Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice — Attraction in London

If you're fascinated by the history of law enforcement or simply love a good true-crime story, then the Bow Street Police Museum in London is a must-visit. Housed in the former Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station, this unique museum delves into the fascinating world of policing from the 18th century to the 20th century.

From the moment you step inside, you're transported back in time. The original cells, now repurposed as exhibition spaces, feel eerily authentic. Exhibits bring to life the stories of the Bow Street Runners, London's first official police force, and the legendary magistrates who presided over cases in the very courtroom you're standing in.

One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is its focus on the human side of policing. You'll hear tales of daring detective work, harrowing escapes, and the everyday challenges faced by officers throughout history. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations keep things engaging, even for those who aren't history buffs.

The Bow Street Police Museum is a fascinating and informative experience for all ages. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a true-crime junkie, or simply curious about how policing has evolved, this museum is well...

We were meant to go to the John Soane's museum but we didn't realise that would be so popular and entail a forty minute wait, so decided to scrap that and go somewhere else. I am glad we did because it is such a hidden gem. It was very interesting and the staff were lovely. If you spend your time leisurely here, you could be here 40 minutes to an hour here. However, unfortunately most of the old police station and courts have been turned into a hotel, so there was little to see of the original structure. So, if you are someone who just likes to stroll around and not read the info, you will probably only be here about 10 minutes. Not a day out museum but a time to kill visit/conjoined with something else. Really liked the Founding Museum, which again isn't huge, and is maybe a 20 minute old walk away. The two combined with a meal would...

Lovely museum with incredibly informative and friendly staff. If you don't think police museums would normally be your thing don't let the name fool you. The contents includes a fantastically refreshing look at the history of policing, with a particular focus on the station itself and its links to the surrounding area. If you have the chance make sure you go on the Of Mollies and Men Walking Tour which offers a really interesting look at the history of the LGBTQ+ community in and around Covent Garden, and of course some fascinating information on how policing interacts with that. Emily is very knowledgeable and did a great job at creating a tour on such a complex topic. Overall you'd be mad to miss out on...