch the day. Look out for the small bridge, park lake, children's play area and tennis court - ideal for a family breather before or after the mystery.

Dulwich Village

The Trail loops through Dulwich Village, where there are a couple of chances to stop for refreshments and buy snacks. The route also passes the Crown and Greyhound, referred to locally in the data as 'Dog and Hat', and Charles Dickens described Dulwich as 'one of the most pleasant spots near London.'

College Road Tollgate

Further south on College Road is London's last remaining tollgate, constructed in 1789. The standard toll is £1.20 per single journey for non-passholders - a curious local detail for Detectives who enjoy spotting the older clues hidden in the modern city.