The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, known worldwide as the 'Old Bailey', is one of several buildings that house the Crown Court. Standing on the historic site of the former Newgate Prison, the present courthouse was opened in 1907 by King Edward VII and continues to function as a working court today.
This striking neo‑Baroque landmark features intricate stone carvings and is crowned by its famous 12‑foot, gold‑leafed statue of Lady Justice, poised with a sword in one hand and the scales of justice in the other. It’s an architectural highlight of the City of London and an impressive sight from the street.
To step inside, you’ll need to book a place on an official guided tour.
Guided Tours
Don’t miss the chance to explore the world‑famous Old Bailey. Join one of the fascinating out‑of‑hours guided tours and uncover centuries of dramatic history. From the 1100s, the site was home not only to the courthouse but also to a prison, the notorious Newgate, and a place of execution. The final public hanging took place in 1868, with the last private execution following behind closed doors in 1902.
On your tour, you’ll discover the Old Bailey’s hidden secrets, history, famous trials and unexpected artworks.
Guided tours take place on Saturdays - advance booking required.
Guided Tours with afternoon tea
You can also step inside the iconic Old Bailey and enjoy an exclusive tour followed by afternoon tea in the stunning Grand Hall.
Guided tours with afternoon tea take place on select Saturdays, advance booking is required too.