The National Justice Museum
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National Justice Museum

4.7
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore centuries of law and order in Nottingham's historic Shire Hall and Gaol, with captivating live performances and interactive exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better immersion

CrowdLow
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The National Justice Museum

National Justice Museum

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better immersion

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore centuries of law and order in Nottingham's historic Shire Hall and Gaol, with captivating live performances and interactive exhibits.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"An incredible museum, well worth the entrance fee, offering so much to learn and presented so well."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Live Shows!

Don't miss the Georgian trial and hanging reenactments; they're the highlight!

⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours

You'll need plenty of time to explore all five floors and enjoy the performances.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 2,190 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Georgian Trial Reenactment

Georgian Trial Reenactment

Courtroom

Witness history unfold as actors perform a lively Georgian trial, often involving audience participation. Informative and entertaining!

The 'Hanging' Performance

The 'Hanging' Performance

Gallows

Experience a dramatic reenactment of a historical hanging, offering a stark look at past punishments. Hauntingly effective.

Interactive Crime Gallery

Interactive Crime Gallery

Crime Gallery

Engage with exhibits on crime and punishment, including a virtual autopsy. A morbidly fascinating look at justice.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Live Performances

Interactive trials and 'hanging' reenactments are a major draw. Arrive early or check schedules to ensure you catch these engaging, informative performances that bring history to life. Reddit

Allow Ample Time for Exploration

With five floors of exhibits, interactive displays, and live performances, you'll need at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the National Justice Museum. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better immersion
Crowd
Low
When
October & November evenings
Why
Spooky Victorian Condemned tours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Performing an interactive and virtual autopsy at @justicemuseum's FREE Crime Gallery 👀🔪🩸 (But definitely stick around and buy a ticket to explore the rest of the museum too...!) 📌 National Justice Museum, Nottingham 💵 FREE #NationalJusticeMuseum #GalleriesOfJustice #Nottingham #VisitNottingham #VisitNotts #TheMorbidTourist #MorbidTourism #DarkTourism #Spooky #SpookyTok #SpookyTravels #SpookyTravel...
@themorbidtourist
5.5K likes • 66.9K views

🎯 Catch the Live Shows!

Don't miss the Georgian trial and hanging reenactments; they're the highlight! TikTokReddit

⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours

You'll need plenty of time to explore all five floors and enjoy the performances. TikTok

You can trust us for your next day out! Travel back in time to see how justice was carried out in the Victorian and Georgian times over 5 historic foors at the National Justice Museum. Then did you know Nottingham has the UK's largest network of caves - over 800 are hidden beneath its streets. At The City of Caves, you can discover the largest publicly available section of this vast underground ...
@justicemuseum
1.9K likes • 32.2K views
What is it like working at the National Justice Museum? I think this pretty much sums it up! #History #PlacesToVisit #livinghistory #victorian #darktourist #ukmuseum #darktourism #exploreuk #british #fyp #nottingham #nottinghammuseums #museum #itsinnottingham #georgian #gaol #explorenottingham #gaoler #interpreter #actor #court #courtcases #historic #eveningevents #crime #truecrime #crimestories...
@justicemuseum
729 likes • 13K views

🎟️ Joint Ticket with Caves

Consider a joint ticket for the National Justice Museum and City of Caves for a full day of history. TikTokReddit

👻 Spooky Halloween Tours

Check for special Victorian Condemned tours in October/November for a frightfully fun experience. TikTok

193 years ago, on the 1st of February, three young men were hanged on the front steps of the Shire Hall. The very steps you'll walk up to enter our museum! George Beck (20), George Hearson (22), and John Armstrong (26) had been found guilty on January 4th, 1832, for their part in the Reform Bill Riots. The riots took place in October 1831, when the right to vote was denied to most men. #historyfac...
@justicemuseum
592 likes • 16.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Live Shows!

Don't miss the Georgian trial and hanging reenactments; they're the highlight! TikTokReddit

⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours

You'll need plenty of time to explore all five floors and enjoy the performances. TikTok

🎟️ Joint Ticket with Caves

Consider a joint ticket for the National Justice Museum and City of Caves for a full day of history. TikTokReddit

👻 Spooky Halloween Tours

Check for special Victorian Condemned tours in October/November for a frightfully fun experience. TikTok

🧠 Try the Safe Challenge

Test your skills with the museum's safe-cracking challenge – if you can manage it! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are highly impressed by the National Justice Museum, praising its informative exhibits and the exceptional live performances that bring history to life. The interactive elements and the actors' dedication are frequently highlighted as major strengths, making it a well-worthwhile visit for its educational and entertaining value.

"So impressed by this museum. Full of information and exhibits some of them interactive .But the highlight was the live performances of a Georgian trial in which members of the public took part and the "hanging" performance. Both were entertaining and informative. Could have stayed for hours. Highly recommend"

janice brown

"Very interesting, loved the people acting out scenes and hangings, interesting stories and a well laid out and facinating display. There are lots of interactive displays and fun things to do. Go on spoil yourself, have some fun, you deserve it!!!"

Sir Werner

"What an incredible museum and well worth the entrance fee. The history of the museum, along with details of the former inmates, was so interesting. There is just so much to learn about, and presented so well. I've visited so many old goals over the years, but this museum offers far more and definitely worth visiting."

Alice Goss

What People Like

Engaging live performances
Interactive exhibits
Historical authenticity

What People Dislike

Some themes may be intense for young children

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Justice Museum is centrally located in Nottingham's Lace Market. It's easily accessible by public transport, with Nottingham train station a short walk away. Several bus routes also stop nearby. Parking is available in nearby city center car parks. TikTok

Yes, the National Justice Museum is located right next to the City of Caves. Many visitors opt for a joint ticket to experience both historical attractions on the same day. TikTokReddit

The closest train station is Nottingham Station, which is about a 15-minute walk. Numerous bus routes serve the city center, with stops within easy walking distance of the museum. TikTok

While there isn't dedicated parking at the museum itself, there are several public car parks within a short walking distance in the city center. Consider Lace Market car park or St James's car park. TikTok

Absolutely! The National Justice Museum is in the heart of Nottingham's city center, making it very walkable from most hotels and attractions. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are considered very reasonable for the experience offered. Check the official website for current admission fees, but expect good value for money. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially if you want to guarantee a spot for specific live performances or during peak times. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the museum's official website before your visit. They are typically open daily, but specific times may differ. TikTok

The museum often offers concessions for students, seniors, and families. Look out for potential joint ticket deals with other local attractions like the City of Caves. Reddit

Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions when booking your tickets or contact the museum directly for specific queries regarding cancellations or rescheduling. Reddit

🎫 ⚖️ Onsite Experience

Explore five floors of history, including old courtrooms and cells. Don't miss the live performances of Georgian trials and hangings, interactive exhibits like the virtual autopsy, and the chance to try cracking a safe. TikTokReddit

Yes, the live performances, particularly the Georgian trial and hanging reenactments, are consistently praised for being entertaining, informative, and bringing history to life. TikTokReddit

Yes, the museum offers interactive elements and engaging performances that can be fascinating for older children. However, some themes might be intense for very young children. TikTok

Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at the museum to fully experience the exhibits and catch the live performances. TikTok

The museum is housed in a historic building, which may present some accessibility challenges. It's recommended to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and any limitations. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a cafe where you can grab a refreshment or a light bite. It's a convenient spot for a brief stop during your visit. Reddit

Generally, it's best to consume your own food and drinks in designated areas or outside the museum. The on-site cafe offers options for purchase. Reddit

The museum is located in Nottingham's city center, which offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and pubs catering to various tastes and budgets. You'll find plenty of choices just a short walk away. TikTok

The cafe typically offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes, and snacks. It's a good place for a quick refuel. Reddit

While specific options may vary, most museum cafes offer a range of choices. It's advisable to check with the cafe staff upon arrival regarding any dietary needs or preferences. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for signage or ask staff if unsure. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, it's common practice in museums to avoid flash photography in areas with sensitive artifacts or displays. Be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions. TikTok

The historic courtrooms, the cells, and the exterior of the Shire Hall offer great photographic opportunities. The actors in costume also make for interesting shots. TikTok+1

Short videos for personal social media are usually fine, but commercial filming or extensive video production may require prior permission. Check the museum's policy or contact them directly. TikTok

The atmospheric courtrooms, the imposing architecture, and the costumed interpreters provide many visually interesting opportunities for social media content. TikTok+1

National Justice Museum (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide