




Explore justice and law through interactive exhibits in real courtrooms and museum spaces, plus discover the underground City of Caves.
Venue Type
Indoor
Typical visit duration
1-3 hours
Booking
Book in advance
Wonderful museum with so much information on the history of not only the building itself but life in Nottingham during the time it was a working prison. I was given a wristband at the front desk with a convict number and got to find out which prisoner it correlated to as well as why they were arrested and if they died or survived their time in the prison. Great day out for families, lots to look at and read, as well as great immersive experiences with live actors replaying what it would have been like while it was in use.
A great museum, full of all kind of items from execution and punishment, to criminals clothing and personal possessions. The live shows are very entertaining also. An eerie history of the justice system from darker times plus how modern times have changed the system. Experience a court session and an execution and get a real insight into times gone by.
As one of Nottingham's most famous attractions, you can buy join ticket here at a discounted price, which also include tickets for the City Caves and the Court of Justice. If you provide information, you can enter the museum three times for free within a year. The museum meticulously recreates the lives of prisoners in Nottingham Prison during the Middle Ages, including the punishments and instruments used, and even the actual circumstances of death sentences. The actors explain the process in great detail, which is truly impressive. Additionally, the museum showcases the experiences and hardships of prisoners who were sent to Australia for imprisonment. Every so often, actors portray judges and lawyers in a courtroom scene, which is very entertaining and vivid – a must-see. I initially thought it wouldn't offer much, but it exceeded my expectations. I recommend allocating at least three to four hours for a visit.
Loved everything about the museum. Lots to see, very interesting, interactive. Brought the tickets along with the caves. The court and hangings were such a highlight and must see for anyone visiting. We spent about 3 hours here and could have easily stayed longer.
The National Justice Museum is a fantastic place to visit and makes for a brilliant day out for both adults and children. From the moment you walk in, you’re drawn into the fascinating history of crime and punishment, with well-presented exhibits that clearly show how justice has evolved through the ages. Everything is laid out in an engaging way, making it easy to follow and genuinely interesting. The courtroom and hanging performances are definitely highlights of the visit. They are well acted, informative and surprisingly light-hearted, bringing history to life in a fun and memorable way. It really adds an interactive element to the experience and helps you understand what life was like in those times. There’s plenty to explore throughout the museum, and you can easily spend a few hours taking it all in. The on-site café is excellent too, offering a great place to relax with a drink or bite to eat after walking around. Overall, it’s a really enjoyable, educational and immersive experience. Highly recommended for families, history lovers, or anyone looking for something different — we thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would definitely recommend it.
Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Tue 20 Oct at 11:30 AM +1 more date

Wed 21 Oct at 10:00 AM

Thu 22 Oct at 5:00 PM +5 more dates

Thu 22 Oct at 11:00 AM +1 more date

Sat 24 Oct at 11:30 AM +4 more dates

Fri 30 Oct at 10:00 AM
This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026
