Royal Courts of Justice
Victorian Gothic masterpiece where British justice convenes beneath soaring pinnacles and intricate stone carvings.
A Victorian Gothic masterpiece dominating London's legal landscape, the Royal Courts of Justice stands as one of Europe's largest court complexes. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1882, this imposing stone edifice features soaring pinnacles, intricate carvings, and the magnificent Great Hall. Home to the High Court and Court of Appeal, it remains the epicentre of English legal tradition. Visitors can observe public trials and marvel at the architectural grandeur that defines British justice.
A brief summary to Royal Courts of Justice
- Strand, London, WC2A 2LL, GB
- +442079476000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings between 9 AM and noon to observe live trials in the public galleries with minimal crowds and maximum courtroom activity.
- Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the Great Hall, examine the architectural details, and observe a trial; the building's scale and ornamentation reward patient observation.
- Bring a camera to capture the exterior clock, the main entrance statues, and the intricate stone carvings; the building's Gothic details photograph exceptionally well in natural daylight.
- Check the court schedule in advance to identify high-profile cases or inquests that may draw media attention and larger crowds; plan accordingly or visit on quieter days.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions including Somerset House, Covent Garden, and the Thames Embankment; the Courts' central location makes it ideal for a walking tour of legal and cultural London.
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
Temple Station (Circle, District, and Hammersmith & City lines) is approximately 7 minutes on foot to the south; Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly lines) is approximately 7 minutes to the north; Chancery Lane Station (Central line) is approximately 9 minutes to the northeast. All three stations provide direct access without requiring surface transfers.
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Walking from Central London
From Covent Garden Piazza, walk south along Long Acre for approximately 8 minutes, then turn onto Bow Street and continue to the Strand. From Trafalgar Square, walk east along the Strand for approximately 10 minutes. The Courts occupy a prominent position on the Strand between Temple and Chancery Lane; the building's distinctive Gothic towers are visible from considerable distance.
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Bus Routes
Routes 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, and 139 serve the Strand corridor near the Courts. Journey times from central London typically range from 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and starting point. Buses stop directly outside the building on the Strand.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop passengers directly at the main entrance on the Strand. Journey times from central London vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions; expect higher fares during peak hours (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM weekdays).
Royal Courts of Justice location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Royal Courts of Justice
A Victorian Gothic Triumph Born from Urban Transformation
The Royal Courts of Justice emerged from a radical reimagining of London's legal infrastructure. Until the mid-19th century, England's courts were scattered across the capital—the Chancery Court in one location, the King's Bench in another, creating inefficiency and fragmentation. The site that would become the Courts was then a sprawling slum housing over 4,000 people in approximately 450 dwellings. In 1866, Parliament decided to consolidate the courts under one roof, purchasing the six-acre tract from Middlesex County Council for £1.4 million—an astronomical sum equivalent to roughly £55 million in modern currency. The displacement of thousands and the demolition of an entire neighbourhood marked one of Victorian London's most dramatic urban interventions.George Edmund Street's Unfinished Legacy
When the design competition launched in 1866, twelve architects submitted proposals, many believing they were designing a cathedral rather than a courthouse. The competition ran until 1868, when George Edmund Street, a trained solicitor turned architect, emerged as the victor. Street's Victorian Gothic design drew inspiration from medieval ecclesiastical architecture, featuring lofty pinnacles, turret-topped towers, and elaborate stone carvings that would transform the building into a symbol of justice itself. Tragically, Street never witnessed his masterpiece completed. Construction began in 1873 and proceeded fitfully—stonemasons struck in the early stages, forcing Parliament to recruit foreign workers, primarily Germans, to maintain progress. These continental labourers had to be housed and fed within the building itself for their protection from hostile strikers. The tension between labour disputes and the determination to complete the project stretched construction to over eight years. Street died in 1881, a year before the building's opening, allegedly from stress-induced illness at age 57. His son attended the opening ceremony in his stead.The Grand Opening and Architectural Splendour
Queen Victoria officially opened the Royal Courts of Justice on 4 December 1882, declaring her hope that the consolidation of judicial branches would "conduce to the more efficient and speedy administration of justice." The building instantly became an awe-inspiring landmark, its grey stone facade rising majestically above the Strand. The structure encompasses more than 1,000 rooms arranged around a central courtyard, with the Great Hall serving as the architectural heart—a soaring space approximately 240 feet long and 80 feet high, adorned with stained-glass windows and elaborate stonework. Above the main entrance stand statues of Christ, King Solomon, King Alfred, and Moses, representing the moral and legal foundations of justice. The building's exterior features a distinctive large clock with Roman numerals, installed during construction and now an iconic London landmark.Judicial Function and Legal Significance
The Royal Courts house the High Court of England and Wales and the Court of Appeal, making it the primary venue for civil litigation rather than criminal trials. The High Court comprises three divisions: the Queen's Bench Division (handling personal injury and negligence cases), the Chancery Division (managing business disputes, intellectual property, and personal matters such as wills and trusts), and the Family Division. The Court of Appeal operates in both civil and criminal capacities, hearing appeals from lower courts. Juries are notably absent from most proceedings; only libel and slander cases employ juries, with judges determining outcomes in all other disputes. The building has hosted some of Britain's most significant legal proceedings, including the Hutton Inquiry and the inquest into the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed.Architectural Innovation and Enduring Mystery
Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described the building as "an object lesson in free composition, with none of the symmetry of the classics, yet not undisciplined where symmetry is abandoned." The structure represents the last great secular building of the Gothic Revival, blending medieval inspiration with Victorian engineering and ambition. Its ornate facade and interior details showcase the period's fascination with medievalism and craftsmanship. Yet the building harbours peculiarities: Room 666 has baffled maintenance crews for generations, as professional stone cleaners have been unable to remove its original painted numbers despite monumental efforts. The room remains notoriously cold and is rarely used, lending it an air of mystery within the Courts' otherwise orderly operations. The Lord Chief Justice's Court was originally numbered Court 6 but was renumbered to Court 4 after the Lord Chief Justice deemed the original number unlucky.Extensions and Modern Adaptations
The original 1882 structure was extended in 1911 with the West Green building, designed by Sir Henry Tanner. The Queen's Building followed in 1968, and the Thomas More Courts were completed in January 1990, allowing the institution to accommodate growing caseloads. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the Courts adapted by functioning as a "Nightingale Court" for criminal trials, demonstrating the building's flexibility despite its historical rigidity. Today, the Royal Courts remain at the heart of the Inns of Court—Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn, Middle Temple, and Inner Temple—which surround the building and serve as training grounds and professional associations for barristers in England and Wales.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Clement Danes Church
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Historic London church and Central Church of the Royal Air Force, famed for its Wren architecture, RAF memorials, and iconic 'Oranges and Lemons' bells.
Bomber Harris Memorial
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A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
Prince Henry's Room
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Discover a rare Jacobean timber-framed treasure on Fleet Street, rich with history, ornate plasterwork, and tales from London's past.
The Old Watch House
0.3 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Hare Pl
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Discover Hare Place in Temple, London—a serene historic enclave steeped in centuries of legal tradition and architectural charm.
King's Reach commemoration memorial
0.3 km
Historic riverside memorial honoring King George V’s Silver Jubilee and the naming of London’s Thames stretch as 'King’s Reach'.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.4 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
Strand
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Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
Observation Point
0.6 km
Discover breathtaking views and iconic landmarks at Observation Point, a must-visit scenic attraction along the River Thames in London.
Bow St
0.6 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Ludgate Circus
0.6 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
Victoria Embankment
0.6 km
A historic riverside promenade in London blending Victorian engineering, scenic gardens, iconic monuments, and stunning Thames views.
Waterloo Bridge
0.6 km
Waterloo Bridge, London’s elegant Thames crossing, famed for its wartime women builders and breathtaking panoramic city views.
Royal Opera House
0.6 km
Experience the breathtaking performances and rich history of the Royal Opera House, a premier destination for opera and ballet enthusiasts in London.
Southbank Boardwalk
0.6 km
Experience the charm of London's Southbank Boardwalk, a serene escape with stunning river views, vibrant culture, and lush gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
Temple Bar Memorial
0.1 km
Uncover the historical significance of Temple Bar Memorial, a captivating landmark in the heart of London, reflecting the city's rich heritage and culture.
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
0.1 km
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
0.2 km
A stunning Elizabethan hall at the heart of London’s legal heritage, blending history, architecture, and tradition in a serene riverside setting.
Temple Church
0.2 km
Explore the exquisite Temple Church, a 12th-century architectural marvel in London, rich in history and breathtaking beauty.
St Dunstan-in-the-West
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
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"
0.3 km
Discover London’s hidden Tudor-era cold bath beneath the Strand, where myth and history intertwine in a unique urban relic.
Temple Station
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.2 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Sarastro
0.5 km
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
0.5 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Balthazar
0.6 km
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
0.7 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Punch & Judy
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
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
0.8 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Wahaca Southbank
0.8 km
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
0.0 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
The Store X
0.2 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
not just a shop
0.5 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.6 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sugar And Style
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
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)
0.7 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
j-me original design ltd
0.7 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
The Moomin Shop London
0.7 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.8 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
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Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.8 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Urban Outfitters
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Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Floral Street
0.8 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Plume Wine Bar
0.5 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.5 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.5 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Black Parrot
0.6 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.6 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Beaufort Bar
0.6 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
0.6 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Crusting Pipe
0.7 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
0.7 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
The Understudy
0.7 km
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
0.7 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Princess Louise
0.7 km
Step into the Princess Louise, a stunning Victorian gin palace in Holborn, where opulent interiors and rich history blend in a timeless London pub experience.
Lyaness
0.7 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Upstairs At Rules
0.8 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mrs Riot
0.8 km
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
0.5 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
0.5 km
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
0.7 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.9 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Roxy
0.9 km
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
1.0 km
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
1.0 km
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
1.0 km
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
1.3 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
1.3 km
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
- Scenic
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- 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
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
