Putney Bridge - Bishop's Park & Riverside

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Putney Bridge, Bishop's Park and the riverside, with Detectives helping DCI Kai Yak investigate what happened to cox Rowan Boates after rumours spread about sabotage ahead of a major Thames rowing event, and work out who was responsible and what evidence they left behind.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin outside Putney Bridge Tube Station in Fulham, prowl around Putney Bridge and the riverside, investigate Bishop's Park and cross between Fulham and Putney before returning to the start area.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Flights of steps in the crime scene zones make the route unsuitable for wheelchairs and awkward for pushchairs.

The route includes busy roads to cross, a pedestrian tunnel under the bridge, a riverside path where the paving stones can be slippery with mud, and some sections where you need to keep to paths. Take care at the bridge and along the riverside path, stay away from the water's edge, do not cross railings, and note the position of lifebuoys as you gather evidence.

Getting There

By car: Your investigation begins outside Putney Bridge Tube Station in Fulham (SW6 3UH). Head for the station area to pick up the case trail, ready for a circular route that returns to the start area.

By public transport: You can reach the start by using the London Underground via the District line. Make your way to outside Putney Bridge Tube Station in Fulham to begin the investigation.

Need the Loo?

There are toilets in Bishop's Park, a detour from Clue 06, and in Putney shopping centre, a detour from Clue 14.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation 🐾

Sniffer dogs are suitable for the parks, but supervise dogs closely on the riverside path and near the water's edge. The route also includes busy roads, flights of steps, slippery mud on paving stones and sections where you need to keep to paths, so keep canine colleagues close while the evidence is gathered.

Food & Drink Stops

There are plenty of chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks along the way, so hungry Detectives should have opportunities to refuel during the case.

You can also detour to one of the parks for a picnic if you fancy turning the investigation into a more leisurely riverside operation.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Bishops Park

Bishops Park is described as full of interesting things to see and great places to play, making it a strong extra for families who want to linger once the clues are cracked. In days gone by, the 'beach' by the river was a popular place for children to bathe, although this is not advised now.

St Mary's Church Putney

St Mary's Church Putney brings a hefty dose of history to the riverside. It was the site of the Putney Debates held by the Levellers towards the end of the English Civil War. The Levellers wanted true democracy, but Cromwell had them executed.

The Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race

Putney is famous for hosting the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race on the tideway, which ties neatly into this rowing-themed case. The men's race moved here from Henley-on-Thames in 1836, and the women's race followed in 2015.

Leader's Gardens play area

If your junior Detectives still have energy in reserve, you can take an optional longer detour from the Riverside Path all the way to Leader's Gardens play area and back. It's a family-friendly add-on if you want to extend the walk.

All Saints Fulham

The Trail takes you into the churchyard of All Saints Fulham, where there is a clue to find. Keep to the paths at all times, then take a moment to enjoy this quieter pause in the investigation before heading back towards the riverside evidence trail.