Seaburn to Whitburn - Seafront & Park

Navigating The Route

This is a linear Detective Mystery from Seaburn to Whitburn Seafront & Park, with Detectives helping DCI Sandy Paper investigate the disappearance of a local carpenter in Whitburn by following the clues along the seafront and into the village to help untangle the case.

The investigation covers 3 miles and should take around 3 hours to complete. You'll begin at the seaward end of Roker Park, work along the seafront, continue through sections between houses and sand dunes, enter Cornthwaite Park opposite Latimer's, investigate Whitburn Church, then head on towards the final clue at Whitburn Bay.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route follows good footpaths, with one very short section over grass. Later sections use ramps, a narrow path between houses and sand dunes, a narrow pavement on North Guards and a cliff-edge section. The second gate to the churchyard allows wheeled access.

Use the pedestrian crossing at the start, cross the main road and traffic island when safe, keep off the road on the narrow pavement on North Guards, and take care by the cliff edge and the beach steps. This is a linear case, finishing in Whitburn near the road next to the car park, so you can walk back if you prefer or use buses to return to the start.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at the seaward end of Roker Park (SR6 9NQ). The recommended parking is Sidecliffe Road (SR6 9NQ). Park up here, then use the pedestrian crossing and head left to the grassed area to begin.

By public transport: Make your way to the seaward end of Roker Park to start the case. There are several buses that will take you from the end back to the start point if you do not fancy the walk back.

Need the Loo?

There is a toilet at the Cat and Dog Steps before Clue 03, with another under the first restaurant on the right, giving Detectives a couple of chances to make a comfort stop during the investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome on this dog friendly trail. 🐾

The route includes seafront paths, roads, a narrow pavement on North Guards, a narrow path between houses and sand dunes, a cliff-edge section and beach steps, so keep canine colleagues close around traffic, edges, steps and the coast.

Food & Drink Stops

Casework beside the sea can be hungry business. There are many places to buy refreshments along the route, and a large supermarket is on route too.

If you prefer to bring your own supplies, there are many picnic places along the route, so your detective squad should have plenty of opportunities to pause and refuel.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Roker Park

The investigation begins at the seaward end of Roker Park, where the first two clues are found on the grassed area. It is a handy place to gather your Detectives before setting off along the seafront walk.

Meik's Lighthouse

Keep your eyes peeled for the white lighthouse, now in its second home. A factfile explains that it was once misattributed to engineer John Pickernell, but that was wrong: Pickernell designed an earlier Sunderland lighthouse in 1802. An ornate plaque bearing a sextant once hung above its doorway, but has since vanished.

Cornthwaite Park

The route enters Cornthwaite Park opposite Latimer's, making it a good green pause during the case. Families with Mini Detectives can make the most of the children's play area before following the path left, curving right and taking the left fork before leaving the park.

Whitburn Church

Whitburn Church is well worth a closer look while the clues take you through this part of the village. Inside are inscribed medieval grave covers, with a lidless stone coffin beside the church porch. On the west wall, look out for a very rare example of a fish window, and remember that the churchyard has a wheeled-access gate.

Whitburn Bay

The final clue waits at Whitburn Bay, giving your Detectives a coastal finish to the investigation. If the weather conditions are right, you may be able to see far down the coast, including Seaham, Hartlepool and the outline of the North Yorkshire Coast.