Pembroke - Mill Pond & Castle

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Pembroke Mill Pond & Castle, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Hans Kuffs investigate the disappearance of Mr Bones from the castle dungeon tower, eliminate the innocent suspects and uncover the incriminating evidence.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll explore the town, the Mill Pond and the castle area before later sections follow paths beside the water, cross a bridge and tackle road crossings. The final stretch returns from the church, across the road and down the pavement towards the car park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. There are some steep inclines along the route, plus busy roads and open water, so keep Junior Detectives close while the evidence is being gathered.

Take particular care along the Mill Pond path, where there is lots of open, unfenced water. Traffic can get very busy, particularly in summer, and the route includes road crossings, including a zebra crossing.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at Commons Car Park, near the Tourist Information Centre (SA71 4EA). This is the recommended car park and you begin the Trail from here.

By public transport: Make your way to Commons Car Park, near the Tourist Information Centre, to begin the case. The circular route brings you back to the same area once the evidence has been pieced together.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort stops are available next to the Tourist Centre at the start and also near Clue 13. Black Horse Walk toilets are passed on the route near Clue 29.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

Supervise dogs at all times, as the route includes busy roads, open water and birds and wildlife along the Mill Pond path. Leads are a smart move wherever the case takes you close to traffic, wildlife or the water's edge.

Food & Drink Stops

Detective work is hungry business. Refreshment stops and shops can be spotted between Clues 06 and 12, making that stretch a handy place to refuel or pick up supplies.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, there are great picnic spots at the Mill Pond and castle - ideal for reviewing the suspect list while everyone recharges.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Pembroke Castle

The castle area is visited on the Trail, and Pembroke Castle is well worth extra time if your Detectives fancy going beyond the case. Built by Norman soldiers, it is the only castle in Britain to be built over a cave, and Harri Tudur, who later became Henry VII, was born there in 1457. Opening hours and admission charges apply, although you do not need to pay and enter the castle to solve the case.

Mill Pond

The Trail follows the path alongside the Mill Pond, with views to enjoy for a while and great picnic spots nearby. Keep the investigation steady here, as there is lots of open, unfenced water along the pond path.

Wogan's Cavern

Wogan's Cavern, or Cave, is a natural feature of the limestone rock. Examinations of the cave have revealed evidence of prehistoric occupation, showing that people have been living in the area for a very long time indeed - excellent background intel for history-loving Detectives.

Pembroke corn mill

The corn mill is another Norman building, from the 12th century. The Normans used the bridge as a barrage and could control the flow of water out of the pond as the tide receded, with the water flow driving the mill.