Watch a trial at the Old Bailey

Obviously this one has the potential to be a bit hit-and-miss, but it's worth noting that the public galleries at the Old Bailey are open daily from Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm for members of the public to watch trials in session.


It's one of the most famous courts in the world, and has been London's principal court for hundreds of years. The court's real name is the Central Criminal Court, but everyone knows it as the Old Bailey, and it takes it's nickname from the road on which it stands, which follows the line of the City's ancient fortified wall, or Bailey.

There's been a court here since at least the 17th Century and over that time it has seen the trials of figures as diverse as the Kray Twins, Dr Crippen, Jeremy Thorpe and the Yorkshire Ripper, and who knows, maybe you could see someone equally infamous (though perhaps not).

For more information visit the Court's page on the City of London Website here. The entrance is down an alleyway off Old Bailey and it is worth noting that visitors are not allowed to bring bags, cameras or mobile phones into the court, and there is nowhere to leave these items.

^{^Picture from wikipedia under Wikimedia Commons ^}