Leicester - King Richard's Old City

Essential Intel

This Trail features clues set in Castle Park, including Clues 07-08 in Castle Garden. Gates allowing access to the park are locked daily at dusk, so please leave plenty of time to allow for this when starting the Trail.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Leicester King Richard's Old City, with Detectives helping Harry Tidge, an eccentric local historian, after he is attacked for making contentious claims about Leicester's famous links - your job is to uncover the historical truth and work out who wanted him silenced.

The investigation covers approximately 1.7 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll start in the area next to the old Magazine Gateway in Magazine Square, beside De Montfort University's Hugh Aston Building, then follow the evidence through Castle View, Castle Yard, Castle Garden, roads including Castle Street, The Newarke, St Augustine Road, Highcross Street and St Martins East, and the King Richard III area before returning towards the gateway where you began.

This Trail is wheelchair and pushchair accessible. The route includes cobbled Castle View, pedestrian crossings and pavements alongside roads. If your squad are willing and able, there is an optional climb up the steps to the 'motte' of the original Norman castle for a viewpoint over the surrounding area.

Take care when crossing the busy St Augustine Road using the two pedestrian crossings, and when crossing West Bridge and Richard III Road.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation in the area next to the old Magazine Gateway in Magazine Square, beside De Montfort University's Hugh Aston Building (LE1 5AN). The Chief recommends leaving your squad car at Newarke Street car park (LE1 5SN), which is the cheapest option. There are a few other car parks nearby too.

By public transport: Make your way to Magazine Square, beside De Montfort University's Hugh Aston Building, and head for the area next to the old Magazine Gateway to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort stops for Detectives are available at Newarke Street car park near the start and at The Soar Point pub after Clue 06.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If you are planning to bring four-legged Detectives, keep them close while the squad works the case. 🐾

The route includes city pavements, cobbled Castle View, pedestrian crossings, busy road crossings, Castle Garden and an optional stepped climb up to the 'motte', so leads are sensible around traffic, busier areas and any steps your canine colleague would rather avoid.

Food & Drink Stops

Historical truth is best pursued with decent supplies. The route mentions The Soar Point pub after Clue 06, and there is a choice of restaurants around St Peter's Square after Clue 11.

There are plenty of spots to stop for a police picnic too, including benches in Castle Gardens - a polite police picnic is allowed.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens

This free museum makes a cracking extra for curious Detectives. It is open from 10am to 4pm, or 11am on Sundays, and features a replica WWI trench and a 1950s street scene.

Leicester Castle Great Hall and Church of St Mary de Castro

Across the grass of Castle Yard is the Great Hall of Leicester Castle. Most of the internal timber is original from the 12th century, and it is the oldest surviving aisled and bay divided timber hall in Britain. The Church of St Mary de Castro also dates from the same period, giving your investigation a hefty dose of medieval evidence.

Leicester Cathedral and the King Richard III area

The route leads through the cathedral grounds and towards the area near where Richard III's remains were found and excavated in August 2012. The exact spot has been incorporated as part of the Visitor Centre, making this a natural place to linger once the historical threads of the case start tightening.

Bow Bridge

Pause at Bow Bridge to check out the two plaques at either end. The original wooden bridge was only 1.8 metres across, and the route recalls the story of Richard III striking a spur on a stone on his way to battle, then his head on the same stone when his body returned.

The Magazine Gateway

Your case begins beside the old Magazine Gateway, which was built around 1410 by the Third Earl of Leicester when extending the castle to house the porter's lodge and guest rooms. It is linked in the story to Richard III and Lady Godiva, so it is worth a proper look before your Detectives charge off after the first clue.