Legal Tours - London
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About the experience
Discover justice in action on Old Bailey tours! We offer two different itineraries for crime enthusiasts: the Legal London Tour and the Old Bailey Insight Tour - both vouchers are valid for either tour. Alternatively, you can book a private tour for up to five people. The Legal London Tours start at the Law Courts (the Royal Courts of Justice buildings) on the Strand, which house both the High Court and Court of Appeal for England and Wales. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the role of these courts before taking you inside the building. The Lord Chief Justice presides over Court 4 in the Law Courts, which is usually open to the public when in session. These tours provide an opportunity to witness an appeal trial as it is happening. It is a fascinating experience for anyone interested in legal proceedings in the country. The tour continues with a visit to Lincoln's Inn Fields, where many of the country's top legal professionals have their chambers in impressive buildings arranged around a pretty grassed square. Then, you will walk approximately half a mile to reach the famed Old Bailey, also known as the Central Criminal Court. The visit to the Old Bailey, with the golden Lady Justice sitting atop the dome holding her scales of justice in one hand and her sword of retribution in the other, is quite an eye-opener. The wood-panelled courts of the old building are notoriously cramped and uncomfortable. Former Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe, who was on trial for conspiracy to murder in 1979, arrived at court with his own cushion due to this. With the newer extension, there are now 18 courts spread across three floors. Courts 1 and 2 are where the most serious murder and high-security cases are heard. Notable defendants such as Oscar Wilde, the Kray twins and Peter Sutcliffe have faced judge and jury in these courts. In fact, more murder trials are heard at the Old Bailey than at any other court in the country. All courts are open to the public, so these Old Bailey tours allow time to watch an afternoon court sitting.
- Witness the justice system in action in London
- Hear the history of the courts from an expert
- Watch an appeal and a trial in process
- This voucher is valid for legal tours
Vouchers are valid for either of the two following tours :
Legal London Tour
- Visit the Royal Courts of Justice
- View the legal costume exhibition and Court 4, where the Lord Justice sits
- Groups usually stay for about 30 minutes listening to a criminal appeal
- Wander through the secret alleys and courtyards of the Inns of Court
- Move onto the Old Bailey, for a talk on its fascinating history
- Exclusive typed guide to the Old Bailey, including a run down on the cases of the day
- Option to purchase lunch before the court opens for its afternoon session
- You will be directed to the most interesting cases of the day at the Old Bailey
- Opportunity to watch your chosen case from the visitors gallery
- Maximum group size 10 people
Old Bailey Insight Tour
- A morning talk at the Viaduct Tavern opposite the Old Bailey
- Tea/coffee or a fruit juice plus a croissant are provided
- Hear about its the Old Baileys history and nearby places of interest
- Visit an original Newgate prison cell that now forms part of the pub's cellar
- Exclusive typed guide to the Old Bailey, including a run down on the cases of the day
- Option to purchase lunch before the court opens for its afternoon session
- You will be directed to the most interesting cases of the day at the Old Bailey
- Opportunity to watch your chosen case from the visitors gallery
- Maximum group size 10 people
Or choose the Private Tour option for either the Old Bailey or Legal London Tour
- Private guided tour for up to 5 people
Information
- Minimum age 14
- Under 18s must be accompanied by a participating adult
- A minimum of two vouchers must be purchased for the legal tours
- Tours operate on weekdays throughout the year
- All dates and session times are subject to availability
- Courts sit Monday to Friday (excluding Christmas and Bank Holidays)
- Arrive at the Old Bailey at 1pm
- The court opens for its afternoon session at 2pm
- Courts rise between 4:00 and 4:30pm but you can leave earlier
Legal London Tour
- Tours start at 11am at The Royal Court of Justice on The Strand
Old Bailey Insight Tour
- Tours start at various times generally between 9:15am and 10:45am
- Meet at The Viaduct Tavern, opposite the Old Bailey
Minimum Age: 14 years
- Access to the public galleries of the courts is subject to strict airport-style security guidelines
- Photography inside the building is not permitted
Locations
- Essex
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