Name: National Justice Museum
Rating: 5.0

National Justice Museum

Shire Hall, High Pavement at The Lace Market, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 1HN, England

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The National Justice Museum is an immersive journey into the history of crime and punishment, located in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market. It is widely regarded as one of the best things to do with kids in Nottingham because it is a museum category attraction that uses real courtrooms and prison cells to bring the law to life. Families can meet costumed characters, take part in mock trials, and explore the very cells where Victorian prisoners were once held.

Planning a visit is straightforward with various ticket tiers available. Prices start from £11.00 for children, with family tickets offering a more cost-effective way to explore the full site. Your ticket includes access to the museum's extensive collections and the chance to interact with the actors who help explain the gritty reality of Nottingham's legal past.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines thrilling history with interactive learning, this museum is an essential stop. It provides an educational day out where children can debate justice in a real Georgian courtroom or experience the dark chill of the Gaol. It is a unique, thought-provoking destination that manages to be both serious and highly entertaining for all ages.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Interactive Exhibits: From fingerprinting to forensic science, the museum offers several interactive exhibits that let kids play detective.
Costumed Characters: Encounter a Victorian gaoler or a strict judge during your visit, turning an educational day out into a live performance.
Sensory Play: Exploring the cold, dark underground cells provides a sensory play experience that helps children understand the past through touch and atmosphere.
Mock Trials: Join a jury in a grand courtroom to decide the fate of a historical defendant—a favourite for older kids who love to argue their point.

Top 5 Highlights

The Georgian Courtroom: Stand in the very spot where sentences were passed for centuries. Kids love the drama of the mock trials and the chance to sit in the judge’s high-backed chair.
The Victorian Punishment Cell: This is a sobering look at how prisoners were kept in total silence and darkness. It’s a powerful way to explain how ideas of "justice" have changed over time.
The Prison Exercise Yard: Step outside into the small, walled area where inmates took their daily walk. It gives a real sense of how cramped and restrictive prison life used to be.
Forensic Gallery: This area is perfect for budding scientists. Children can learn about the history of CSI, from early blood tests to modern DNA analysis used to solve crimes.
The Reform Gallery: A more modern space that asks big questions about what prison is for today. It’s a great spot for parents to have a meaningful chat with teenagers about current events.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible toilets and baby changing rooms are available on the ground floor.
Buggy Parking: There is a dedicated area to leave buggies as the historic prison cells have many stairs and narrow passages.
Food & Drink: The museum has a small coffee shop serving sandwiches and snacks. There are also picnic benches in the courtyard.
Lockers: Small lockers are available for a £1 returnable deposit to store bags while you explore.

Pro-Tips for Parents

Plan for Stairs: The museum is spread over several floors and includes historic cells with steep steps. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some climbing.
Catch a Character: Check the board at the entrance for trial times. You don't want to miss the live performances as they are the highlight for most kids.
Discounted Late Entry: Check the website for "Twilight" tickets on selected dates, which can offer a cheaper way to see the main galleries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it for toddlers? Under 5s are free, but the museum is best suited for children aged 5+. Toddlers will enjoy the courtyard and the bright forensic gallery, but the prison cells may be a bit dark for some.
How long does a visit take? A full visit, including a mock trial and the prison tour, usually takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Where is the best place to park? Fletcher Gate Car Park is the most convenient. It is a multi-storey car park located very close to the museum entrance and the tram stop.
Are there cheap indoor activities in Nottingham? The National Justice Museum is a top value indoor choice. While there is an entry fee, the inclusion of live performances and interactive zones makes it a full afternoon of entertainment.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The actors are fantastic at staying in character and involving the children in the stories.
It’s a great "indoor" option for a rainy day in Nottingham that keeps kids active and moving.
The museum handles dark subjects sensitively, making it educational without being too scary for younger children.

What Visitors Don't Like

Some of the underground areas can be quite cold and damp, so bring an extra layer even in summer.
On busy weekend afternoons, the courtrooms can get very crowded, making it harder to see the trial performances.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The Original 14th-Century Cave Cells: Hand-carved into the Nottingham sandstone beneath the museum.
The Dock: The wooden enclosure in the courtroom where the accused stood to face their peers.
Victorian Handcuffs and Shackles: A collection of heavy iron restraints used during the 1800s.
The Pillory: A set of wooden stocks located in the courtyard, perfect for a quick family photo.
The 'Oscar Wilde' Cell Door: An original door from Reading Gaol, similar to the one the famous writer was kept behind.
Gibbet Irons: The gruesome metal cages once used to display the bodies of executed criminals.
The Fingerprint Station: A hands-on kit where kids can take their own prints and learn about patterns.
Executioner’s Tools: A historical collection of items used by the "hangmen" of the past.
Police Uniform Collection: Displays showing how the British "Bobby" has changed from the 1820s to today.
The Transportation Ledger: Original records of convicts sent to Australia on the first fleets.

Beyond the Main Attraction

City of Caves: Located just a few minutes away, you can descend even further into Nottingham’s underground world.
The Lace Market: Explore the historic streets surrounding the museum, which were once the heart of the world's lace-making industry.
Nottingham Contemporary: A short walk across the road leads to a modern art gallery with free entry and family workshops.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem: Visit what is claimed to be the oldest inn in England, located near the castle.

New for 2026

2026 'Digital Detective' AR Trail: Launching in January 2026, this smartphone-led trail allows families to find hidden "clues" throughout the prison using augmented reality.
The Justice Lab: A newly opened 2026 creative space specifically for under-10s to build their own "safe city" using LEGO and recycled materials.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Your ticket is an annual pass!

Adult: £15
Age 5–17: £11
Under 5s: Free
Concessions (Students, Over 60s): £14
Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £40
Family Ticket (2 adults & 3 children): £46.50
Family Ticket (1 adult & 3 children): £32

Save on tickets for the City of Caves

Joint Adult Ticket: £21
Joint Child Ticket: £17
Joint Concession Ticket (Students, Over 60s): £20
Joint Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children): £60
Joint Family Ticket (2 adults & 3 children): £70
Joint Family Ticket (1 adult & 3 children): £45

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/museum/visit

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The National Justice Museum offers unique "Courtroom Drama" birthday parties where kids can perform a trial and enjoy a private tea. Contact Email: info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk

Monday - Sunday: 10:00am - 5:00pm

Address: Shire Hall, High Pavement at The Lace Market, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 1HN, England

Post Code: NG1 1HN

Council: Nottingham

County: Nottinghamshire

By Tram: Take the tram to the Lace Market stop; the museum is directly across the road.
By Bus: Most city centre buses stop at Victoria Centre or Broadmarsh, which are both within a 10-minute walk.
By Car: Use postcode NG1 1HN.
Parking: The nearest large car park is Fletcher Gate Car Park, just a 2-minute walk from the entrance.