Northampton - Old Town & Marina

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Northampton Old Town & Marina, with Agents racing to stop Freddie Fleesum, who is plotting to release giant stinging ants into Market Square, by solving a series of clues to find the deactivation code.

The operation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You'll begin at the top corner of Market Square where it meets Drapery, across from the entrance to North Gate Bus Station, then follow pavements and footpaths through the old town, towards Becket's Park, the riverside and the marina, before circling back to the Market Square area.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route follows pavements and footpaths throughout, but there are some busy street crossings, sections alongside roads, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, so use designated crossing points and keep Mini Agents close.

For an extra bit of undercover exploring, look out for an optional off-grid detour down Kingswell Street to find an old school.

Getting There

By car: Begin your mission at the top corner of Market Square where it meets Drapery, across from the entrance to North Gate Bus Station. The nearest car park to the start is Grosvenor Multi Storey (NN1 2BS).

By public transport: Make your way to North Gate Bus Station, then head across to the top corner of Market Square where it meets Drapery to start the operation.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort stops are available at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre and on Abingdon Street near the Market Square.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Agents are welcome on this mission 🐾

The route follows pavements and footpaths, with busy street crossings and sections alongside roads, so keep canine recruits close around traffic and use the designated crossing points. There are also riverside and marina sections, so take care near the water.

Food & Drink Stops

Code-cracking is hungry work, but there are plenty of places to grab refreshments along the way.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, Becket's Park beside the River Nene makes a handy picnic stop between Clues 14 and 17.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Market Square

The mission begins in Market Square, the historical heart of Northampton, and this central spot is woven right into Freddie Fleesum's ant-based masterplan. The route circles back through it during the walk, giving Agents another chance to soak up the town-centre atmosphere once the intel starts falling into place.

Becket's Park

Becket's Park is a riverside breather beside the River Nene and a great place to pause for a picnic. The route passes left of the playground before continuing towards the marina, making it a useful stop for Mini Agents with energy to burn.

Becket's Well

On the edge of the park, a great information board tells you about Becket's Well across Bedford Road to the left. Myth says Thomas a Becket drank from the spring there in 1164, when fleeing from his trial at Northampton Castle - ideal extra intel for history-hungry operatives.

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

The Museum and Art Gallery along Guildhall Road is well worth a visit. It tells the story of Northampton's famous shoemaking history, first recorded in 1213 when Peter the Cordwainer made a pair of boots for King John at a cost of 4p!

All Saints Church

The route finishes in front of All Saints Church, where the clues lead you past the statue of a king in front of a clock and the entrance doors on the left. Once the deactivation code is safely under control, it is worth taking a slower look at this final mission landmark.