8 Fascinating Crime Museums to Visit in the UK (True Crime & Prison Attractions)

From chilling true crime exhibitions to historic prisons and justice museums, the UK is home to a wide range of attractions that delve into real-life criminal cases, forensic science, and the evolution of punishment.

Whether you’re interested in notorious serial killers, historic trials, or hands-on forensic displays, these true crime museums in the UK offer a fascinating (and sometimes unsettling) insight into crime and justice through the ages.

Alongside dedicated crime museums, we’ve also included prisons, police museums, and crime tours for a broader perspective on law and order in Britain.

True Crime Museum, Hastings

Located in seaside caves along the Hastings seafront, the True Crime Museum houses one of the largest collections of crime memorabilia in the UK.

Although relatively compact, the museum is well organised, with clearly presented exhibits and detailed information throughout. It’s also dog-friendly and suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Highlights include:

• Forensic exhibits, including blood spatter analysis
• A lethal injection death bed
• Displays showing items smuggled into prisons
• Profiles and letters of serial killers
• A cinema cave where you can hear infamous murderers describe their hideous deeds
• The acid containers used by John George Haigh to dissolve his victims

There are often family-friendly events during school holidays, and visitors can even have their photo taken in the “Hall of Shame.”

Find out more at the True Crime Museum website

Crime Through Time Museum, Little Dean Jail, Forest of Dean

The Crime Through Time collection is based at Little Dean Jail, in the Forest of Dean.

The museum presents a history of crime through the ages with countless letters, weapons, and items relating to some of the world’s most notorious criminals. The exhibits include information about the Kray twins, Charles Bronson and the UK’s longest serving female prisoner Linda Calvey (the Black Widow).

Important: you will come face to face with the darker side of human nature at the museum. The museum is not suitable for children or the easily offended.

There are exhibits from recent crimes where families of the victims and the victims themselves are still alive, which obviously can be upsetting. For example, you can see the tools and belongings of Fred and Rose West.

Some of the exhibits include:

• Holocaust: the UK’s biggest and most complete collection
• The Hangman’s noose that was used on the man they couldn’t hang – John ‘Babbacombe’ Lee
• Freaks of Nature, including Moo Moo the two headed cow, Lady GaGa the two headed kitten, and Baa baa the eight legged lamb.
• Ku Klux Klan robes and other items from the USA and the UK
• Voodoo and witchcraft, various items varying from shrunken heads to skull drinking goblets
• Police memorabilia including uniforms, “tools of the trade” and even a fully working ’70s police Morris Minor
• Rock and Roll: a room dedicated to the punk era with items that belonged to Sid Vicious and others
• Items relating to the great train robbery, including the actual clothes worn by the mastermind behind this Bruce Reynolds

Torquay’s Crime Museum

Set within WWII underground bunkers, Torquay’s Crime Museum gives a fascinating insight into the world of crime with exhibits you can’t see anywhere else in the world. There is a lot of information on Charles Bronson and apparently the museum is owned by his son!

Artefacts include:

• Charles Bronson’s artwork and handwritten letters
• Mini cinema showing a range of crime-related facts
• Exhibits from The Krays
• A forensic lab
• Lady Diana inquest
• Medieval torture devices
• A reconstructed HM Dorchester prison cell

Jack the Ripper Museum, London

The Jack the Ripper museum is a small museum dedicated to telling the story of Jack the Ripper. In 1888, Jack the Ripper committed a series of murders in the East End of London that shocked the world. The crimes remain unsolved to this day.

Discover what London was like in 1888 for East Londoners when the crimes took place. Learn everything about the lives of the victims, the main suspects in the murders and the police investigation.

There are genuine Jack the Ripper artefacts, cuttings and pictures all related to the time of the crimes, giving in-depth information into the crimes which were committed. To get the best of the museum you’ll need to spend time reading the information available which is well presented, otherwise your visit will be quite short!

The museum also has wax models and recordings which are rather creepy.

Other Crime & Justice Attractions in the UK

If you’re interested in crime museums, there are many police museums, prison, jails and other museums which may also appeal. Check out some ideas below.

Bodmin Jail, Cornwall (Historic Prison Experience)

Bodmin Jail was built in 1779. The history of the prison is gruesome, overseeing over 55 public hangings, 8 of whom were women hanged for crimes which including murder, rape and stealing.

It was the first prison to hold prisoners in individual cells. The last male prisoner left the prison in 1916 and it was officially closed in 1927.

Bodmin Jail has undergone a major refurbishment with part of it being turned into a hotel. 

A visit to the attraction incorporates the ‘Dark Walk’ experience with theatrical effects that immerse visitors in the criminal history of 18th century Cornwall. The tours are only suitable for kids aged 8 and above due to the grim stories and surprising loud noises.

Discover more of the best prisons to visit in the UK. 

At one time, the National Justice Museum was a one stop shop for criminals. It acted as a Victorian police station, jail, courtroom and execution site. Public executions were held on the front steps of the building.

Richard Parker was the last person to be executed on the front steps. His crime was murdering his parents after a drunken row.

Today you can book online and visit the museum’s original courtrooms, prison cells and dungeon.

There are often colourful characters who will tell you stories of justice from the past. Themed exhibitions and events also take place throughout the year!

Crime Tours 

As well as crime museums, there are plenty of crime walking tours. Here is a quick round up of a few: 

Liverpool True Crime Tour

Discover Liverpool’s dark secrets on the Liverpool True Crime Tour, where history, crime, and glamour intertwine. Visit iconic sites, hidden streets, and crime locations as you uncover the city’s underworld. This tour delves into the stories of Liverpool’s gangsters and glitzy past, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s darker side.

Jack the Ripper Tour

Embark on a Jack the Ripper walking tour through the streets of the East End of London with an expert  guide.

Step back to 1888 as you explore real crime scenes in Whitechapel. Hear true stories of the victims, and delve into the mystery of the still-unsolved murders. Visit notable locations such as Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, and Mitre Square while learning about Victorian London and the hardships that people of the time had to live through.

Newcastle True Crime Guided Tour

Discover the dark history of Newcastle on the True Crime Guided Tour. Explore hidden stairs and medieval streets, and hear fascinating stories of crime, executions, and debauchery.

Visit areas like Bigg Market, the castle keep, and the Quayside, while learning about notorious court cases, body-snatching, and witchcraft. Uncover Newcastle’s hidden secrets as you delve into its murky past, from former jails to real crime scenes.

Police Museums

There are a few police museums throughout the UK that are worth checking out especially if you have an interest in the history of policing and its effect on crime.

Here is a quick round up of a few:

Glasgow Police museum is small and free attraction, staffed by volunteer ex-police officers who share fascinating stories. Learn about the history of policing in Glasgow from 1779 to 1975. Explore the International Room with police uniforms and insignia from around the world, read about real-life crime stories and see some authentic crime artefacts.  It’s a great, budget-friendly activity in the city of Glasgow.

Tayside Police Museum charts the history of policing in the city of Dundee, and the counties of Perth & Kinross and Angus, from the early 1800s through to the present day. There are the exhibits you would expect to see in a police museum such as uniform, equipment, communication and offensive weapons.

Additionally, there is also an exhibit referencing the last person to be hanged in Dundee, William Henry Bury, who went to the gallows in 1889 for the murder of his wife, and when confessing to his crime, claimed to be Jack The Ripper.

West Midlands Police Museum offers a glimpse into life in a Victorian lock-up for both criminals and officers. Teens will enjoy learning about notorious Birmingham criminals, including the real Peaky Blinders. The museum features interactive activities like solving crimes in the forensics lab and taking mugshots. Visitors can also see a real police box, motorcycles, and historical memorabilia.

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