Royal Courts of Justice, London
A majestic Victorian Gothic landmark at the heart of London’s legal system, blending historic grandeur with ongoing judicial significance.
The Royal Courts of Justice, located on the Strand in London, is a grand Victorian Gothic Revival building housing the High Court and Court of Appeal of England and Wales. Opened in 1882 and designed by George Edmund Street, it is renowned for its striking architecture, intricate stone carvings, and historic significance as the centre of civil justice in the UK.
A brief summary to Royal Courts of Justice
- Strand, London, WC2A 2LL, GB
- +442079476000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a better chance to observe court proceedings.
- Admire the intricate Victorian Gothic architecture both outside and inside, especially the Great Hall.
- Explore nearby legal landmarks such as the Inns of Court to deepen your understanding of London’s legal heritage.
- Look out for the large clock above the main entrance, a historic symbol of the building’s role.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the London Underground to Temple or Holborn stations, each about a 7 to 9-minute walk from the Royal Courts of Justice. Tickets typically cost £2.50 to £6 depending on travel zones and card type. Note that stations can be busy during peak hours.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes serve the Strand area, including routes 1, 6, and 15. Bus travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Buses accept contactless payment or Oyster cards.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London locations typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares usually range from £10 to £20. Note that traffic congestion can affect travel times.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking is a pleasant option. From Covent Garden or Holborn, expect a 10 to 15-minute walk on mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Royal Courts of Justice location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Royal Courts of Justice
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Significance
The Royal Courts of Justice, commonly known as the Law Courts, is an imposing Victorian Gothic Revival structure designed by George Edmund Street. Construction began in 1873 and took over eight years to complete, delayed by a masons’ strike and labor disputes. The building was officially opened by Queen Victoria in December 1882, a year after Street’s death, which was partly attributed to the stress of overseeing the project. The building’s ornate façade features lofty pinnacles, turret-topped towers, and intricate stone carvings, making it a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture and one of the largest court buildings in Europe.The Role in England and Wales’ Legal System
The Royal Courts of Justice houses the High Court and the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, serving as the epicentre of civil justice. The High Court is divided into three divisions: Queen’s Bench (handling personal injury, negligence, and contract disputes), Chancery (business, trusts, probate, and intellectual property), and Family Division. The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the High Court and Crown Court. The building’s Great Hall, about 240 feet long and 80 feet high, is the central space from which various courtrooms are accessed, symbolizing the administration of justice.Location and Surrounding Legal Heritage
Situated on the Strand, the Royal Courts of Justice lies at the heart of London’s legal district, surrounded by the historic Inns of Court—Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, Middle Temple, and Inner Temple—which are the professional associations and training grounds for barristers. The site was once a dense slum area with over 400 houses and 4,000 residents displaced to make way for the building. Its proximity to landmarks such as Covent Garden, Somerset House, and the River Thames enhances its prominence.Notable Features and Interior Highlights
Inside, the Great Hall impresses with soaring ceilings, stained-glass windows, and elaborate stonework. The building contains over 1,000 rooms, including courtrooms, offices, and chambers. A notable feature is the large clock above the main entrance, installed during construction and emblematic of the building’s enduring role. The interior layout includes a courtyard surrounded by offices and the Great Hall, which contains a bust of Queen Victoria. Some rooms, like Room 666, are known for mysterious peculiarities such as persistent painted numbers and extreme cold.Legacy and Continuing Function
The Royal Courts of Justice remains a working court building central to the UK’s legal system. It has been extended several times, notably in 1911, 1968, and 1990, to accommodate growing judicial needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it served as a Nightingale Court for criminal trials. The building’s architectural and historical importance is recognized with its Grade I listed status, making it a key heritage landmark in London.Architectural Context and Influence
The design reflects the Victorian era’s fascination with medieval Gothic styles, combining free composition with disciplined symmetry. Architectural historians have noted its blend of political reformist ideals and High Victorian aesthetics. The building stands as a testament to 19th-century legal reforms and the consolidation of courts under one roof, replacing earlier dispersed venues such as Westminster Hall.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Clement Danes Church
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Bomber Harris Memorial
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Prince Henry's Room
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The Old Watch House
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Hare Pl
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King's Reach commemoration memorial
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3 Gunpowder Square
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Strand
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Observation Point
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Bow St
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Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Ludgate Circus
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Victoria Embankment
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Waterloo Bridge
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Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
Royal Opera House
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Experience the breathtaking performances and rich history of the Royal Opera House, a premier destination for opera and ballet enthusiasts in London.
Southbank Boardwalk
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Unmissable attractions to see
Temple Bar Memorial
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The Old Bank of England
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Discover the historic charm of The Old Bank of England, a premier pub in London, offering delicious food, local brews, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Seven Stars
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One of London’s oldest pubs, The Seven Stars blends centuries of history with a lively legal atmosphere and eclectic charm in Holborn.
Middle Temple Venue Hire
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A stunning Elizabethan hall at the heart of London’s legal heritage, blending history, architecture, and tradition in a serene riverside setting.
Temple Church
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Explore the exquisite Temple Church, a 12th-century architectural marvel in London, rich in history and breathtaking beauty.
St Dunstan-in-the-West
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Discover St Dunstan-in-the-West, a neo-Gothic marvel on Fleet Street with a rich history spanning over a millennium and unique octagonal design.
Two Temple Place
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Discover Two Temple Place, a neo-Gothic Victorian mansion blending literary grandeur and architectural mastery on London’s iconic Victoria Embankment.
The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple
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Discover the historic heart of English law and royal heritage at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, home to stunning Elizabethan architecture and centuries of tradition.
Hidden London - Aldwych Station
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Step into London’s hidden past with exclusive tours of Aldwych Station, a disused Tube shelter rich in history and wartime stories.
The Maughan Library
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Explore London's grand neo-Gothic Maughan Library, a historic fireproof archive turned vibrant university research hub at King's College London.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
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Explore the historic legal heart of London at Lincoln's Inn, where centuries of law, architecture, and tradition converge in a serene urban oasis.
National Trust - Strand Lane "Roman Bath"
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Discover London’s hidden Tudor-era cold bath beneath the Strand, where myth and history intertwine in a unique urban relic.
Temple Station
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Step into history at Temple Station, a Victorian-era gateway to London’s medieval Knights Templar district and legal heritage.
St Mary le Strand Church
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Discover the exquisite Baroque beauty and rich heritage of St Mary le Strand Church, a tranquil sanctuary and landmark in the heart of London’s Strand.
King's College Chapel
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Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich history of King's College Chapel, a must-visit Gothic masterpiece in the heart of London.
Essential places to dine
Ikoyi Restaurant
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Sarastro
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Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Balthazar
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Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Margot
0.6 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
0.6 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.7 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Chez Antoinette
0.7 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Inamo Covent Garden
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A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Punch & Judy
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Historic Covent Garden pub blending classic British fare, lively balcony views, and family-friendly charm in the heart of London.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Sea Containers Restaurant
0.7 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Rules
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London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Wahaca Southbank
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Experience vibrant Mexican street food in a unique riverside setting with scenic Thames views and lively atmosphere at Wahaca Southbank.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.8 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Twinings - The Strand
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The Store X
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A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
not just a shop
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Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
London Transport Museum - Shop
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Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sugar And Style
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Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
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Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
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Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
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Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
j-me original design ltd
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The Moomin Shop London
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Rokit Covent Garden
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MUJI Covent Garden Store
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Urban Outfitters
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Floral Street
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Plume Wine Bar
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Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
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Be At One - Russell Street
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Black Parrot
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Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
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Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Beaufort Bar
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American Bar
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Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Crusting Pipe
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Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
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The Understudy
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Riverside craft beers, KERB street food, and Thames views at the National Theatre's lively bar – perfect for pre-show bites or late-night hangs on London's South Bank.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
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Princess Louise
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Lyaness
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Upstairs At Rules
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Mrs Riot
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Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Proud Late
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Carwash Nightclub
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Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
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Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
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The Roxy
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Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Heaven
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London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
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Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
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Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Zoo Bar & Club
1.1 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
1.2 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Club49Soho
1.2 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
The Penthouse London
1.3 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
La Capannina Club
1.3 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Cirque Du Soul
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Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
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Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Victorian Gothic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
