13/10/2026

The National Justice Museum in Nottingham has been shortlisted for Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards 2027. Delivered in partnership with Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, the awards celebrate the quality, innovation and passion driving Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s £2.53 billion visitor economy.

After winning gold at the 2026 Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards, the city-centre attraction went on to receive Bronze at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in June. This was quickly followed by both the National Justice Museum and their partner attraction, the City of Caves, receiving TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award for the fifth year in a row, based on the consistent high ratings received from visitors. 

Located in the heart of Nottingham’s Lace Market, the National Justice Museum occupies the Grade II* listed Shire Hall, once the county’s centre for justice, punishment and executions. Across five floors, visitors encounter an imposing Victorian courtroom, a sprawling Georgian gaol and dark, damp cells dating back hundreds of years.
A team of costumed historical interpreters brings more than 650 years of the building’s history to life. Daily interactive performances include historical trial re-enactments in which visitors may find themselves in the dock. The museum’s changing exhibitions explore modern social justice through objects from its collection.

Costumed interpreters use the museum’s authentic spaces to share the stories of real people connected with the gaol. Researchers and historians underpin these performances, helping to ensure that each story is both engaging and presented with integrity.

Through these stories, the museum explores how justice operated in the past and how the UK’s justice system works today. Its free exhibition spaces change regularly, using themes of modern social justice to invite conversation. Recent exhibitions include Asking For It, a powerful photographic series challenging the culture of victim-blaming in cases of sexual and gender-based violence; and 30 Objects Representing Justice, celebrating 30 years of the museum through 30 historical objects chosen by staff and the community. The current exhibition, Working Through It, explores the changing role of work in prison using a striking combination of objects, historical photographs, and contemporary experiences.

Victoria Reeves, CEO of the National Justice Museum, said: “It’s a huge achievement to be shortlisted again as Nottingham’s Visitor Attraction of the Year 2027, following our success in 2026. Our team go above and beyond to make sure visitors get an engaging experience and that the real human stories of our court and gaol are shared with authenticity, and this is reflected in the glowing feedback we receive every day. We look forward to the awards ceremony – we’re up against some amazing attractions in the county!” 

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:  “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people, businesses and organisations that make the East Midlands such a special place to visit. From our vibrant cities and market towns to our stunning countryside and world-class attractions our visitor economy plays a vital role in supporting jobs, businesses and local communities across the region. 

“I am proud of the passion, creativity and dedication shown by those working in tourism and hospitality, and these awards shine a spotlight on their achievements. The East Midlands has so much to offer, and by recognising the very best of our visitor economy, we can continue to showcase our region to more visitors and help put the East Midlands firmly on the map. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and nominated”