Uppingham - Historic Old Town

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Uppingham Historic Old Town, with Detectives helping Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Dunnit solve the mystery of Willie Jumpit, a popular jockey found crumpled at the back of Mercer's Yard in Uppingham.

The investigation covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 1.5 hours to complete. You'll begin in Market Place, examine Uppingham's historic streets and green spaces, head towards the churchyard and eventually finish back near the start in Market Place.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route mainly uses good pavements and footpaths, with a downhill section towards the churchyard and several road crossings to make carefully.

Take particular care when leaving Market Place, as there are no crossings available there, and watch for vehicles coming from the left. The route also crosses busy roads including High Street East and London Road, and later goes down to the churchyard and along roadsides. Friday is Market Day, which might affect some early clues.

Getting There

By car: Begin your case in Market Place (LE15 9QH). The recommended option for the detective wagon is North Street East car park (LE15 9QL), which is pay and display. Co-op car park is another pay and display option.

By public transport: Make your way to Market Place (LE15 9QH) to begin the investigation. The circular route finishes back near the start in Market Place once the evidence has been pieced together.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available around Market Place, so Detectives can make a useful comfort stop near the start or finish of the case.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If your four-legged Detectives are joining the outdoor investigation, keep them close throughout. 🐾

The route follows historic streets, pavements, footpaths and green spaces, with careful road crossings, busier roads including High Street East and London Road, a downhill section towards the churchyard and some roadsides later on.

Food & Drink Stops

Sleuthing on an empty stomach is risky detective work.

You can stock up on snacks at Co-op, not far from the start, or just after Clue 08. Refreshments are available around Market Place, and there is a picnic opportunity in the small green at Clue 17.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Uppingham's Historic Market Place

The investigation begins in a Market Place with roots stretching back to the 13th century. Cattle for sale were once penned on Beast Hill, pigs were kept at Hogs Hill, now Norton Street, and sheep were held in the High Street. Uppingham was also famous for circular wooden bowls known as Uppingham Trenchers - a neat extra clue to the town's old market character.

Bethesda Chapel and Bear Yard

Keep your eyes open around Bear Yard and Bear House, now called Bethesda Chapel. They were said to have been named as safe places for performing bears when they visited the town - exactly the sort of odd local detail that makes a mystery trail feel even more suspicious.

The Churchyard War Memorial

The route passes the churchyard, where you can look over the wall to spot the war memorial. It makes a quieter pause in the investigation, especially once your team has finished interrogating the surrounding streets for evidence.