20/03/2026

The National Justice Museum in Nottingham has been awarded Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards 2026. Delivered in partnership with Visit Nottinghamshire, Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, over 380 guests came together at Pride Park Stadium to recognise the outstanding businesses, people and experiences that make the region such a fantastic place to visit.

From accommodation and attractions to food, drink and unforgettable experiences, the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards highlight the quality, innovation and passion driving a visitor economy worth £2.53bn and supporting 22,500 jobs across Nottingham

Located in the heart of Nottingham’s Lace Market, the National Justice Museum is housed in the grand and impressive Grade II* listed Shire Hall, once used as the county’s seat of justice, punishment, and even executions. Over five fascinating floors, their building houses an imposing Victorian courtroom, sprawling Georgian gaol, and dark, damp cells that date back hundreds of years. 

Visitors are greeted by a team of historical costumed interpreters, ready to share stories from the 650 years of the building’s history. Interactive performances take place every day, including historical trial re-enactments where you could end up in the dock! Their ever-changing exhibition spaces focus on topics of modern social justice, inspired by objects in the museum’s collection.

With authentic spaces and costumed actors, they share stories of real people from the gaol’s history. Leading this are researchers and historians, ensuring that the stories told  are entertaining and delivered with integrity.

Through these stories, we show what justice used to be, and how the UK’s modern justice system looks now. Our free exhibition spaces change frequently, focusing on themes of modern social justice to invite conversation. Recent exhibitions include Juvenile In Justice, looking at young people’s experiences of life behind bars; and Ingenuity, exploring the ways that people living in prison have been creative while incarcerated and the current exhibition celebrates 30 years of the museum through 30 historical objects.

We have introduced annual passes, meaning that visitors can return for free over 12 months. This provides better value for families and gives support for those with additional needs. They can explore sections of the museum, taking the time to feel comfortable, without having to buy a ticket every time.

Victoria Reeves, CEO of the National Justice Museum, said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to have received funding for NPO investment 2023-26 from the Arts Council. We’re so proud of our amazing team and partners – this investment reflects the amazing, ground-breaking work we’ve been doing and will allow us to continue our current projects as well as developing brand new strands of work.”