Totnes - Castle, Park & River

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Totnes Castle, the park and the river, with Detectives helping the police work through the clues after the local newspaper accuses famous author Dot Yorize of plagiarism and she is found slumped over her laptop.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll start in Market Square, explore Totnes' urban streets, pass parkland and riverside sections, and return to the start area once your evidence has been gathered.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route is mostly urban but it is steep in places, with a few long cobbled paths, several flights of steps and an uneven track along the river.

Take care on the narrow road and pavement in Castle Street, cross roads carefully, and be very careful on the busy roads near The Plains. There is also an optional detour to Totnes Castle on the left after Clue 03, plus an optional diversion onto the footbridge to scan the river below for suspicious floating objects.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at Market Square (TQ9 5SG). The recommended option is the car park next to Market Square (TQ9 5SG), if it isn't market day (Fridays and Saturdays); approach from South Street. If the Market Square car park is not available, use the long stay in Cistern Street (TQ9 5SP), then make your way to Market Square in the town centre.

By public transport: Make your way to Market Square in Totnes town centre to begin the case. The circular route returns to the start area once the investigation is complete.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available at the start in Market Square and before Clue 08. If needed, there are also toilets opposite the Town Mill before crossing to The Plains.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route includes narrow roads and pavements, busy roads near The Plains, steep sections, long cobbled paths, several flights of steps and an uneven riverside track, so keep canine colleagues close and take extra care near traffic and by the river.

Food & Drink Stops

Interrogating clues is hungry work, so stock up at the start if your detective squad needs supplies.

After Clue 08 you can drop into a pub or cafe. Picnic options are in the park at Clue 04 or by the river at Clue 05, and there is also a bench by the river for a picnic further on.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Totnes Castle

Take the optional detour after Clue 03 if your Detectives fancy adding a proper fortress to the file. Totnes Castle was built by Knight Judhel in the 11th century after he was given Totnes following the defeat of Harold in 1066. It is one of the best preserved examples of a motte and bailey castle, and despite its formidable appearance it never faced any sieges or battles. Do check ahead for opening times and days if you want to visit.

St Mary's Church

This 15th-century church stands on the site of the Totnes Priory, and its tower is unusual because it is built from red sandstone from Paignton. Recent restoration work lifted the nave pews and floorboards, revealing layers of old walls, rubble and even human bones beneath - just the sort of historic evidence a keen Detective might want to inspect more closely.

The Gothic House

Keep an eye out in Bank Lane for The Gothic House, a curious building with castellations and sharp pointed windows, built in the style of 'Strawberry Hill Gothic'. It also has the unusual distinction of having a Public Right Of Way pass right through it, which makes it a rather memorable twist in the town's architectural trail.

Royal Seven Stars Hotel

The Royal Seven Stars Hotel was a C17th coaching inn, and one of its notable guests was Daniel Defoe. It gained the prefix 'Royal' because male members of the royal family frequented it when cadets at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth - a fine extra nugget for Detectives who like their local history with a side order of intrigue.