Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice

Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice
#146

Compact museum in the former Bow Street police station/court tracing policing from the Bow Street Runners to late-20th-century Met history, with original cells and family trail.

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Opening Hours

Sunday: 11:00 – 16:30
Friday: 11:00 – 16:30
Saturday: 11:00 – 16:30

What's not to miss inside?

Old Cells & Charge Desk

Atmospheric glimpse of daily policing and notable detainees.

From celebrity arrests to routine nights in custody—same corridors.

Stand inside a cell and read the case notes to layer story on space.

📍 Cell block

Bow Street Runners

Explains pre-Met origins of organized policing around Covent Garden.

From thief-takers to proto-detectives.

Follow timeline panels before diving into individual cases.

📍 Intro displays

Kids’ Investigation Challenge

Keeps younger visitors engaged while adults read.

Become a Bow Street ‘runner’ for the day.

Pick up the trail on entry; it structures a short visit well.

📍 At admission desk / throughout

🤓 Fun Facts

It’s small—typical visits are ~30–45 minutes; weigh against paid entry.

Blue Light Card discounts available; friendly staff noted repeatedly.

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