
Old Bailey London
The Old Bailey, London's Central Criminal Court, where you can witness high-profile criminal trials from the public gallery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seating

Old Bailey London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more seating

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Old Bailey, London's Central Criminal Court, where you can witness high-profile criminal trials from the public gallery.
"A truly unique London experience, offering a powerful glimpse into the UK's justice system."

📱 Leave Your Phone Behind
No phones or electronics allowed inside. Use lockers nearby or leave them at home.
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
Public gallery seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive before proceedings begin.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Public Gallery Trials
Courtrooms
Witness high-profile criminal trials firsthand and experience the UK's justice system in action.

The Grand Hall
Main Entrance
Admire the impressive architecture and acoustics of this historic and grand hall.

Courtroom 1 & 2
Specific Courtrooms
Experience trials in the most historic courtrooms, often hosting significant cases.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Old Bailey
What to Know Before You Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 Leave Your Phone Behind
No phones or electronics allowed inside. Use lockers nearby or leave them at home.
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
Public gallery seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive before proceedings begin.
🧐 Check Daily Listings
See what cases are scheduled for the day on the Old Bailey website.
👔 Dress Respectfully
Maintain a respectful demeanor and dress code as you are in a formal court.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 Leave Your Phone Behind
No phones or electronics allowed inside. Use lockers nearby or leave them at home.
⏰ Arrive Early for Seats
Public gallery seating is first-come, first-served. Arrive before proceedings begin.
🧐 Check Daily Listings
See what cases are scheduled for the day on the Old Bailey website.
👔 Dress Respectfully
Maintain a respectful demeanor and dress code as you are in a formal court.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Lockers
Several shops and travel agents offer locker storage for a fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Old Bailey a fascinating and unique place to witness the UK's justice system in action. The opportunity to attend trials for free is a major draw, offering a powerful glimpse into real-life legal proceedings. However, strict rules regarding electronic devices and the need for early arrival for seating can be challenging for some.
"Absolutely amazing guided tour with so much history behind it. However, it would be nice if one could photograph in the judge’s dining room, the courtrooms and the cells since no one else is there and nothing is happening there at those times, with a change in the law required if need be to achieve that. Also, it would be nice if most of the cells were locked shut and a few set to unlock and left open so one could look in the open ones without risking being trapped."
Avenues 2016
"The seat of British justice. There are only so many places you can take pictures inside.
The history here is deep. Convictions over multiple decades make you wonder if justice was always served.
The building is steeped in history. Being a visitor has to be the better outcome of a visit than being a defendant as the level severity in this court could have you locked away, with the key being thrown away."
Steven stennett
"Stunning architecture and worth a visit to see what turns out to be a building from 1907. Seems a lot older."
Mark Philpott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Bailey is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are St. Paul's (Central Line), City Thameslink, and Blackfriars (Circle and District Lines). Many bus routes also serve the area.
On-street parking is extremely limited and expensive in this central London location. It's highly recommended to use public transport.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off at the entrance. However, be aware of potential traffic congestion in the area.
Traveling outside of peak rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) can help you avoid the busiest crowds on public transport.
Consider using contactless payment or an Oyster card for seamless travel on the Tube and buses. Ensure your card is ready before you tap in.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the public gallery to watch trials is free. However, you cannot book seats in advance.
The Old Bailey is generally open on weekdays, with proceedings typically starting around 10:00 AM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date daily listings.
Absolutely not. Phones, cameras, and all electronic devices are strictly prohibited. You will be asked to leave them outside.
There are several nearby shops and travel agents that offer locker storage for a fee. Some pubs opposite the Old Bailey may also offer this service.
Expect airport-style security checks. Be prepared to go through metal detectors and have your bags screened.
🎫 ⚖️ Onsite Experience
You can attend most trials in the public gallery, including serious criminal cases. However, some sensitive hearings may be closed to the public.
The Old Bailey website publishes a daily list of scheduled cases, including the court number and the nature of the proceedings.
Courtrooms can be intense and serious. Maintain silence and respect the proceedings.
Yes, the Old Bailey offers guided tours which are highly recommended for a deeper understanding of its history and function.
It's advisable to dress smartly and respectfully, as you are entering a formal judicial setting. Avoid casual or revealing clothing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no public dining facilities within the Old Bailey itself. Visitors will need to find food and drink options outside the building.
The area around the Old Bailey, particularly near St. Paul's Cathedral and Fleet Street, offers a wide range of cafes, pubs, and restaurants catering to various budgets.
Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside the courtrooms. It's best to consume them before entering or during breaks outside.
Yes, you can find more affordable options by exploring some of the smaller cafes and sandwich shops in the surrounding streets, or by visiting markets like Borough Market (a short journey away).
Numerous coffee shops, including major chains and independent cafes, are located within a short walking distance of the Old Bailey.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the Old Bailey, including in the courtrooms and public areas.
The exterior of the Old Bailey itself is architecturally impressive and makes for good photos. You can also capture views of nearby landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral.
While generally permitted, be mindful of security personnel and avoid obstructing public access.
You can find many professional and visitor-taken photos on platforms like Instagram and Google Images by searching for 'Old Bailey London'.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds for exterior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨⚖️ Legal Enthusiasts & History Buffs
To maximize your experience, research prominent past cases associated with the Old Bailey before your visit. This context will enrich your understanding of the proceedings you observe. Remember to check the daily listings to potentially witness a trial that aligns with your historical or legal interests.
🧐 Curious Londoners & Day-Trippers
Combine your visit with exploring nearby landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral or the historic Fleet Street. This offers a well-rounded day of cultural and historical immersion in the heart of London.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Attending a Trial: A Spectator's Guide
Before entering, be aware of the strict security protocols. All electronic devices, including mobile phones, cameras, and smartwatches, are prohibited. Visitors are often directed to leave these items at home or use nearby locker facilities. Several shops and travel agents in the vicinity offer storage services for a fee, though some Redditors suggest it can be expensive, making leaving devices at home the most practical option. Dress code is also important; while not a strict uniform, dressing respectfully is expected in this formal environment. Avoid casual attire like shorts or flip-flops.
Once inside, you'll be directed to the public gallery. The atmosphere can be intense, so maintaining silence and showing respect for the court is paramount. Some visitors have noted unique acoustic phenomena in areas like the Grand Hall, where whispers can echo in surprising ways. While you can't 'book' a seat, the experience of witnessing justice being served is a powerful one, offering a real-world perspective far removed from fictional courtroom dramas.
Navigating the Old Bailey: Practicalities and Etiquette
Inside, the Grand Hall is an architectural marvel, and some visitors have noted its peculiar acoustics. When attending a trial, remember that you are a spectator in a serious legal process. Silence and respectful observation are expected at all times. While you can't reserve a seat, arriving early increases your chances of getting a spot in the public gallery. For those interested in the building's history and function, guided tours are available and highly recommended, offering valuable context and insights from knowledgeable guides.
While the Old Bailey itself doesn't have dining facilities, the surrounding areas of Fleet Street and near St. Paul's Cathedral offer a plethora of options, from quick cafes to traditional pubs. Exploring these nearby eateries can be a good way to reflect on your court experience or grab a bite before or after your visit. Remember to check the Old Bailey's official website for the most current information on proceedings and visitor guidelines before your trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit