Guided Tours Of The Old Bailey

The Central Criminal Court of England & Wales, known at the Old Bailey, is synonymous with high profile criminal cases such as the Kray Twins, Doctor Crippen, Ruth Ellis & Jeremy Thorpe. The Old Bailey remains a working court where defendants over the years have stood within its fabled docks awaiting trial & possible sentence. For those with an interest in our Criminal Justice System, then good to know that there are a limited number of guided tours available during the year that offer you a rare insight into the workings of The Old Bailey.

Running since 2023, here’s a chance to join an expert guide and learn more about the history, architecture, artwork and notorious trials within the court buildings. We  joined one of these guided tours of The Old Bailey and have to say it immediately made it onto our top 5 things to do in London!  Find out more information on what to expect, practical considerations and how you can secure tickets within our guide below.

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Guided Tours of The Old Bailey

Guided Tours Of The Old Bailey

Dating back to 1907 in its current form, the Old Bailey has laid witness to some of the most notorious trials over the years with many hundreds passing through its doors each year. A tour works particularly well for those interested in the history, architecture or workings of the Court where you journey alongside an expert guide. For those more interested in capturing the heart of the Criminal Justice System at work, there is the alternative option of the public gallery with more details available over at The Old Bailey Public Access.  As the Old Bailey remains a working court it is worth noting that the public galleries are there to show justice at work rather than a sight-seeing attraction.

The guided tours have been running since 2023 on selected Saturdays & offers a rare opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of The Old Bailey.  Tickets are priced from £27.80 an adult, and take you on a 90-minute journey around this iconic building including access to the cells, courtrooms & Judge’s dining area. Joined by an expert guide with a vast working knowledge, they bring your journey to life recounting tales that captures the central role the Old Bailey has played within our justice system.  This is a rare opportunity to explore & learn more about the most famous Court in the land.

Starting in the main foyer area you are quickly taken through grand public spaces, awash with elaborate artwork & paintings, before heading into the notorious Court Room No 1. You’ll have a chance to sit within the court room and hear more about high profile trials that have taken place in this court over the years.  You’ll then begin your descent down from the dock to view the vast labyrinth of cells that lies below the Court that will have the hairs at the back of your neck start to prickle.  Your tour also includes access to a more modern Court room and even the Judge’s dining room with ample opportunity to question your guide throughout the tour.

FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT The Old Bailey & Access To The Public Galleries.

Guided Tours of The Old Bailey

Guided Tours Of The Old Bailey; Practical Information

1. Tours take place on selected Saturdays during the year.  As the Court isn’t sitting on Saturdays, this gives you the chance to explore away from the crowds.

2. Whilst the Court won’t be in operation on the day of your visit, security checks remain in place.  You will need to provide photo ID on the day.

3. Large bags or rucksacks are not permitted into the building although handbags are acceptable, (also no food or drink).

4. Unlike the public galleries, mobile phones are allowed into the building on the guided tours but can’t be used to photograph the court rooms or cells.

5. For those interested in the public galleries, you can find more information over at The Old Bailey; Public Galleries.

6. Worth noting that the only way to reach the cells on the tour is via the stairs.  All other levels of the building can be accessed via a lift.

7. Good to know that tours are limited to around 30 people where tickets start from £27.80pp, (£24.54 concessionary rate).

TO BOOK GO TO The Old Bailey; Guided Tours.