Marylebone - Squares & Gardens

Essential Intel

Several parks on this route close at dusk, so set off a couple of hours before dusk to avoid missing clues. The investigation ends back at the start, by Bond Street Station.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Marylebone Squares & Gardens, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Watt A. Racket follow the trail of evidence after a local band's lead singer has collapsed outside their planned first gig venue in Marylebone and work out who is responsible.

The investigation covers approximately 2.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at Stratford Place, a cul-de-sac opposite Bond Street Station, then track the evidence through Marylebone streets, squares and gardens, including a narrow passageway into St Christopher's Place, Marylebone High Street, Garbutt Place, Marylebone Lane and Paddington Street Gardens.

This Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The route visits several parks which close at dusk, so set off a couple of hours before dusk to avoid missing clues.

Take care around the narrow road that is still busy, cyclists and motor vehicles. There are several road crossings, including pedestrian crossings and zebra crossings, so use marked crossings where available and keep Mini Detectives close.

Getting There

By car: The investigation begins at Stratford Place, a cul-de-sac opposite Bond Street Station (W1C 1AS).

By public transport: Make your way to Bond Street Station using the London Underground via the Jubilee line, then head to Stratford Place opposite the station to reach the crime scene.

To return to the station and the investigation start point at the end, proceed along Marylebone Lane to the end, turn right onto Oxford Street and you will find yourself back at Stratford Place and Bond Street Station on the right.

Need the Loo?

Public toilet facilities are available in the gardens towards the end of the route, and Paddington Street Gardens also has public toilets - useful intel before the final evidence is reviewed.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route includes busy narrow roads, cyclists, motor vehicles and several road crossings, so keep canine colleagues close around traffic and use marked crossings where available. There are also parks and gardens on the route, which close at dusk.

Food & Drink Stops

Case-cracking is hungry work, and this Marylebone mission has plenty of chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks along the way.

The route passes upmarket shops, cafes and restaurants on Marylebone streets. If you'd rather bring your own supplies, you can enjoy a picnic in the gardens towards the end of the route.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Marylebone High Street

Marylebone High Street is well worth extra investigating, with loads to see and do. It comes alive in November with its Christmas Lights celebration and in June with its Village Summer Fayre - ideal if your detective squad times its visit with one of Marylebone's big local moments.

The Wallace Collection at Hertford House

The Wallace Collection at Hertford House adds a grand historical twist to the case. Its founders were the Seymour-Conways, descendants of Edward, brother of Queen Jane Seymour, and between 1836-50 the house was leased as the French Embassy in London.

Marylebone Lane

Marylebone Lane has a clue-worthy backstory of its own. St Marylebone was originally St Mary-by-the-Tybourne, or Tyburn, because of the stream which wandered down what is now Marylebone Lane. Later on, look out for the plaque at 50 Marylebone Lane, recognising the course of the conduit.

Garbutt Place

In Garbutt Place, pause for the blue plaque remembering Octavia Hill, co-founder of the National Trust and social housing reformer. She also pioneered the idea of a 'green belt' for London in her article 'More air for London' in 1888.

Paddington Street Gardens

The route enters Paddington Street Gardens, where there are public toilets and space to pause and review your findings. It's a handy green breather before your detective team pieces everything together.