Rochford Church, Town & Reservoir
Rochford Church, Town & Reservoir
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Detective Mystery Trail
Detective
Mystery
2.5+ Hours
2.4 miles
Accessible
Accessible
Dog
Friendly
Ruffs, Riddles and Royal Rubies in Rochford!
It’s a full-blown crown-tastrophe! Rumour has it that Anne Boleyn once hid a priceless gem and a rather scandalous letter at Rochford Hall – the sort of secret that could have rocked the royal court. Now that letter has gone missing, and someone is keen to keep those Tudor truths buried. Enter Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Stone, expert in sparkle, scandal and sniffing out the shiftiest of suspects. With a bragging historian, a slippery antique dealer, a shifty groundskeeper and a very nosey tourist all under suspicion, it’s up to YOU to follow the clues and crack this curious case!
Detective Mystery Around Rochford’s Historic Heart
On the hunt for a fun family day out with a twist of Tudor intrigue? This self-guided Detective Mystery Trail takes you from Rochford Station around St Andrew’s Church, past Rochford Hall, through the bustling market square and out to the peaceful reservoir. Along the way you’ll uncover royal connections, ghostly goings-on and local legends, all while piecing together the puzzle of the missing letter.
You’ll be following pavements and footpaths around the town, solving sneaky clues hidden in churchyards and on memorials, signs and historic buildings. With compact walking, plenty of places to pause for snacks, and bags of history to sniff out, it’s the perfect case for super sleuths of all ages.
So, can YOU unmask the culprit and restore Anne Boleyn’s lost sparkle before this Tudor secret slips through the cracks forever?
The Details
- A self-guided Detective Mystery themed walking Trail around Rochford, Essex.
- Ideal for kids aged 6 - 106!
- 2.4-mile 'loop' Trail (takes 2.5+ hours to complete at your own pace).
- Text message service with clues if you get stuck.
- Solve the case and be entered into a £100 monthly draw.
- Learn more about where you live or explore somewhere new.
- Download your Trail now for instant fun (or receive your copy in the post)!
Trail Location
Trail Location
The Rochford Treasure Trail starts at:
Rochford Railway Station
West Street
Rochford
Essex
SS4 1AU
England
Rochford Station Car Park
West Street
Rochford
Essex
SS4 1AU
England
Mini Detective Club
Mini Detective Club
We have three super duper themed Clubs for your child to enjoy as part of their Treasure Trail experience.
Perfect for 4-8 year olds, the concept behind the Clubs is that your child will get a bundle of goodies to excite
them about their forthcoming Trail experience, something to keep them entertained whilst travelling to and from
the Trail, and something to be given on completion of the Trail as a keepsake.
Show more »
What is a Treasure Trail?
What is a Treasure Trail?
Before You Set Off
Before You Set Off
Easy to Navigate
This is a compact walking Trail around Rochford's historic heart, following pavements, footpaths and well-maintained routes between the station, the church, the market square and Rochford Hall. Most of the walking is level and straightforward, with only a couple of gentle inclines and one short stretch of uneven ground near the reservoir (alternative routes are pointed out in the Trail). Suitable for most budding detectives, though wheelchair users may find a few narrow pavements and spots around the older buildings.
Bring Your Furry Sidekicks
DCI Gemma Stone is always happy to have a four-legged sniffer dog on patrol! Dogs are welcome along the majority of the route, with plenty of good sniff-zones around the church and reservoir areas. Just keep leads handy near busy roads and double-check any local restrictions, as you explore around the churchyard and reservoir grounds.
Parking Sorted!
Rochford is nice and simple for parking before your sleuthing begins:
- Rochford Station Car Park (SS4 1AU) - The perfect place for the Trail's start and finish points.
- Back Lane / Market Square Parking (SS4 1AY) - Handy to start mid-Trail and snack stops.
Plenty of options, whether you're diving into detective mode or grabbing a pre-case coffee!
Need the Loo?
Toilets can be found at:
- Rochford Station - Facilities available during staffed hours.
- Local cafés and pubs - Ideal for a quick drink and a comfort break.
- Back Lane / Market Square Car Park - Public Toilets in this area.
Want to Make a Day of It?
Historic Streets & Local Legends
Wander past centuries-old timber buildings, church monuments, market-town markers and places once tied to smugglers, merchants and mysterious goings-on. Every corner feels like a potential clue location - which is exactly why Gemma Stone needs you here.
Reservoir Rambles
The peaceful reservoir walk gives you big skies, open water and a moment to unwind before diving back into detective mode. It’s easy to picture our suspects pacing the shoreline... or Gemma Stone sprinting after them.
Windmills & Whirlwinds of History
Just a short hop from Rochford sits Rayleigh Windmill, a beautifully restored six-storey tower mill packed with local history, quirky exhibits and sweeping views from the top. It's a brilliant little detour for curious minds - and exactly the sort of place a culprit might try to hide (or conceal a scandalous Tudor letter!). Entry is free but do check ahead for opening times.
