Lincoln - Castle & Cathedral

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Lincoln’s historic Cathedral Quarter, with sleuths following clues through Bailgate, Chapel Lane, Steep Hill and the cathedral grounds to uncover who knocked the stuffing out of legendary sausage-maker Bill 'Porky' Bangers.

The investigation covers approximately 1.6 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. Detectives will be patrolling pavements and clear paths throughout, with one steep section and a short series of steps along the route. The steps can easily be avoided, making this Trail suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

There are a few busier roads and some hilly, cobbled sections to tackle, especially around Steep Hill, so take your time and keep younger Detectives and canine colleagues close. There is also an optional little side task in the John Dawber Gardens if they are open, plus opportunities to extend your day with visits to Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and begin this sizzling investigation:

By car - Park in one of the Westgate car parks (LN1 3BG), following signs for ‘Historical Lincoln’, then make your way on foot to Castle Hill.

The investigation begins outside the Visitor Information Centre (LN1 3AA), located on Castle Hill between the castle and the cathedral.

By public transport - Make your way into Lincoln city centre, then head up to the Visitor Information Centre on Castle Hill to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Even top Detectives need a comfort break during a tricky case. Toilets can be found near Clue 15, which is also close to the start of the Trail, so there is a handy chance to pause before or during the investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation 🐾

This outdoor route includes pavements, cathedral-quarter streets, gardens, cobbles and one steep section, so keep dogs on leads and close to your squad throughout. Take extra care near roads, around the busier tourist areas and on the hillier parts of the route.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a sausage sabotage case can leave any squad feeling peckish.

This route is very well served with shops, restaurants, teashops and pubs, especially before Clue 06 and after Clue 12. So whether your Detectives fancy a quick snack, a proper lunch or a well-earned cup of tea while discussing the evidence, there are plenty of places to stop along the way.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Lincoln Castle

The route passes right by Lincoln Castle, making it an obvious extra stop once the case is cracked. You can also wander the grounds, which are usually open and free to explore, or go further and investigate the castle properly if time allows.

Lincoln Cathedral

The cathedral is another standout attraction along the route and well worth exploring more fully. The investigation circles its grounds, but you could easily linger longer or head inside afterwards for a proper look around.

John Dawber Gardens

If open, the John Dawber Gardens make a nice optional detour during the route. They offer a pleasant extra pocket of greenery and a little bonus investigating for Detectives who like to follow every possible lead.

Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter

Beyond the headline sights, this Trail gives you a cracking wander through one of Lincoln’s most characterful areas. With historic streets, old buildings, cobbles and plenty of atmosphere, it is a brilliant part of the city to enjoy at a slower pace once Porky’s case has been neatly wrapped up.