National Justice Museum

A museum housed in Nottingham's original Victorian courthouse and county gaol, exploring 1000 years of law and disorder through interactive exhibits and preserved historic courtrooms. Visitors can experience genuine prison cells where inmates were held and see the courtroom where the last public hangings were decided. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Nottingham, especially paired with nearby Lace Market. Tickets cost £9.50 adult, £7.50 child, £8.50 concessions and 2-3 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 2-3 hours Best for: the only museum in england where you can Skip if: You're uncomfortable with crime themes or claustrophobic spaces in the prison section Cost: £9.50 adult, £7.50 child, £8.50 concessions

You sit in the original judge's chair in the 1780 courtroom, then walk through authentic prison cells with preserved graffiti from former inmates. Interactive exhibits let you try on judge's wigs, experience a Victorian police investigation, and learn about famous trials that took place in these rooms.

Accessibility: Lift access to main floors, wheelchair accessible routes marked, some prison areas have steps and narrow passages

The only museum in England where you can experience authentic Victorian justice system buildings and procedures. 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 Nottingham Castle - together they fill a solid half-day. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time.

Skip if: You're uncomfortable with crime themes or claustrophobic spaces in the prison section

• Prison cell experience can be intense for young children - check age recommendations.
• Original Victorian courtroom hosts mock trials on weekends.
• Audio guide included in entry price and highly recommended.

Insider tip: The museum basement contains the original Victorian gaol exercise yard, now used for special exhibitions

Photography allowed in most areas, courtroom lighting dramatic for period atmosphere shots, prison cells quite dark