Exmouth - Esplanade & Gardens

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Exmouth Esplanade & Gardens, with Detectives helping DCI Eve Ningall investigate the death of local fisherman Olly Oyster, who was found tangled in his own nets, and follow the trail of evidence through Exmouth to crack the case.

The investigation covers approximately 2.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll start at the clock tower on the seafront, follow the sea wall and esplanade, explore the town, parks and riverside areas beside the estuary, then loop back near the starting area.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route is on good ground along footpaths and pavements, around the town, parks and beside the estuary. There are steps up into Guncliff Gardens; for step-free access, follow the main road past the car park, left, around to the back entrance and head to the top of the steps. There is also a step-free option into the churchyard via the second entrance.

Take care at the zebra crossing outside the hotel, beside Harbour View Cafe, and at several other roads in town. The case also follows a road, a lane, church grounds and the riverside and esplanade areas, so keep Mini Detectives close while the evidence trail is hot.

Getting There

By car: Begin your investigation at the clock tower on the seafront, near the Bath House pub (EX8 2AZ). Park your squad car along the seafront, or at Beach Gardens car park (EX8 2AZ).

By public transport: Make your way to the clock tower on the seafront, near the Bath House pub, to begin the case. The Trail is circular and finishes back near the starting area.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available at Clue 04, and there are some toilets near Clue 11 around the Harbour View Cafe area, giving your detective squad a couple of useful comfort-stop opportunities.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route follows footpaths and pavements around the town, parks, church grounds and waterside esplanade areas, with several road crossings and a lane along the way. Keep canine colleagues close around traffic, near the estuary and seafront, and around the steps into Guncliff Gardens unless you're taking the step-free alternative.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a fishing mystery can work up an appetite. Refreshments and snacks are available after Clue 12, and the route passes the Bath House pub near the start, Harbour View Cafe, Ocean bar, Postcards Cafe, The Beach pub and the Royal Beacon Hotel.

If you prefer to bring your own supplies, there are picnic opportunities at Clues 05 and 14, or at the end of the route.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Exmouth seafront and Esplanade

The investigation begins at the clock tower on the seafront and follows the sea wall and esplanade, with the sea on one side and views along the coast. It's an easy place to slow down once the case is closed, especially if your Detectives fancy lingering by the coast rather than racing straight home.

Guncliff Gardens

After the old Lifeboat House, the route climbs up into Guncliff Gardens. If steps are an issue for your squad, use the step-free option by following the main road past the car park, left, around to the back entrance and heading to the top of the steps.

Royal Beacon Hotel

The Royal Beacon Hotel adds a splash of grand history to the case. It achieved its Royal status when the King of Saxony stayed there in 1844 with his entire entourage, and it stands on the highest point of the old cliff-top, where the original beacon, probably dating back to Elizabethan times, once sat.

Exmouth churchyard and Tower Street Church

The route takes Detectives into the churchyard, with a step-free option via the second entrance, and later reaches Tower Street Church as another stopping point on the Trail. Both make quieter pauses in the investigation before the evidence trail pulls you back towards the seafront.