Royal Wootton Bassett - Ancient Market Town

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Royal Wootton Bassett, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Pormea Notherwan investigate the suspicious case of much-loved publican Ivor Barrell.

The investigation covers approximately 1 mile and should take around 2 hours to complete. You’ll follow clues through the Borough Fields Shopping Centre area, along the tree-lined High Street, past fine Georgian buildings, into the churchyard, along quieter lanes and back towards the old Town Hall and modern memorial monument.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs due to steep gradients, but should be doable with a pushchair. There are road crossings, sloping sections and stretches with no pavement, so keep younger Detectives and sniffer dogs close while the case bubbles along.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and begin this case of pub-sized puzzlement:

By car - Park in the Borough Fields Shopping Centre pay and display car park (SN4 7AX).

To begin your inquiries, head to the entrance of the mall by Sainsbury’s (SN4 7AX). Your first few clues are in and around the shopping centre and High Street, so make sure the squad is ready before heading off.

By public transport - Make your way to Royal Wootton Bassett High Street, then approach the start via the arch by the Post Office to reach the Borough Fields Shopping Centre area.

Need the Loo?

Even top Detectives need a comfort break before an investigation gets frothy. Toilets can be found in the shopping centre at the start of the Trail, so it’s worth using them before the squad starts chasing Ivor’s clues through town.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the outdoor investigation 🐾

This route includes pavements, High Street sections, churchyard paths, lanes, road crossings and areas with no pavement. Keep canine colleagues close throughout, especially near traffic, on the steeper stretches and where the route narrows.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving a publican puzzle can leave the whole squad ready for refreshments.

There are plenty of places to stop for snacks, drinks and treats along the route, especially around the High Street and shopping centre. Wednesdays bring the weekly market too, adding an extra chance to browse, refuel and gather strength before the final evidence is poured into place.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Borough Fields Shopping Centre

The case begins around Borough Fields Shopping Centre, making it a useful base for parking, toilets and early refreshments. It also gives Detectives an easy launch point before the trail heads into the older heart of town.

St Bartholomew and All Saints Church

The route visits the churchyard, adding a quieter historic stretch to the investigation. The church dates mainly from the 14th century, with later 15th century additions and Victorian restoration, while its tower has links to the Meux brewing family.

The Old Town Hall

Royal Wootton Bassett’s raised Town Hall is one of the standout sights on the route. The market charter was renewed in the 17th century, and the Town Hall once had traders’ stalls, a lock-up and stocks beneath its pillars, with a council chamber above.

Royal Wootton Bassett’s Market Heritage

The town’s market story stretches back centuries, and the Wednesday market is still a neat bonus if your visit falls on the right day. It’s a good way to add a little bustle, browsing and snack-hunting to your investigation.

Military Links and Royal Status

The final stretch brings you close to the modern memorial monument and the town’s more recent story. Royal Wootton Bassett became the first town in over a century to receive royal status, recognised for the respect shown during repatriations from the former RAF base at Lyneham.