The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, known the world over as the ‘Old Bailey‘, regularly offers tours of the grand building, but they are now adding an afternoon tea option as well.
First things first, as this is not a cheap lunch.
Afternoon teas never are, but this is particularly not cheap. However, as a one-off special treat, it’s going to be difficult to beat for the location alone.
The afternoon starts with a tour of the Old Bailey, including the courtrooms, the judges’ dining room, and the cells below.
If you book just the tour, that’s when you leave.
If you’ve booked the afternoon tea, you’re taken back up to the richly decorated Great Hall for an afternoon tea surrounded by all the pomp and grandeur that the hall can deliver.
A standard tour costs £27.80 and can be booked here.
The afternoon tea tour costs £103.63 and can be booked here.
This is a working court and even though the tours are on a Saturday:
- Everyone has to go through the security check on arrival.
- You will need to bring photo ID.
- There is no admission for children under 14, and security may request proof of age.
- No large bags or rucksacks are allowed in the building, though handbags are acceptable.
- Mobile phones are allowed on the tour, but no photography is allowed in any Court rooms, Cells or the Judges Dining Room.
