Galleries of Justice Museum

This former courthouse and jail tells Nottingham's criminal history through interactive exhibits and preserved Victorian-era cells. The building operated as a working court and prison until 1986, housing everyone from petty thieves to condemned murderers. Guided tours take visitors through original courtrooms, underground caves used as cells, and the execution yard. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Nottingham, especially paired with nearby Lace Market. Tickets cost £9.95 adult, £7.95 child, £8.95 senior and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: one of britain's best Skip if: You're uncomfortable with dark historical themes or cramped underground spaces Cost: £9.95 adult, £7.95 child, £8.95 senior

You walk through original courtrooms with wooden dock and judge's bench still in place, then descend into cramped stone cells where prisoners carved names into walls. The guided tour includes standing in the execution yard where public hangings took place until 1864.

Accessibility: Ground floor and courtrooms accessible, but medieval caves and some prison areas require stairs

One of Britain's best-preserved Victorian court and prison complexes with original features intact. It is not the first thing you should see in Nottingham, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Lace Market and National Justice Museum - together they fill a solid half-day. Afternoon tends to work best here.

Skip if: You're uncomfortable with dark historical themes or cramped underground spaces

• Book the crime and punishment tour in advance for full experience.
• The building can be cold year-round so bring layers.
• Photography allowed in most areas but not in the cells.

Insider tip: The medieval caves beneath the building were used as cells before the Victorian prison was built above

Good lighting in courtrooms, distinctive shots in the caves, flash photography not permitted in cells