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There are some buildings that just command your attention. They stand with a certain weight, their stone walls seeming to hold centuries of stories.
For me, alongside the famous Nottingham Castle, the National Justice Museum is one of those places.
Located in the city’s historic Lace Market, the magnificent Grade II* listed Shire Hall has served as a courthouse, gaol, and place of execution for hundreds of years, and you can feel that history the moment you climb its well-worn steps.
But this is no dusty, static collection of artefacts behind glass. This is an adventure. It’s an immersive, interactive, and often chilling journey into the world of justice, crime, and punishment that stays with you long after you’ve left.
It’s a place that has deservedly won awards and is consistently ranked in the top 10% of attractions worldwide, and after my recent visit, I can certainly see why.
Court is in Session
Soon after we arrived, we were ushered into the magnificent Victorian Courtroom, and this is where the museum truly comes to life.
This isn’t just a room to look at; it’s a stage. We found ourselves in the middle of a historical trial, brought to life by brilliant actors in period costume.
They re-enact real cases from the building’s past, and the atmosphere is electric.
The stern judge peers down from his bench, the prosecutor makes his case, and before you know it, you’re part of the story.
My husband was called up as a witness for the defence, which was hilarious to watch! It’s a fantastic way to understand how the law once worked.
Down into the Depths
From the dock of the courtroom, you can follow the path that so many real prisoners once walked: down into the gaol.
The museum is spread over five floors, and as you descend, you move back through time, from the slightly more modern Victorian sections to the grim Georgian gaol and the truly ancient, damp cells carved deep into the sandstone below.
There’s a sobering feeling that comes with standing in those cramped, dimly lit spaces.
You see the shackles, the original cell doors, and you hear the stories of the people who were imprisoned here. It’s a powerful and visceral connection to the past. It’s not just about looking at history; it’s about feeling it.
More Than Just History
What I really love about the museum is that it connects the past to the present.
Alongside the historic gaol, there are free exhibition spaces dedicated to exploring modern themes of social justice.
During our visit, we saw the “30 Objects Representing Justice” exhibition, which uses artefacts from the museum’s collection—some never displayed before—to explore how ideas of law, power, and humanity have evolved.
It’s thought-provoking stuff, showing that the conversation around justice is one that is constantly changing.
A Brush with the Supernatural?
You can’t talk about a centuries-old gaol and execution site without mentioning ghosts.
The National Justice Museum has a reputation for being one of Nottingham’s most haunted buildings, and it’s easy to see why. The atmosphere, especially in the deeper cells, is authentically creepy.
For those who enjoy a good scare, the museum fully embraces its spooky side, offering regular ghost tours and special “Fright Night” events, particularly around Halloween.
I’m not sure I’m brave enough myself, but for anyone who loves the paranormal, it sounds like an unforgettable experience!
A Family Day Out? My Verdict
Despite the grim subject matter, the museum is a fantastic day out for families, especially with slightly older children.
The interactive nature of the experience, from the mock trials to the engaging costumed characters, keeps everyone entertained.
Kids were fascinated by the stories and loved the chance to stand in the stocks for a photo. While some of the deeper, darker parts of the prison might be a little unnerving for very young children, you have the freedom to choose which areas you explore.
It’s a place that sparks curiosity and conversation, and for me, that’s the mark of a truly great museum.
The Visitor’s Docket: Planning Your Visit
A little planning goes a long way to making the most of your day facing justice!
Location & Getting There: The museum is on High Pavement in the Lace Market, Nottingham (postcode NG1 1HN). It’s a short walk from the Lace Market tram stop, and there are several multi-storey car parks nearby on Stoney Street.
Opening Times & Tickets: The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm (last entry is an hour before closing). It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance, especially during school holidays. A standard adult ticket is around £15, with concessions and family tickets available. Best of all, your ticket automatically becomes an Annual Pass, so you can return for free for a whole year! You can book tickets in advance on the official website.
Joint Ticket Offer: The National Justice Museum also runs the nearby City of Caves attraction. You can buy a joint ticket for both, which saves a bit of money and gives you two fantastic historical adventures in one day.
Accessibility: The museum has made great efforts to be accessible, with a lift serving most areas. However, as it’s a historic Grade II* listed building, some parts have uneven floors, low ceilings, and steps. It’s best to wear flat, comfortable shoes. If you have specific access needs, it’s a good idea to contact them in advance.
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