Weymouth - Quayside & Old Town

PLEASE NOTE - This Trail used to be called the Weymouth Town Centre & Seafront Trail but has had a major rewrite in April 2025.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Weymouth’s historic harbour, old town and quayside, with sleuths following a slippery trail of clues as they investigate who pinched Big Red, the town’s legendary record-breaking lobster.

The investigation covers approximately 1.7 miles and follows pavements, paths and pedestrianised areas throughout. Detectives will be scouring harbour walkways, town-centre streets, quayside features and historic lanes as the evidence begins to pile up. The Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with alternative routes provided where steps appear.

⚠️ Important: Several sections take place beside the working harbour, with steep edges and deep water nearby. Detectives will also need to use road crossings and navigate busy town-centre areas, so keep younger detectives and canine colleagues under close supervision at all times, especially near the quayside and Town Bridge.

At the end of the Trail, there is a stepped route back over Town Bridge. If you would rather avoid the steps, an alternative return is available via St Mary Street and St Edmund Street.

Getting There

Time to assemble your squad and begin the search for Big Red:

By car: The investigation begins in Hope Square, outside Brewers Quay (DT4 8TR), using ///raft.rate.cloak.

The nearest parking for your squad car is just behind Brewers Quay at Weymouth Old Town West car park (DT4 8LS). For larger or cheaper parking, try Nothe Car Park (DT4 8UD), which is around a 10 minute walk from the start.

By public transport: Weymouth railway station is around a 15-20 minute walk from the start of the investigation at Hope Square. Local bus routes also serve the town centre and nearby stops around Hope Square, Brewers Quay and Town Bridge. Check the latest bus and train times before setting off, as seaside schedules can be slippery little suspects.

Need the Loo?

Even the sharpest detectives need to pause the pursuit now and then! Public toilets can be found on Cove Street, near the start of the Trail and around Clue 08, giving your team a handy chance to regroup before the clues really start to shell out.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged detectives can join the case 🐾

This outdoor investigation follows pavements, paths and quayside areas, making it a good route for canine colleagues who enjoy a harbour patrol. Keep leads handy around roads, crowds, the working harbour and open water, and check individual pubs, shops and cafes before taking dogs inside.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a seafood scandal is hungry work!

This mystery takes place in a busy part of Weymouth, so you’ll find plenty of shops, pubs and cafes along the route if your squad needs supplies. You could also pick up provisions for a celebratory beach picnic once Big Red’s disappearance has been solved.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Weymouth Harbour

The harbour sits at the heart of the investigation and dates back to the 17th century. Its long history of trade, fishing, seafood and smuggling makes it the perfect place for a case with claws. Take time to watch the boats, enjoy the quayside and soak up the seaside atmosphere after the mystery is wrapped up.

Old Weymouth and Melcombe Regis

The Trail explores streets linked to Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, once fierce rivals on opposite sides of the harbour. Their disputes over harbour rights became so notorious that Queen Elizabeth I united them into one borough in 1571. Clearly, Big Red is not the first local drama to make waves here.

Moonfleet Connections

Along the route, you’ll pass Georgian houses linked to John Mead Falkner, author of Moonfleet. Nearby Fleet lagoon and Chesil Beach helped inspire the tale of smugglers, secret tunnels and hidden treasure, giving this investigation an extra dash of literary intrigue.

Beach Picnic

Once the suspect has been sniffed out and the final evidence has been reviewed, head for the beach with your supplies and celebrate a case well solved. Just keep an eye on your sandwiches - after Big Red’s disappearance, no seafood snack is above suspicion.