Salisbury - Cathedral & Gardens

Essential Intel

Plan your investigation while the Cathedral Close is open - the Close gates are closed from 11pm to 7am.

If you are parking at Lush House Car Park, note that it has a 3 hours max stay. Longer stay parking is available 2 mins away at Old George Mall.

Navigating The Route

This is a Detective Mystery route around Salisbury Cathedral and Gardens, with Detectives investigating the destruction of a charity's toy collection and working to identify The Extoyminator before more toys are harmed.

The case covers 1.6 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You'll explore the Cathedral Close, Queen Elizabeth Gardens and paths around the gardens and square, passing through the gates, around Choristers' Square and along West Walk as the evidence trail unfolds.

This Trail is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible. The route includes roads, a diagonal grass path and walking around the square in an anti-clockwise direction, so keep your squad together and follow the route carefully.

Take care around roads, traffic lights and crossings. The investigation also runs alongside a river in the gardens and through the Cathedral Close, where the gates are closed overnight from 11pm to 7am.

To leave the Close at the end, head right along West Walk or return along the path away from the Cathedral, following signs to High Street Gate, then head left to the car park. You could also exit the Close from Harnham Gate or St Ann's Gate.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at Lush House Car Park (SP2 7TD), using ///swept.camp.prices. This is the recommended car park and has a 3 hours max stay. Longer stay parking is available 2 mins away at Old George Mall (SP1 2PH).

By public transport: You can arrive by train or bus. The Cathedral is well signposted, so make your way towards the Cathedral area, then head for Lush House Car Park (SP2 7TD), using ///swept.camp.prices, to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Useful comfort-break intel, Detectives: toilets can be found at the start point or in the Cathedral.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

For anyone bringing a four-legged sleuth, keep them close while you work the case. 🐾

The route includes roads, traffic lights, crossings, a diagonal grass path, garden paths and a riverside stretch, so leads are sensible around traffic and near the water. If you plan to head inside any venues, check their entry rules before you do.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking a toy-smashing case takes sharp eyes and decent supplies.

Refreshments are available at the Museum or Cathedral cafes and restaurants, and at the cafe on the green in front of the Cathedral. The town centre is also a brief walk away if your team needs extra provisions.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Salisbury Cathedral

The Cathedral is described as the finest Gothic Cathedral in Britain, and it is the headline extra for this investigation. Built in 38 years from 1220 to 1258 using 60,000 tons of Chilmark Stone and 10,000 tons of Purbeck Stone, it later gained its 123m spire between 1310 and 1333. Inside, look out for Europe's oldest working clock, 365 windows, 8760 marble pillars and one of only four surviving original Magna Carta in the Chapter House.

Cathedral Close

The Close surrounds Salisbury Cathedral and sits right at the heart of the case. The route takes you through the gates, around Choristers' Square and along West Walk, making it a great place to slow the pace once the evidence has been gathered. Just remember that the Close gates close overnight from 11pm to 7am.

Queen Elizabeth Gardens

Queen Elizabeth Gardens gives the investigation a greener stretch. The route uses the gardens and a bridge, then continues along a path with the river alongside it - a good breather for Detectives who need a pause from suspicious toy-related activity.

The Rifles (Berkshire and Wiltshire) Museum

The route passes the front entrance gates and porch of The Rifles (Berkshire and Wiltshire) Museum in the Close. Keep an eye out for the small plaque with soldiers and a dog in silhouette, and the detail noting that the lease is effective from September 1978.

Arundells

Arundells is another Close landmark passed during the case. Henry of Blunsdon was the first canon to live on the site, while the present house was later home to former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath - a neat historic extra once The Extoyminator's trail has gone cold.