St Ives - Town & River Ouse

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around St Ives Town & River Ouse, with Detectives helping Chief Cuffem investigate the death of novice actor Leo Hamm during a production of The Cromwell Diaries and work out who crushed his dreams and which prop was used.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at the statue of Oliver Cromwell in the centre of Market Hill, follow the case through town streets including The Broadway and narrow Chapel Lane, continue through church grounds and Warner's Park, then return to Market Hill by retracing Bridge Street and heading back up to the statue of Cromwell.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes road crossings, narrow Chapel Lane, a path through church grounds and a 5-bar gate in the park. Stick to the path in the church grounds.

Take care with civilian vehicles on The Broadway and cross roads carefully, including at East Street and the North Road junction. Keep younger Detectives close wherever the case crosses traffic.

Getting There

By car: Start the investigation at the statue of Oliver Cromwell in the centre of Market Hill (PE27 5AL). Chief Cuffem suggests leaving the squad car at Cattle Market Car Park (PE27 5JE), which also has toilets.

By public transport: Make your way to the statue of Oliver Cromwell in the centre of Market Hill to begin the case. The circular route returns to Market Hill once the final evidence has been gathered.

Need the Loo?

There are toilets at Cattle Market Car Park, and toilets are also noted by Clue 14, giving Detectives a couple of useful comfort-stop opportunities during the investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route includes town streets, road crossings, narrow Chapel Lane, church grounds, Warner's Park and a 5-bar gate in the park, so keep canine colleagues close around traffic, gates and busier areas.

Food & Drink Stops

Casework is hungry work, so stock up on snacks and refreshments at the start or nearer the end of the Trail. Warner's Park, just after Clue 10, is the best spot for a picnic and a well-earned pause in the investigation.

Want to Make a Day of It?

The Norris Museum

The Norris Museum is situated across the road and was founded in 1931 under the will of Herbert Norris, who left his extensive collections to St Ives. It is dedicated to the history of Huntingdonshire, and Chief Cuffem says it's worth a look once the evidence has been bagged.

The Churchyard, Slepe and Holt Island Nature Reserve

The churchyard is the site of the original settlement of Slepe, giving this part of the case some seriously old roots. The church spire was rebuilt three times, after being knocked down by a gale in 1741 and by an aeroplane in 1918. Near the church, an optional detour over the footbridge leads to Holt Island Nature Reserve.

Warner's Park

Warner's Park is the suggested picnic spot just after Clue 10, and it's where young Detectives can let off steam before the investigation continues. Pack provisions if you want to turn this into your main mid-case breather.

Bridge Chapel

Bridge Chapel has had a long and varied history, serving as a place for toll collections, a private house, a pub and the residence of the last prior of St Ives priory after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539. An excellent extra for Detectives who like their clues with a side of local history.