Shrewsbury - Dingle & Quarry Park

Essential Intel

🚨 Avoid investigating during the Shrewsbury Flower Show or other major Quarry Park events, as access to parts of the route may be restricted. We suggest checking for any events before setting off.

🚨 Check The Dingle opening times before travelling. Opening hours can vary throughout the year, and four clues are located within the gardens. It is generally open from 8.30 am to 5.30pm.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery through the heart of Shrewsbury, with sleuths following historic streets, churchyards, riverside paths and the beautiful Quarry Park as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of Professor Eva Looshon, a friend of Charles Darwin whose case has remained unsolved since 1860.

The investigation covers approximately 1.75 miles and follows a mixture of pavements, pedestrianised streets, park paths and garden walkways. While much of the route uses surfaced paths, the Trail includes areas that make it unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

⚠️ Important: Detectives will encounter busy town centre streets, pedestrian crossings and some narrower pavements during the investigation. DCI Hardy Harr specifically recommends walking single file along parts of Belmont, and younger detectives should remain under close supervision throughout the case.

⚠️ Four clues are located inside The Dingle, whose opening hours vary throughout the year. If time is limited, we recommend investigating this area first.

Getting There

Time to assemble your squad and open the case files:

By car: DCI Hardy Harr recommends parking at Raven Meadows Long Stay Car Park (SY1 1PL), which is only a short walk from the start of the investigation. Shrewsbury's Park and Ride service is also a convenient option for reaching the town centre.

By public transport: Shrewsbury railway station is within easy walking distance of the Trail route, while numerous local and regional bus services serve the town centre throughout the day.

Your investigation begins at Darwin's Gate on Mardol (SY1 1HE), where the first suspect can be eliminated from your inquiries.

Need the Loo?

Even top detectives need a comfort break during a lengthy investigation!

Public toilets can be found within Quarry Park near Clue 14. Conveniently, this section of the Trail also makes an excellent place to pause, review the evidence and compare suspect notes before continuing your enquiries.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged detectives are welcome on the case 🐾

The investigation follows public streets, riverside walkways and parkland paths that make for an enjoyable outing with canine companions. Just keep leads handy in busier town centre areas and around other park users within Quarry Park.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a 166-year-old cold case is hungry work!

Shrewsbury town centre offers plenty of cafés, pubs, bakeries and takeaway options throughout the investigation. If you've brought your own provisions, Quarry Park, which covers Clues 08 to 14, is specifically highlighted in the case notes as an ideal picnic location and a pleasant place to sit down and review the evidence gathered so far.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Follow Darwin's Footsteps

The investigation is packed with locations linked to Charles Darwin, who was born in Shrewsbury in 1809. From Darwin's Gate and Quantum Leap to places associated with his childhood and education, the case doubles as a fascinating tour of Darwin's hometown.

Quarry Park and The Dingle

Much of the investigation takes place within Shrewsbury's famous Quarry Park. At its heart lies The Dingle, a beautiful sunken garden that began life as a medieval quarry before becoming one of the town's most beloved green spaces.

Quantum Leap

The striking Quantum Leap sculpture celebrates Darwin's 200th birthday and the revolutionary impact of his scientific ideas. The Trail passes directly by this impressive riverside landmark during the latter stages of the case.

Old St Chad's and Historic Shrewsbury

As well as Darwin connections, the investigation explores churchyards, medieval streets, riverside walks and some of the town's oldest surviving buildings, making it a great introduction to Shrewsbury's rich history.

Optional Detour - Spend Longer in The Dingle

Once the case is solved, it's well worth lingering a little longer in The Dingle. With ornamental planting, sculptures, water features and seasonal displays, it's one of the highlights of any visit to Shrewsbury and rewards a slower wander than a detective on a mission can usually manage.