Wellington - Duke's Old Country Town

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Wellington, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Lettice Grow solve the mystery of Rose Mary, who was found wilted in her greenhouse after an argument was overheard by members of the Fruit and Vegetable Show Committee.

The investigation covers approximately 1.8 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll explore mostly town-centre streets and paths, follow a footpath beside Old Court Mews, tackle roads and crossings, pass the central island before Champford Mews, and finish with a path through Wellington Park.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route uses roads and crossings, including traffic lights and a central island, so follow the Green Cross Code and take great care with traffic throughout.

After the final clues in Wellington Park, follow the path clockwise around the park, exit through the archway, cross Courtland Road and walk diagonally through the little car park following the sign to the Town Centre. The path goes around the left-hand side of the playing fields and back into the car park.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at North Street pay & display (TA21 8LY), using ///escalated.unless.valley. This recommended car park can be approached from North Street or Fore Street.

By public transport: Make your way to North Street pay & display in Wellington to begin the case. The circular route brings you back to the same car park once the evidence has been gathered.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available at the start in the car park and again at the end of the Trail, so Detectives have comfort stops at both ends of the investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation, with close supervision. 🐾

Dogs should be supervised closely and not allowed to rush ahead in search of evidence. The route includes town-centre streets, road crossings, traffic lights, a central island and paths through Wellington Park, so keep canine colleagues close around traffic and busier stretches.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving a greenhouse mystery is hungry work. There are chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks after Clue 03.

If you'd rather bring your own supplies, you can enjoy a picnic in Wellington Park at the end of the Trail.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Wellington Park

The Trail finishes in Wellington Park, where Rose was found, making it the natural place to pause once the case is nearly cracked. Pack supplies for a picnic, then keep an eye out for the memorial shelter and stone plaque at the end of the walk.

Wellington Museum

Wellington Museum is a free museum devoted to the history of Wellington and its association with the Duke of Wellington. It's focused on local industry and includes an exhibit of an old banknote from a private bank that was based in the town - handy extra evidence for curious Detectives.

Wellington Monument

Perched atop the Blackdown Hills just outside the town, Wellington Monument commemorates Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, and his victory at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Started in 1817 and not completed until 1854, it was designed to resemble a bayonet.

Wellington Church and Churchyard

The investigation takes you around Wellington Church and into the churchyard, where Rose was seen the day before she went missing. Once you're no longer interrogating every detail for clues, it's worth taking a little longer to look to the right of the door and enjoy the details on the church itself.