Bradford - Mirror Pool & Gardens

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery through the heart of Bradford, with Detectives following clues around the Mirror Pool, City Hall, theatres, gardens, cathedral area and lively city streets to solve the woolly mystery surrounding comedy knitter Bob Bobbins.

The case covers approximately 1.8 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You’ll be searching along pavements and through pedestrianised areas, with plenty of city-centre clues tucked among Bradford’s grand buildings, hidden corners and historic streets.

There are quite a few steps along the route, but most can be bypassed using alternative routes either along the Trail or within the area itself. This Trail is historical, great for families and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, although some sections may need a little extra route-juggling.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and start unravelling this close-knit case:

By car: The investigation begins outside City Hall in Centenary Square (BD1 1HZ). There is plenty of parking nearby, but The Broadway shopping centre car park (BD1 1JR) is the most accessible option and is a short walk from the start. Please note that dogs are not allowed inside The Broadway, so Detectives arriving with a police pooch may prefer to choose another nearby car park.

By public transport: Make your way into Bradford city centre, then head for City Hall in Centenary Square to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Even the sharpest Detectives need a comfort break while knitting together a tricky case. Toilets are available near the start at City Hall or in the shopping centres around the city, so it is worth making use of the facilities before the investigation gets properly tangled.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation 🐾

This city-centre route follows pavements, pedestrianised areas, gardens and streets, so keep canine colleagues on a lead and close to your squad throughout. Take extra care around traffic, crossings and busier shopping areas. If parking at The Broadway, remember that dogs are not allowed inside the shopping centre.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a woolly mystery can leave even seasoned Detectives feeling peckish.

You’ll pass several snack shops and cafes along the way, making it easy to gather supplies or pause to refuel while reviewing the evidence. With the route weaving through Bradford’s busy centre, there should be plenty of chances to stop before the clues begin to knot themselves into a suspicious little jumper.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Centenary Square and the Mirror Pool

The investigation begins beside City Hall and the Mirror Pool, one of Bradford’s most striking public spaces. It is a great place to gather your squad, take in the city-centre atmosphere and start the case with a proper splash of civic drama.

Science + Media Museum

The route passes the Science + Media Museum, making it a brilliant extra stop for families, film fans and curious Detectives. Allow extra time if your squad wants to head inside before or after the investigation.

Bradford Cathedral

The case leads towards Bradford Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the city’s oldest building. Worship here dates back to Saxon times, with much of the church built in the 1400s before it became a cathedral in 1919.

Festival Square

Festival Square appears along the route and offers a useful open space during the investigation. It is a good place to pause, regroup and make sure your suspect list is not unravelling before the case continues towards the cathedral quarter.

The Broadway and City Centre

Bradford’s city centre gives the Trail plenty of refreshment options, shopping stops and urban energy. The Broadway is also close to the start and finish, handy for parking, toilets and a post-case wander once Bob Bobbins’ tangled mystery has been neatly sewn up.