National Justice Museum

Though it would be good fun to attend the Dickensian Christmas Carol murder mystery themed evening on the 14th December. The actors were ok and it was quite enjoybale up until the meal being served which we paid for as part of the evenings even Firstly,a seating arrangement plan was placed out side the dining hall and it clearly stated we had a table and seating but when we entered a group of people were already sitting there. We had to stand around until another gap at a table was free for us to be seated. Not a good start or an apology for the blunder. Secondly, no dessert available after everyone else had been served and to add insult to injury we were told nothing was available only left over cakes. Again, no apology or substiitue or an offer of a drink maybe to compensate? So no would certainly not recommend one of their "themed evenings" not value for money and you do not get what you pay for. Very poor service and very dissapointing.

4/5 purely because the museum is freezing which spoils the enjoyment of it after a while when you start to lose the feeling in your fingers and toes (We were wrapped up in hat, scarf, gloves). I understand some rooms couldn't be warm due to their location to the outdoors however a lot of the rooms could and should be heated.

Other than that, absolutely fantastic. Hanging and courtroom great. If you gift aid you get a 1 year ticket. Ask at the desk for discounted parking for the NCP Stoney Street. Costs £7.20 rather than £22 to park all day.

We will definitely be back in warmer weather to see the rest of it.

Allow several hours (at least half a day) to enjoy the museum and talks. We arrived at lunchtime and left at 3 for the caves tour (joint ticket) and didn't manage to see it all.

Recommended :-)

We were absolutely blown away by this museum. It was well set out and provided a really interesting history of the prison and the criminal justice system two hundred years ago. Planned to spend only a couple of hours here before visiting the City of Caves (which we did and was also an incredible experience) but we were able to return to the National Justice Museum (having got our wristbands) to see the criminal courtroom and public execution performances which were brilliant - the performers were marvellous and conveyed so much information that was quite staggering to learn. Would highly recommend this place and booking a joint visit to the City of Caves gives you discounted rates - excellent value !

Excellent and you could easily fill three hours here. Particularly impressive was the energy and charisma of the actors as they welcome you in and communicate the history. Also summarises the dark side of 'justice' and puts it in cotext.

If you are driving the Stoney Street car park is a rip off normally but if you get the voucher from reception here it brings the cost of all day parking to 7.50 which is well worth it.

Also went to see City of Caves at a discounted price with the double booking. Not as good but worth doing as an add on for 40 mins or so.

Came here with someone who also loves museums and we weren’t expecting the interactive experience which came as a delight! The museum is far bigger than you think it is going to be! You start of by being given a prisoner number from which you get to find your own story somewhere in the museum (I was a homeless musician who committed murder!). There are actors/actresses throughout the museum who tell you about the different areas and even put on events, notably the trial and the execution, both of which were superb on our visit. There is lot to do and it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of exhibits! Well worth the money!

Visited here at the weekend with my two youngest (aged 18 and 12). There is so much to see and do here that you really need to allow at least 3 to 4 hours (we only had 2 ½ hours and this just was not enough). The characters throughout the museum are brilliant and impart information in an enthralling and engaging way, totally in character. Make sure you attend the hearing in the court and the execution (lots of audience participation …. My 12 year old got roped in!!). We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here and would recommend it to anybody.

The young woman 'acting' as matron of the women's prison was a total credit to the museum! The current exhibit on protest was also imaginative and informative. As older 'concessionary' visitors we were perhaps not the regular visitors. On a short visit to Nottingham we were simply seeing highlights. This museum was certainty one of them, but £12 concession entry fee at after 3 in the afternoon when many of the 'living' experiences were finished was, we thought, quite expensive.
An interactive museum there is much of interest, all presented in an accessible way.

Having been before, we went specifically for the mock trial and the guided tour showing us where prisoners have escaped.
The trial was fantastic. Gave some really good knowledge of an actual case in a fun way that would make it easy to remember.
Had 30 mins or so before the guided tour so we have a little look round some of the museum before heading back up to the entrance area.
The tour was lead by a really knowledgable and engaging staff member- sadly didn’t get her name. Would absolutely recommend this if it’s on when you go! Was so informative and so interesting to hear how people had tried to escape the prison!

What a brilliant museum. We had a joint ticket with the City of Caves.
There are 2 mock trials each day - based on the script from an 1830 trial. The visitors are the juey and there are actors/guides who are the judge and lawyer. Very well done a nd a good way to learn what it was like then.
There are also 2 gallows talks each day with a hangman and the lawayer again going through a script of what it would have been like. Again very entertaining and educational. It is really bought to life with stories of real prisoners.
The museum is huge built in a warren of old prison buidlngs. It goes from old times to present day.
There is a small cafe selling drinks, sandwiches, toasties and delicious cakes - I recommend the lemon drizzle.
A must see.

Such an interesting and important place really enjoyed our visit. Completely ran out of time to see everything despite being there for 2 hours so if you have a good attention span and want to see all the performances as well then I recommend putting the time aside and finding out timings of performances in advance. If you can get up and over early then I recommend a visit to City of Caves as well on the dual ticket.