The Old Bailey

The Central Criminal Court of England & Wales, known at the Old Bailey, is synonymous with high profile criminal cases where the public galleries offer you a glimpse into the world of the Courts.  Dating back to 1907 in its current form, the Old Bailey has laid witness to some of the most notorious criminals including the Kray Twins, Doctor Crippen, Ruth Ellis & Jeremy Thorpe. Many defendants have stood within its fabled docks over the years awaiting to hear their fate as Judges pass down sentence.

The Old Bailey remains a working Court with many hundreds passing through its doors each year.  For those interested in the history, architecture or workings of the Court, there are guided tours available during specific Saturdays during the year.  For those looking to capture the heart of the Criminal Justice System at work, then the public galleries offer a glimpse into our justice system. Find out more details below on how you can secure a guided tour or simply access the Court via the public gallery.

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Guided Tours of The Old Bailey

Visiting The Old Bailey; Guided Tours

There are options to secure a guided tour at selected times of the year that gives you chance to learn more about its history, famous trials & even artwork within this iconic court house.  Running on selected Saturdays during the year, you can discover more about this iconic building during a 90 minute guided tour.  A rare opportunity to gain an insight into the workings of The Old Bailey, this tour will take your down to the cells, into courtrooms including the notorious Court Number Number One as well as the Judge’s Dining Room.  As these events take place on a Saturday, the court won’t be in operation but does give you the opportunity to explore away from the crowds as you discover more about the most famous Court in the UK.

In groups of around 30 people, we recently joined one of these tours and have to say it immediately made it onto our top 5 things to do in London.  Our expert guide took us on a whistle stop journey around the history, architecture, inner workings and notable trials that have taken place within the court building.  For those with an interest in our criminal justice system, this is an absolute must so worth understanding more about how you can secure tickets.

More information available over at Guided Tours Of The Old Bailey.

Guided Tours of The Old Bailey

Visiting The Old Bailey; Public Galleries

For those with an interest in Court proceedings, The Old Bailey offers a unique insight into the Criminal Justice System although worth being aware that this is a working court and NOT a sight-seeing attraction.  The public galleries remain open to the public, free of charge, when Court is sitting and offers a real time glimpse into Court proceedings.

Public access to the Old Bailey can be gained via Warwick Passage, (to the side of the main entrance), where you will be taken through airport like security.  The Court opens to the public from 10am, and whilst we arrived 90 minutes early to ensure availability, we remained the only people in the queue right up until the last 10 minutes before the doors opened, (we visited during peak summer season). There are a large number of stipulations in place about what cannot be taken into Court such as electronic devices including mobile phones & other smart devices, food or drink.  Good to know that there are a number of retail units located close to the Court buildings that will store your belongings for a small charge as you will be denied access if your rock up with your phone.

As you pass through security, you are then free to wander between the three floors to find a sitting Courts – there are 18 Courts in total but not all will be sitting or available to the public.  There are security officials on each floor that will assist in locating a sitting Court who will advise of the nature of the trial/sentencing taking place.  You are asked to give a 30 minute minimum commitment to each public gallery, (you can of course stay much longer) to avoid too much disruption to proceedings.

Please remember not to discuss the case as you leave the Court room as family members & friends involved in proceedings may understandably find any conversation upsetting.  During our morning, we moved between two sitting Courts that were in the midst of trials for serious offences.  It can be hard to follow when joining trials that have been ongoing for some time, particularly for those unused to the workings of the UK’s Criminal Justice System, so this is best suited to those with an interest or knowledge of our justice system.

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Public Entrance to The Old Bailey

Visiting The Old Bailey; Practical Information

1. Worth noting that you cannot take mobile phones or other smart devices into the Old Bailey so check out the full list of non-permitted items before setting out.  There are a number of retail units close to the Old Bailey that will store your items for a small charge.

2. We didn’t have any problem gaining access to the Court so no need to set off at the crack of dawn, (like us!).  There are last entry times for both the morning or afternoon sessions to take account of that are posted up on the door.

3. This is not suitable for young children, (only children 14 years & above are permitted & those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult), as often these are the most serious offences being heard.

4. Visitors are requested to dress appropriately – smart casual dress is advised.

5. Worth taking photo ID with you, particularly for high security trials, as you might be asked for documentation.

6. You can view the case listings in advance should you wish to select a particular trial.

Access to the public entry via Warwick Passage