Rochester - Historic Dickens Town

VITAL INTEL:

This Trail takes you through Rochester Castle Grounds, which are open from 6am and closes at dusk. You do not need to enter the Keep (paid entry) to complete this Trail, but please check their website for opening times if you wish to visit the castle too, or to see if any events are happening in the grounds that may hamper your investigations. 

(PLEASE NOTE: The Christmas Markets held in November and December can restrict access to two clues in the castle grounds, so please do check before travelling!)

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery through Rochester’s historic High Street, hidden lanes, riverside paths and castle grounds, with sleuths following pavements, pathways and cobbled streets as they work to uncover who sabotaged Tim Tiny before the Dickensian Ball.

The investigation includes some fairly steep hills, uneven surfaces and sections through gardens and historic areas, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Important: You will be travelling along busy roads, crossing streets without controlled crossings in places and navigating narrow pavements, so detectives should stay alert to traffic, cross carefully and keep younger team members under close supervision at all times.

There are also sloping streets and older surfaces underfoot, so take extra care, especially in wet conditions.

Getting There

By car: Blue Boar Lane Pay & Display Car Park (ME1 1PD) is the closest parking to the start of your investigation. There are additional parking options around the town if this one is full.

By public transport: Rochester is well served by rail and bus links, with the High Street and start point within easy walking distance from the station.

Need the Loo?

Even top detectives need a comfort break during a long case! Toilets can be found on Northgate, not far from the start point and conveniently located opposite Clue 19, giving you a useful option later in the investigation as well.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged detectives are welcome on the case 🐾. With a mix of town streets, green spaces and riverside paths, it is a great outing for canine companions - just keep leads handy near roads, crowds and in busier sections.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking this case is hungry work! The investigation begins and ends along High Street (Clues 01 to 04 and later 17 onwards), where you will find plenty of cafés, shops and restaurants to keep your team fuelled and focused.

It’s easy to grab refreshments early or save a well-earned treat for the end once the culprit has been unmasked.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Castle Grounds and Medieval Atmosphere

Rochester Castle and its gardens provide a dramatic backdrop to your investigation - perfect for soaking up history while piecing together the case.

Dickensian Streets and Literary Links

This Trail leans heavily into Rochester’s connections with Charles Dickens, with familiar names, places and references woven throughout your investigation.

Riverside Views and Quiet Moments

The River Medway offers a calmer stretch of the case, where you can pause, reflect and perhaps listen out for any suspicious bassoon activity drifting across the water…