Ledbury - Black & White Town

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Ledbury Black & White Town, with Detectives helping DI Blues and DI Twos investigate a mystery after two local poets were found collapsed by the market house, identifying who committed the crime against rhyme and the weapon used.

The case covers 0.8 miles and should take 1+ hours to complete. You'll begin at the front of The Feathers Hotel, 25 High Street, before investigating Ledbury's town centre, High Street, Church Lane, The Walled Garden and the area around the old Market House.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. There are no steps or stairs to negotiate during this case, making it a great case for Mini Detectives in pushchairs, or super sleuths using wheelchairs, to take part in. However, some areas are gravelled which might make it trickier.

Some pavements are narrow, and the roads throughout the town can be quite busy, so supervise children closely and keep your detective squad together around traffic.

Getting There

By car: Park at St Katherine's car park (HR8 2AB), off Bye Street. There is pedestrian access to the case start point from here. The investigation begins at the front of The Feathers Hotel, 25 High Street (HR8 1DS).

By public transport: Make your way to the front of The Feathers Hotel, 25 High Street, to begin the case. The circular route returns to the car park via the pelican crossing, then right and left along the alley.

Need the Loo?

Toilets can be found along Church Lane, by Clue 14 - a handy mid-case comfort stop before the evidence trail continues.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route includes busy town roads, narrow pavements and some gravelled areas, so keep canine colleagues close, especially where the streets get tighter or traffic is nearby.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving crimes against rhyme can work up an appetite. There are plenty of snack shops and refreshment stops along the High Street.

You can also pack supplies and enjoy a picnic in the walled gardens, at Clue 16, if your squad would rather pause the investigation for provisions.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Ledbury Market House

The route passes the old Market House, a key Ledbury landmark in the centre of town and a central scene in this poetic puzzle. With the town's first official poem competition and the collapsed poets tied into the mystery, it's well worth a slower look once the suspects have been narrowed down.

The Walled Garden

The case suggests venturing into The Walled Garden, and it's also the picnic spot at Clue 16. It is part of the route and a good place to pause during the investigation, especially if Mini Detectives need a calmer moment between clues.

The Church of St Michael and All Angels

The Church of St Michael and All Angels dates back to 1140 and is claimed to be Herefordshire's finest parish church. Its massive detached spire is 200 feet high, and the spire has been struck by lightning twice - suspiciously dramatic behaviour for a building involved in a Detective Mystery.

Ledbury Poetry Festival

If your visit falls in July, Ledbury Poetry Festival takes place over ten days. It is the biggest and best poetry festival in the UK, with poets from all over the world, and includes live readings, workshops, open mics, music, exhibitions, films, family events and street events - a fitting encore for any Detectives tackling a crime against rhyme.