Cheltenham - Pittville Park & Regency

Essential Intel

Please check what events are happening in the town before attempting to do the Trail: https://www.visitcheltenham.com/whats-on

Navigating The Route

This is a paved-route Detective Mystery around Cheltenham's Pittville Park and Regency streets, with Detectives helping DI Merlin investigate the sad demise of Old George, known locally as the Gingerbread Man, and work out whether Wanda the witch was really responsible or whether someone was disguising themselves to confuse the police.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll begin at Holst's Birthplace Museum on Clarence Road, follow roads and pavements through town, investigate Pittville Park, cross a bridge over the lake, and gather evidence around the park paths, gates, Pump Rooms and surrounding Regency streets.

This Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The paths are paved, but there are steps at the end of one path near the lake, so the right-hand fork past the toilets is recommended for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs.

The route includes park paths, tarmac paths, pedestrian crossings, a small bridge, roads and pavements through town. Take care when crossing all roads and around parked cars, and keep Mini Detectives close near the lake and steps.

Getting There

By car: The investigation starts at Holst's Birthplace Museum on Clarence Road (GL52 2AY). Park the squad car at Portland Street (GL52 2NX). Facing Trinity Church, turn left along Portland Street, then right into Clarence Road for your first clue.

By public transport: Make your way to Holst's Birthplace Museum on Clarence Road (GL52 2AY) to begin the case. To return to the Holst Museum at the start after the final clues, continue on and turn right into Clarence Road.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available near Clue 07 and also by the gates after crossing the bridge over the lake, giving Detectives a couple of useful comfort stops during the investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome on this dog friendly Trail 🐾

The route includes park paths, roads, pavements, crossings, a bridge and the lake area, so keep canine colleagues under control throughout. The park may tempt dogs to take their masters for a walk, but steady leads are the best evidence-gathering strategy, especially near traffic, water and the steps by the lake.

Food & Drink Stops

Case-solving is hungry work, and there are several places to refuel. Use the cafes near Clues 06 and 07 and again near Clue 14, plus the tea and coffee house pavilion at Pittville Park and the Boat House Cafe on the route.

Pittville Park is also described as a wonderful place to explore, feed the ducks or picnic, so bringing your own provisions is a strong plan if your detective squad prefers an outdoor stakeout.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Holst's Birthplace Museum

The case begins at Holst's Birthplace Museum on Clarence Road, also referred to along the route as the Gustav Holst museum. It is a key place at the start of the investigation and a natural first stop before Detectives start pursuing clues through Cheltenham.

Pittville Park Gates

The iron Pittville Park gates were built in the 1830s and mark the impressive entrance to Joseph Pitt's estate. Back then, access was only for residents and authorised visitors, with a top-hatted gent controlling entry. These days, all top investigators can enter.

Pittville Pump Rooms

Pittville Pump Rooms were built between 1825 and 1830 and remain a gem of Regency architecture. Regarded as the grandest of Cheltenham's many Spa buildings and the centrepiece of Pitt's estate, they are well worth a closer look - and you can take the water here at certain times.

Boat House Cafe and Lake Area

The route passes the lake, bridge and Boat House area, including the Boat House Cafe and the skate-park. It's a handy place to slow the pace, watch the water, feed the ducks or turn the investigation into a picnic-powered park adventure.

Wellington Square

Wellington Square was named after the Duke of Wellington, who regularly visited Cheltenham. It was a popular feature of the Pittville Estate and has some of Pittville's earliest 19th century houses, making it a smart Regency-flavoured extra once the evidence has been gathered.