Southwell - Bramley Home & Minster

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Southwell's Bramley Home and Minster, with Detectives helping DCI Teresa Green investigate the disappearance of gardener Doug Upweeds and uncover the culprit before the case goes cold.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at the public car park on Church Street, with Cranfield House soon on the left after turning left out of the car park entrance, then follow the case through Southwell's streets, Market Place area, Shady Lane, War Memorial Park, the hill section towards the station area and the Minster grounds before returning to the start.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs. Although it has been marked as pushchair friendly, there are a couple of sections where steps are encountered. Lighter pushchairs should be able to access these with no problems.

Most of the route follows pavements and paths, but there are sections on roads, a footpath called Shady Lane, a road without a pavement, steps into the Minster grounds, and a hill to climb and scramble down in places. Carefully cross roads several times, including at a crossroads, and keep Mini Detectives close on the stretch without a pavement.

Getting There

By car: Park your squad car at the public car park on Church Street (NG25 0HQ). To begin your inquiries, turn left out of the car park entrance, with Cranfield House soon on the left.

By public transport: Make your way to the public car park on Church Street (NG25 0HQ) to begin the investigation. After exiting the Minster grounds near the end, head left and continue up the street; the car park sign appears on the right, returning you to the start point.

Need the Loo?

Plan comfort stops around the start, the finish and the halfway stage. The park toilets are closed, so don't rely on those during the investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation, with a few practical caveats. 🐾

There are currently no known dog restrictions on this Trail, but town and city Trails may be less suitable due to traffic and a lack of open spaces. You may also encounter restricted access to parks etc. This route includes road crossings, a stretch without a pavement, park paths, steps into the Minster grounds and some green spaces, so keep canine colleagues close and under control throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving a disappearing-gardener case takes fuel. Southwell has cafes, pubs and delightful shops, with many cafes around the Market Place. The route specifically mentions the Hearty Goodfellow pub and an Indian restaurant too.

If you'd rather bring your own supplies, some green spaces towards the end of the Trail would suit a picnic once your Detectives are ready for a breather.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Southwell Minster

The Norman Minster is the standout landmark on this case, with its unique pepper-pot spires and a story reaching back before the building that replaced an earlier Saxon church. Building started in the early 12th century, with further extensive work in the 13th century, and it became a cathedral in the 1800s. Look out for the tableaux of figures that used to be at one of the Prebends in town and are now inside the Minster.

The Saracen's Head

This historic stop has a very special place in English history because Charles I was apprehended here in 1646. He was eventually tried and beheaded, leaving Oliver Cromwell to run the country until 1658 - a dramatic extra chapter for Detectives who like their evidence with a royal twist.

War Memorial Park

The Trail turns into War Memorial Park, where you'll pause to solve a clue before continuing through the memorial and on through the park. With a bowling green nearby and green space at the end suitable for a picnic, it's a handy place to slow the pace once the casework is nearly wrapped up.