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Old Bailey Criminal Courts
( UK's Main Criminal Courts )





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Not a classic tourist sight but the Old Bailey or Central Criminal Court offers a unique authentic insight into London.

The Old Bailey is the main criminal court for England and wales where all the big criminal trials are hosted.
The Old Bailey itself was built about a century ago on the site of an old prison.

The Old Bailey
The courts consist of 18 courtrooms, nearly all have public viewing galleries. The British justice system with its peculiar wigged judges and barristers are there to be seen.

Don't expect the drama of a filmed courtroom epic its normally much more ponderous and workmanlike. You will get an authentic experience of the British criminal system at work, something most visitors will remember.

The trials are posted by the entrance to the courts, you can normally pick the trial or trials that take your fancy.

Admission Charges
Free - There is no admission for children under 14 and proof of age may be requested by security.
No cameras, video equipment , mobile phones, bags, food or drink are allowed in the building
For security reasons you are not allowed to take large bags or other items into the courts. There is also no facilities to leave such items so travel light.

Opening Times :
Monday - Friday 10.00am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm (approx).
There is a reduced court sitting in August

Getting to The Old Bailey :
The nearest Underground Station is St Paul's from where you follow the signs to Old Bailey, about 5 minutes walk. The Old Bailey is sited in the financial district of London. During the week the area is crowded with office workers, at the weekend the area resembles a ghost town, many of the shops and businesses closing.
Very few people live in the area, the notable exception being the moden Barbican Estate, just to the east. At the Barbican is also the London Museum, giving an authorative story of the history of London from its roots in Roman times to the modern day. Entrance is free.

The very popular hop on, hop off London tour buses stop at St Paul's Cathedral close by.

What To Do Around The Old Bailey :

The Old Bailey is in the City Of London, the old original part of London when it had a city wall. St Paul's Cathedral is very close by the Old Bailey. Just north of St Paul's is the London Museum, which tell you the history of London, (free). From St Paul's the Millennium Bridge, a footbridge crosses the River Thames to the Tate Modern Gallery and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

We have made available a free self guided walk, (outline map below). A circular walk that has St Paul's Cathedral and Underground on its route. This covers most of what is of interest in the City of London area.
See: City of London Self Guided Walk Pages